Fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) materials to strengthen masonry vaults

The present paper includes a brief description of Fiber Reinforcing Cementitious matrix (FRCM) material and designs criteria for masonry vaults strengthening, based on “macro-element” approach. Vaults strengthening description in a building on the former Florio tuna processing plant on Favignana island (Sicily, Italy) is also included as design example. Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) are well known systems to improve load carrying capacity of masonry vaults, especially in seismic upgrade applications. FRP offer advantages in terms of moderate invasivity, flexibility, light weight, low cost. Disadvantages are related to moderate fire and high temperature resistance and absence of transpirability. The last aspect is of great importance for masonry structures, especially in cases of historical constructions, in presence of decorations and frescos in the opposite surface with respect to the strengthened one. Application of innovative composites made of cementitious matrix reinforced by continuous fibres (FRCM) can overcome these disadvantages. FRCM and FRP behave in a different manner, especially at collapse, due to the difference in the debonding mechanisms.