"Reticolatus": an innovative reinforcement for irregular masonry. A numeric model

In this article we present a non linear numerical model for calculating masonry structures reinforced with the “Reticolatus” technique. This technique, proposed and experimentally tested in the last years (Borri et al. 2008), is not only a valid instrument for protective reinforcement or consolidation in case of historical masonry, compatible both for local interventions (localized reinforcement) and global interventions (to ensure the monolithic quality of masonry). This technique in fact is of particular efficacy in the case of stone or brick masonry in which the safeguarding of the characteristic of the masonry façade is considered an essential part in the choice of the best reinforcement technique for the specific structure in question. The numerical procedure, represented in an algorithmic form in order to be conceived as an easily implement-able calculation instrument in structural software, is founded on the hypothesis of the reticular mechanism of Ritter-Morsch which is activated in masonry structures when reinforced with this technique.