Dynamic behaviour of compressed masonry columns reinforced through innovative techniques

In this three-dimensional elasticity study, the structural effectiveness of a reinforcement coating layer applied to masonry columns subjected to axial loads is analyzed. Through numerical dynamical simulations, some issues are highlighted related to the re-distribution of the vertical load among the external layer and the original masonry core. The case study consists of a masonry column with a lumped mass placed on the top and subjected to a vertical-axial seismic acceleration, az(t). The structural element is modelled by adopting a standard Cauchy continuum elastic material. The homogenized mechanical parameters are obtained by a macro-scale approach from a detailed FEM micro model. The dynamic behavior of the solid in the elastic field is analyzed both in the configuration of simple masonry and with the application of an external reinforcement layer made of resinous fiber-reinforced material. The reinforcement is modelled as a continuum, homogeneous and isotropic layer placed in full contact with the column. Given the congruence with the pillar, the numerical results show that the reinforcement layer under vertical compression offers varying levels of confinement efficiency with the different Poisson’s ratio of the two structural materials, i.e. the composite layer and masonry core of the pillar. In conclusion, future developments of the study are outlined.