Reinforcement of Masonry Arches and Vaults

When the shear reinforcement runs parallel to the mortar joints, the above contributions can be calculated as follows  

The maximum shear resistance of the masonry panel, VRdomx. corresponding to the limit state of compression of the mesh diagonals, is  

An interesting application of composite materials in the field of masonry structures concerns the reinforcement of vaults, which can be carried out over vaulted members with different geometries, such as the single or double curvature. From a static point of view, the stability of a vaulted structure is guaranteed when the curve of pressures, that is, the funicular polygon of permanent load and accidental load resting upon it, is transferred to the internal composite material of the central inertia core of each section. Until the eccentricity remains limited compared with the inertia central core. 

The masonry hinge transmits normal stress and shear. It follows that the hinged section transfers a normal stress of eccentricity amounting to half the thickness of the structure. 

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