Experimental analysis of masonry ring beams reinforced with composite materials

It is known that the application of a ring beam is an effective method to prevent an out-of-plane collapse mechanism of perimeter wall panels. However this effective reinforcing method presents some problems. In order to address this, this paper describes the problems associated with this reinforcing method and studies a new technique for reinforcing historic masonry buildings by realizing a new type of ring beam made of recycled old stones or bricks reinforced at the bed joints with glass-fibre sheets, GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) grids or/and PBO (polybenzoxazole: poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) cords. An experimental investigation has been carried out on 8 full-scale rubble-stone or brickwork masonry ring beams tested in bending. The testing included the use of composite materials inserted into the mortar joints during the fabrication phase of the beams and pinned end conditions (four-point bending configuration). Beams were reinforced with different reinforcement layout.