Strengthening of masonry elements

Masonry and monumental buildings are very widespread in Italian historical centers, and their preservation as part of the cultural heritage is a very timely subject. Because of the degradation owing to time and other accidental causes (such as earthquakes), these structures suffer several types of damage. These necessitate the application of strengthening materials and repair techniques designed to re-establish initial structural performances and prevent the brittle collapse of the masonry due to possible future hazardous conditions. can be helpful in the matter, opening new scenarios for engineers. A very promising development of interest in the use of innovative materials regards a new family of composite materials, based on ultra high strength steel filaments twisted to form cords and embedded in either an epoxy (referred to as Steel Reinforced Polymer, SRP) or mortar matrix (referred to as Steel Reinforced Grout, SRG). The use of these materials in seismic upgrading presents several interesting aspects which make them very attractive for retrofit applications.

Autorentext

Giulio Castori is a Researcher at the University of Perugia, where he has received his PhD in Civil Engineering in 2003. His research interests has been concentrated on the area of retrofitting of masonry structures. He is the author of several articles published in reputed scientific journals and is member of different international working groups