Computer modelling of masonry cross vaults strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer strips

• Finite element method (FEM) modelling of not-damaged and cracked masonry vaults.
• Results of FEM calculations of masonry cross vaults strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) strips.
• Definition of aims of strengthening of masonry vaults with FRP strips.

Masonry arches and vaults often need repair and/or strengthening because of damage which can occur due to such factors as material degradation, forced displacements of supports or increase of service loads, which can finally cause their failure. A possible solution for preventing failure or to reinforce already cracked arches or vaults can be properly applied FRP composites – strips or sheets. The basis of analytical and numerical models of FRP and masonry, as well as some results of selected 3D numerical calculations of masonry cross vaults strengthened with FRP strips are presented in the paper.