The use of fibre reinforced polymers to improve seismic resistance of masonry

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) constitute a class of advanced composite materials which have the potential to change significantly masonry rehabilitation and strengthening. Their light weight means that they do not alter the mass of a structure and thus the inertial forces from seismic excitation. Their strength and, in the case of sprayed glass FRP, their toughness, indicate that they can alter the load deformation response considerably for the better. Further testing is required, but FRP’s open an exciting new line of possibilities for masonry.