Masonry infrastructure: seismic improvement project for a bridge

The article illustrates a structural reinforcement intervention using fiber-reinforced composite materials carried out on a masonry bridge that was subject to deterioration and did not meet the current regulations. The designer’s choice was to adopt innovative intervention solutions proposed by Fibre Net, based on composite materials such as CRM and FRP, ranging from the technique of reinforced plaster with fiberglass mesh to the use of pultruded bars and reinforced joint repointing with steel wires.

Different techniques for complex issues

The structural and material pathologies identified on the bridge in the province of Ancona required the definition of an appropriate consolidation method capable of halting the ongoing degradation and ensuring the structural efficiency and safety compliance with the current regulations.

The performed diagnostics and finite element modeling allowed for the calibration of the most suitable solutions for the piers and arches of the bridge, integrating differentiated and specific reinforcement techniques.

Therefore, the project was approached in three distinct and complementary phases: knowledge of the structure, numerical modeling using finite element analysis, and evaluation and mitigation of seismic risk through structural rehabilitation interventions.