ABSTRACT
Masonry arches and vaults are in equilibrium when the thrust line is limited inside the thickness of the structural element. The horizontal thrusts generated at the base are supported by the lateral structures or by ties that are inserted as tendons. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials may be used as strengthening elements when bonded at the intrados of the curved element, showing high effectiveness in terms of structural performance. One of the main effects is represented by the reduction of the horizontal thrusts that arise from the action of the vertical applied forces. The most important applications of FRP for structural reinforcement is the one relative to the structures with thrust actions, such as arches and vaults, which because of deterioration or damage need work for restoring its strength. In the masonry arches with FRP reinforcement at the intrados, the maximum resistant moment is given by the contribution of the thrust and of the flexural-compression strength of the arch section.
