A Review of Conservation and Preservation Techniques in Historical Structures

During their lifetime, the ultimate capacity of the elements or of the entire masonry structures is not anymore adequate to the static and dynamic functions requested by the project, mainly caused from deterioration of the concrete or the change of the destination and the purpose of the element. Externally bonded FRP may be used in a repair capacity for structures that have moderate earthquakes damages or to reinforce structures considered to be vulnerable or substandard. The FRP strengthening systems are used mainly for flexural and shear strengthening of the members subjected to bending moments and shear forces larger than their flexural and shear capacity, especially the beam-column joints. Many experiences in restoration and rehabilitation of damaged buildings have been carried out in Europe during more than fifty years. Several unsuccessful results have underscored the need for adequate assessment prior to any restoration or rehabilitation. In fact, when neither the real state of damage nor the effectiveness of repairs is known, the results of the intervention are also unpredictable. In this paper, reference is made to the different techniques used as reinforcement for retrofitting of these structures, with their respective advantages or disadvantages.