Performance enhancements of brick and stone masonry by reinforcing with polymer grids

The paper refers to performances in strength and ductility as well as in the low content of energy. It deals first with the effects of technological developments on the masonry as a construction material. Nowadays-under the name of masonry another material with different mechanical proprieties is used. Before speaking of mechanical performances a comparative study between the two types of masonry, original and modern, is presented. The study defines the fields of application for both materials and discloses new opportunities of improving not only the techniques of performance enhancements, but mainly its conceptual design. The special case of natural stone masonry is also discussed from the standpoint of energy contents. Since all types of masonries are brittle materials they are damaging according to the laws governed by the Theory of dislocation. The data of comparative study is used to explain the damaging mechanism. Consequently, the compatibility of constructive solutions for performance enhancements naturally results. Finally, the safety evaluation of structural interventions, in accordance with ISO 13822:2001 provisions, is presented. This new concept might be of a great practical interest.