Modeling Of Masonry Structures StrengthenedBy Pre-tensioned Glass-fiber-reinforced PolymerLaminates

Various aspects of rehabilitation of aging structural elements built from quasi-brittle materials such as masonry or concrete are investigated. In this paper a popular glass-fiber reinforced polymer matrix laminate bonded to masonry plate is used to add strength and provide for the lack of tensile, flexural and shear resistance of these materials. Here, the conventional application of such an external strengthener is further improved by initial pretension of the fiber mesh during fabrication of composite laminate. This modification reduces, for certain loading conditions, the undesirable tension in the masonry and prevents excessive deflection of the entire structure.