Design and Construction of Geogrid-reinforced Thin-shell Masonry

Thin shell masonry tile vaults can create efficient and expressive structural forms with minimal material. Geogrid reinforcing imparts ductility to the vaults and can introduce some bending capacity to otherwise compression-only structures, allowing them to be built with confidence in low and moderate earthquake risk areas. Our goal in reinforcing tile vaults is to provide inexpensive, efficient and safe structures, rather than to prevent damage to the buildings. An extension to traditional thrust line analysis was developed to quantify the additional structural capacity given by the geogrid while retaining the relationship between form and force. Two recently built case studies demonstrate the potential benefits of this composite material and an effective construction method for developed and developing countries.