Reinforced stability-based design: a theoretical introduction through a mechanically reinforced masonry arch

This work argues the potential to reintroduce stability-based design techniques associated with unreinforced masonry into the modern architect's vocabulary and structural engineer's skillset by introducing a theoretical reinforcement technique that removes the assumption of no slippage, transforms the loss of stability into a linear elastic failure, and maintains the unreinforced behaviour of masonry prior to the loss of stability. Limiting the scope to a semi-circular arch loaded with an asymmetric point load and applying the traditional masonry assumptions, a theoretical argument for a linear relationship between loading beyond stability, hinge rotations and an applied hinge resistance is developed. Then an innovative reinforcement technique utilising fibre reinforced polymers and the argued linearities is presented that removes the assumption of no slippage, transforms the loss of stability into a linearly elastic failure, and minimises its influence on the stable system. This technique is termed reinforced stability based design (RSBD). This work then looks at the application of the RSBD to the semi-circular arch, including numerical investigations into the various parameters that affect the developed linear relationship. Finally, a discussion on the potential to develop a generic and effective structural health monitoring for the RSBD arch is presented.