Long-action of additional horizontal prestressing on masonry

Abstract

This article is focused on verifying behaviour of a brick masonry which was horizontally post-tensioned. An experimental model of three walls has been built for the measurement. The model is in scale 1:1 and represents a part of a real structure. Longitudinal strain of brick walls has been measured by wire strain gauges in important places. Surrounding temperature and temperature inside the walls were also recorded. Results of the experiment have been continuously evaluated and compared with the simplified numerical models. Right now we have a better picture of actual behaviour of the brick masonry wall which was horizontally prestressed and we are able to design appropriate restoration works for historical buildings.