Simple model for bond behavior of masonry elements strengthened with FRP

The aim of the present paper is the development of a simple procedure for the analysis of the bond behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets or plates externally applied to masonry supports for the strengthening or repair of masonry constructions. The procedure allows evaluation of the bond strength and the fracture energy developed during the debonding process through simple formulas based on a few parameters, evaluated either by standard tests performed on the materials making up the support and the strengthening system or by theoretical considerations. A brief discussion on the main experimental evidence and the theoretical models provided by the literature is also reported in this paper. The comparison between the theoretical results obtained by applying the proposed procedure and the experimental data deduced from literature is carried out.