This paper examines the out-of-plane performance of masonry walls (representative of infills in reinforced concrete frames) which have been upgraded with an outer skin of integrated structural and an energy retrofitting system. The benefits of such an integrated system are mainly cost-related. Nevertheless, before moving to full-scale applications, additional benefits to the structural performance need to be investigated. In this study, the examined configurations of this composite system comprised either thermal insulation boards bonded directly to the wall followed by layers of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM), or thermal insulation boards bonded in-between two TRM layers. Other than the retrofitting layers configuration, the following parameters were also investigated: a) the binder type (cement-based versus geopolymer-based mortars), and b) the textile type (open mesh glass fibre textile versus basalt fibre textile). The results of this experimental study are discussed in terms of failure modes, post-cracking stiffness and ultimate capacities. Overall, this study highlights the mechanical benefits of the TRM plus thermal insulation system while providing insights on the bond performance between the different materials selected. An important finding is that the integrated system is even more effective than a standard TRM application. Finally, the geopolymer mortar seems to be equivalent in terms of performance to the commercially available cement-based mortars.
Keywords: TRM; alkali-activated materials; energy retrofitting; geopolymers; masonry; masonry infills; reinforced concrete; seismic strengthening; textile reinforced mortar.
The research presented herein deals with novel composite materials for structurally and energy deficient masonry buildings. The paper offers practical insights into integration of standard energy retrofitting and structural retrofitting using innovative and sustainable materials such as geopolymer mortars reinforced with basalt or glass textiles. Geopolymers, which belong to the family of alkali-activated materials (AAM), are innovative inorganic polymers, which can be used as binding materials in construction. Geopolymer-based mortars have the potential to reduce the construction sector’s CO 2 emissions by replacing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Such mortars can be used as binders for open mesh textiles and their production is associated with less CO 2 emissions compared to OPC-based binders. The use of low-cost basalt and glass textiles allows for good balance between cost and efficiency. Such advanced composite systems combined with thermal insulation and applied to the envelopes of buildings can tackle both structural and energy deficiencies and yet offer a low carbon footprint at a reasonable cost.
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