Seismic assessment of a CFRP-strengthened masonry chimney

Valencia (Spain), like many other once industrial cities, contains a large number of old industrial chimneys, located in areas of urban growth in the city centre. These chimneys often receive official protection owing to their historical or local interest. As they were originally designed to withstand only their own weight combined with the force of the wind, those located in seismically active areas may be at risk of collapse. Hence it is advisable to measure their resistance to seismic action and to determine the appropriate type of strengthening, should this be considered necessary. This paper briefly presents the results of an experimental study used to calibrate a numerical model of an industrial masonry chimney. From this calibrated model results of a seismic study are presented, in which the peak ground acceleration withstood by the chimney is calculated and an assessment is made of the efficiency of using carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) arranged in vertical strips as protection against seismic motions. Finally, conclusions are given as to the arrangement of CFRP strengthening on the chimneys.