Throughout history metal tie-rods and anchor plates have been installed to deal with structural problems, reinforce the masonry structure, and absorb the outward pressure. In the 13th–16th centuries, arches, vaults and domes were made by inserting metal or wooden reinforcement elements during the construction or the restoration phase. Many writers recommended their use in various guises to raise walls and construct vaults. The effectiveness of these elements was questioned by some authors because they felt that the tie-rods lose their effectiveness over time. Despite the discussion surrounding the efficacy and aesthetics of tie-rods, since the 15th century, coinciding with an improvement in the quality of iron, they have been used as common engineering practice. The tie-rods were then blocked with anchor plates or wall washers. In some cases the anchor plate was also in the shape of a slab. The anchor bar or slab put the tie-rod in traction and distributed the force exerted on the masonry over a greater area. In many countries, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, the preference was to confer a particular aesthetic value on anchor plates with ornamentation, using the most suitable design for their neat entry on the façade. The tie-rods were studied with a more correct, scientific method. More recently, this has become a favoured method for seismic safety improvements with the activation and development of local mechanisms, and they represent one of the most commonly used devices in restoration. The technical solutions are varied, in fact, from more traditional metal tie-rods with simple bar anchors to solutions that look for special aesthetic effects in the realization of the head plate. In a review of the solutions analyzed, the case history is particularly extensive, and it induces a reflection on their indiscriminate use in restoration, studying the most effective and most aesthetically pleasant systems.

Metal tie-rods and anchor plates in old buildings: structural elements with high aesthetic impact.

PETRUCCI, Enrica;DI LORENZO, FRANCESCO
2015-01-01

Abstract

Throughout history metal tie-rods and anchor plates have been installed to deal with structural problems, reinforce the masonry structure, and absorb the outward pressure. In the 13th–16th centuries, arches, vaults and domes were made by inserting metal or wooden reinforcement elements during the construction or the restoration phase. Many writers recommended their use in various guises to raise walls and construct vaults. The effectiveness of these elements was questioned by some authors because they felt that the tie-rods lose their effectiveness over time. Despite the discussion surrounding the efficacy and aesthetics of tie-rods, since the 15th century, coinciding with an improvement in the quality of iron, they have been used as common engineering practice. The tie-rods were then blocked with anchor plates or wall washers. In some cases the anchor plate was also in the shape of a slab. The anchor bar or slab put the tie-rod in traction and distributed the force exerted on the masonry over a greater area. In many countries, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, the preference was to confer a particular aesthetic value on anchor plates with ornamentation, using the most suitable design for their neat entry on the façade. The tie-rods were studied with a more correct, scientific method. More recently, this has become a favoured method for seismic safety improvements with the activation and development of local mechanisms, and they represent one of the most commonly used devices in restoration. The technical solutions are varied, in fact, from more traditional metal tie-rods with simple bar anchors to solutions that look for special aesthetic effects in the realization of the head plate. In a review of the solutions analyzed, the case history is particularly extensive, and it induces a reflection on their indiscriminate use in restoration, studying the most effective and most aesthetically pleasant systems.
2015
978-88-95409-19-1
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11581/386167
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