Seismic and Thermal Retrofitting of Masonry Buildings with Fiber Reinforced Composite Systems: A State of the Art Review

Abstract

Old masonry buildings represent the largest part of traditional constructions. Generally, they are both seismically vulnerable and thermally dispersive. Therefore, the need for seismic and thermal retrofitting aimed at reducing their vulnerability and environmental impact has motivated research efforts towards sustainable retrofitting solutions. This study presents a literature review of the approaches currently available for masonry retrofitting. Specifically, it highlights the use of fiber in textile form i.e., Textile Reinforcement Mortar (TRM), as Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and natural fibers (animal and plant sources) to masonry retrofitting. In addition, specific attention is devoted to the integrated (structural and thermal) fiber-based integrated retrofitting techniques that are becoming very important in the last years.

Thermal Characterization of Recycled Materials for Building Insulation

“…Among all possible actions, the insulation of new and existing buildings plays a key role, since it is well known that good thermal insulation of the building could lead to saving about 65% of the energy consumption [12][13][14][15]. As highlighted in [16,17], most of the insulating materials are made mainly from natural and man-made synthetic (organic and inorganic) fibers and several studies have investigated the thermo-physical properties of such materials. Their "best" thermal conductivity was found to range from 0.015 W/(m•K) for aerogel panels to 0.100 W/(m•K) for recycled rubbers, as also shown in [18] and [19].…”

Thermo-acoustic building insulation materials fabricated with recycled fibers – Jute, Wool and Loofah

“…However, it should be noted that all the samples were made following scrupulously processing and drying procedures based on the previous experience of the authors in other similar research activities [16], [33] 34] and on specific indications found in the literature [36], [57].…”

Jute fiber-reinforced mortars: mechanical response and thermal performance

“…Actually, new composite construction materials can be designed to have good thermal insulating property and good structural behavior. This can be obtained using conventional or The use of fibers in construction is getting more and more common, and both man-made and natural fibers are widely used for various purposes [19].…”

“…The pros and cons of natural fibers are reported in [19] and based on the most recent data [46], natural fibers (flax, hemp, jute or kenaf) have 78%-79.4% lower carbon footprint, when compared with glass or mineral fibers.…”