Simulations of FRP reinforcement in masonry panels and application to a historic facade

The aim of the paper is to propose and assess a simplified FE modeling strategy to simulate the global behavior of masonry structures externally reinforced with FRP composite strips applied with a grid configuration and anchored properly at their ends. The nonlinear behavior of the masonry is represented by a mascroscopic smeared crack approach. The FRP strips are simulated by using simple nonlinear truss elements kinematically compatible with the finite element mesh of the masonry under the hypothesis of perfect adhesion. A two-step procedure is followed. First, the comparisons with the experimental results on in-plane loaded masonry panels reinforced with CFRP and GFRP strips validate the approach. Next, the in-plane seismic behavior of the main facade of Camponeschi Palace, a building of historical importance located in the city of L’Aquila (Italy), is used as a realistic example to evaluate the proposed approach for large masonry systems. The obtained results show that the model is able to capture fairly well the damage scenario induced by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. The effects of the FRP reinforcement on the in-plane behavior of the facade are presented and discussed.