An Adaptive Procedure for the Limit Analysis of FRP Reinforced Masonry Vaults and Applications

Abstract

The present paper discusses an adaptive procedure for the kinematic limit analysis of FRP reinforced masonry vaults through applications. The approach relies on a new Genetic Algorithm NURBS-based general framework, which has been recently presented by the authors. The basic idea consists into exploiting the NURBS structure of a CAD geometric 3D model of the selected reinforced masonry vault, in order to define an adaptive rigid body assembly on which an (upper bound) limit analysis can be performed. Internal dissipation is allowed exclusively along element interfaces. A Genetic Algorithm is used to adjust the initial assembly, until element edges accurately approximate the actual collapse mechanism. A number of structural examples are provided and discussed, showing that the approach can be a very useful tool for the structural design and assessment of FRP reinforced masonry vaults.