Timber Based Integrated Techniques to Improve Energy Efficiency and Seismic Behaviour of Existing Masonry Buildings

Abstract

The retrofit solutions studied herein aim to improve the seismic and energetic behaviours of existing masonry buildings to guarantee safety and the preservation of the building heritage. The retrofit consists of timber-based products (panels and strong-backs) fixed to the masonry walls using mechanical point-to-point connections; the durability and the hygrothermal performance of the solutions are guaranteed by insulation layers and membranes. The thermophysical properties of the retrofitted walls were evaluated by means of analytical and numerical analyses, considering the heat transmission in both steady and unsteady state conditions and the thermal bridge in correspondence with the corner of the wall. The in-plane seismic behaviour of the retrofitted walls was numerically investigated through nonlinear analyses. The influence of various parameters (such as masonry and insulation properties) on the performance of the retrofit solutions was analysed via parametric simulations.

A Holistic Modular Solution for Energy and Seismic Renovation of Buildings Based on 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Materials

“…Recent research has presented various strategies for integrated seismic and energy retrofitting, focusing on reinforced concrete (RC) frames while acknowledging the necessity for customised solutions for other building types [23]. Strategies include the implementation of steel exoskeletons, traditional cast in situ RC structures with thermal insulation for RC frames, and eco-friendly timber-based solutions like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) that integrate structural and thermal performance [8,9]. Composite materials, notably textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) with thermal insulation, have been proposed for both RC [24] and masonry buildings [25], alongside methods that enhance thermal efficiency by substituting or partially replacing existing infill walls with materials such as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks [26] or composite sandwich panels [27].…”

“…The existing literature on integrated seismic and energy retrofitting strategies highlights a diverse range of approaches, from the incorporation of steel exoskeletons with energy retrofit systems to eco-friendly timber-based solutions like cross-laminated timber (CLT) [8] and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panels [9]. However, many of these strategies overlook a holistic approach that effectively combines energy renovation with circular economy principles, revealing a crucial gap in addressing the environmental impact and structural integrity together.…”

Seismic and energy integrated retrofit of buildings: A critical review

“…An integrated retrofitting solution has been studied by Busselli et al (2021), which investigated both the structural and energetic performance achievable utilizing timber-based panels, namely CLT and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), applied to masonry walls. For the latter, veneers oriented transversally to the main direction of the element have been considered.…”

Reinforced Effect on Brick Wall Using Timber Wall as a Retrofitting Method

“…The flexural strength of the strengthened wall using chemical anchor was seven times greater than the unreinforced masonry wall, and that employing mechanical anchor was five times higher than the plain wall [15]. The study of timber-based integrated techniques [16] aims to improve the energy efficiency and seismic behavior of existing masonry buildings. The numerical result shows the timber panel decreases thermal transmittance by 78% and the proposed solution improves the stiffness and shear response of the wall [16].…”

“…The study of timber-based integrated techniques [16] aims to improve the energy efficiency and seismic behavior of existing masonry buildings. The numerical result shows the timber panel decreases thermal transmittance by 78% and the proposed solution improves the stiffness and shear response of the wall [16]. Timber has the advantage of being a lightweight and easy-to-assemble material.…”