The strengthening and stabilization of damaged compressed masonry columns with composites based on fabrics of high-strength fibers and epoxy resin, or polymer-modified cement mixtures, belongs to novel, partially non-invasive and reversible progressive methods. The stabilizing and reinforcing effect of these fabrics significantly applies to masonry structures under concentric compressive loading whose failure mechanism is characterized by the appearance and development of vertical tensile cracks accompanied by an increase in horizontal masonry strain. During the appearance of micro and hairline cracks (10⁻³ to 10⁻¹ mm), the effect of non-pre-stressed wrapping composite is very small. The favorable effect of passive wrapping is only intensively manifested after the appearance of cracks (10⁻¹ mm and bigger) at higher loading levels. In the case of “optimum” reinforcement of a masonry column, the experimental research showed an increase in vertical displacements δ_y (up to 247%), horizontal displacements δ_x (up to 742%) and ultimate load-bearing capacity (up to 136%) compared to the values reached in unreinforced masonry columns. In the case of masonry structures in which no intensive “bed joint filler–masonry unit” interaction occurs, e.g., in regular coursed masonry with little differences in the mechanical characteristics of masonry units and the binder, the reinforcing effect of the fabric applies only partially.

The paper is a follow-up to the first part devoted to an analogical problem investigated with a view to the degradation of the stone structure due to the effects of nonstress load, and it deals with the probability problem of the bridge structure collapse under the effect of an extreme flood wave. The paper presents the results of the numerical analysis of the response of the historic stone bridge structure of Charles Bridge of the 14th century to the flood wave effect simulated by angular rotation, subsidence, and shifting in the footing bottom of a bridge pier. Special focus is on the effect of interventions into the stone bridge structure dating back to the last major overhaul of 1967–1975, particularly, on the effect of the reinforced concrete slab (tie plate) connecting the opposite bridge breast walls increasing the rigidity of the breast walls and their structurally efficient connection to the vaults of the bridge arches. The numerical analyses performed point out the prevailing negative effects of...

The stabilization and reinforcement of damaged barrel vaults with lunettes over an arcaded walk, applying composite strips based on high-strength carbon fibers and epoxy resin, was performed during the restoration of a historic monastery. The application of reinforcing composite strips in the soffit of damaged barrel vaults was preceded by relatively extensive experimental research and theoretical analyses. This method significantly reduces the interventions into and the degradation of the original historic structure (surface application) and is reversible.