Modelling of Curved Masonry Elements Reinforced with TRM: From a Detailed to a Simplified Approach

Numerical modeling of curved masonry structures reinforced with TRM can be particularly demanding. Indeed, several failure typologies can be encountered when a masonry element is reinforced with this strengthening solution. In the case of arches and vaults, the curvature itself complicates furtherly a correct prediction. The paper wants to provide a reasonable way to model numerically curved masonry structures reinforced with TRM and explore the advantages and detriments of advanced simulation and simplified approaches. At first, an advanced micro-modeling is applied to an arch reinforced at the extrados. Then, the same approach is applied to a limited portion of the same arch and numerical lap shear tests are performed. Finally, a simplified model equipped with a set of truss elements is proposed.