PSI - Issue 44

Paolo Zampieri et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 44 (2023) 926–933 Zampieri et al./ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2022) 000–000

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Fig. 7. Deformed shape of the strengthened arch.

Load [kN]

Fig. 8. Comparison between the capacity curves of the unstrengthened and strengthened arches.

5. Conclusions Comparing the results obtained from the destructive tests performed on two specimens (unstrengthened and strengthened), the contribute of the strengthening system is relevant, as described in the Fig. 8, that showed the capacity curves expressed in load vs imposed displacement. The ratio between the two peaks load is equal to 1.68 and it represents the efficacy of the strengthening system in the arch. Analyzing the capacity curves of the strengthened specimen, a degradation of the stiffness occurs at the same displacement imposed that corresponds to the peak load of the unstrengthened arch. This change in slope exhibits the formation of the 4 hinges mechanism and the beginning of the efficacy of the strengthening system.