Verification for simulated computer modelling derives from a series of actual tests carried out in both the field and the laboratory. The Cintec application for strengthening masonry arch bridges uses the
discrete element technique to calculate their collapse loads. The results correlate very closely with the practical test to destruction of a real decommissioned bridge and a full-sale model built at the Transport Research Laboratory in Great
Britain.
Full scale testing to destruction.Cintec anchors are revealed following collapse of inner masonry ring at over twice the unreinforced maximum loading
Reaction wall testing in collaboration with the European Commission at the Joint Research Centre (JRC)at Ispra -Northern Italy.
Physical testing aimed specifically at seismic loading has taken place in the reaction wall laboratory of the Joint Research Centre in Italy. Pseudo-dynamic and cyclic tests were carried out on a full-scale
model of part of the cloisters of the São Vicente de For a Monastery, in Lisbon - Portugal. The research was aimed at the characterisation of the non-linear behaviour of stone block structures under earthquake loading and also to assess the
effectiveness of retrofitting Cintec reinforcement anchors. The retrofitted model demonstrated that the continuous bond Cintec anchors performed far better than pre-compression ties.
It was apparent that observed cracking was 'better distributed' within the structure. The tests provided strong evidence for the 'applicability and effectiveness of such a kind of retrofitting
in terms of deformation capacity and strength of the model'.
The University of Southampton in Great Britain has also undertaken practical testing. Shaking table tests were
performed to investigate the behaviour of masonry blockwork structures with and without stitching reinforcement anchors. The conclusions revealed the stitching anchors 'significantly increased the performance of masonry structures under horizontal
dynamic loading'.
The Shaking Table Study concentrated on cellular buildings with masonry facades.Cintec
Lateral Restraints increased the failure load by a factor of more than two.
The University of Southampton in Great Britain has also undertaken practical testing. Shaking table tests were
performed to investigate the behaviour of masonry blockwork structures with and without stitching reinforcement anchors. The conclusions revealed the stitching anchors 'significantly increased the performance of masonry structures under horizontal
dynamic loading'.