GFRP-Reinforced Masonry Ring Beams for Existing Buildings: A Case Study

Ring beams play an important role in enhancing the overall structural response of existing masonry buildings by improving their box-like behavior, preventing out-of-plane wall overturning mechanisms of wall panels during seismic events and in connecting walls. This study introduces a specific construction technique that utilizes brickwork ring beams made of GFRP meshes and pultruded flat fiberglass elements. This innovative approach ensures an effective connection between the roof structure and the ring beam, as well as between the ring beam and the underlying masonry, while also facilitating efficient on-site implementation. This study demonstrates their potential as an effective seismic retrofit solution for existing masonry constructions. As a case study, the consolidation project for the Castle of Fossa, near L’Aquila in Italy, is presented, demonstrating the practical effectiveness of this reinforcement approach. The paper examines various connection solutions for different structural elements—gable walls, internal load-bearing walls, and eaves overhangs—through detailed construction drawings, highlighting the effectiveness and adaptability of this method in real-world scenarios.