Experimental modal analysis of brick masonry arches strengthened prepreg composites

Polymer composites have been significantly used for strengthening of masonry structures in order to improve their structural behavior. In this study, the modal parameters and dynamic responses of the brick masonry arches, strengthened with prepreg polymer composites, have been experimentally assessed using experimental and numerical tests. The study was carried out in four major steps. Firstly, prepreg composites and traditional Horasan mortar were produced in the laboratory. In the second step, compression and tensile tests on the materials were conducted to determine the mechanical properties. In the third step, semicircular arches were built with masonry units and the prepreg composites were applied to four different strengthening configurations on the extrados and intrados surface of the arches. Finally, modal parameters of all arches were determined through experimental modal analysis method (EMA). After that, the results of the experimental analysis were compared with the numerical analysis. The results of the analyses show that the prepreg composites play an important role in the strengthening of the brick masonry arches and the prepreg composites enhance the frequencies and damping ratios of the brick masonry arches. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.