AN INNOVATIVE INSULATING SYSTEM FOR DUAL SEISMIC AND THERMAL MITIGATION OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

The proposed work presents the results of an experimental investigation aimed at assessing the performances of unreinforced masonry units retrofitted with an innovative insulating system. The system consists of a reinforced mortar applied on an insulating EPS panel, with the double function of thermal insulation and seismic retrofit. The system has been developed by the Italian company Pontarolo Engineering SpA and studied by the research group at CIRI Building and Construction of University of Bologna. The experimental investigation aimed at assessing the improved shear resistance of masonry panels equipped with the system under study. Diagonal compressive tests were carried out on a series of panels realized with hollow masonry bricks. The results provided an improved response under shear action of the retrofitted masonry panelsfor non-structural infills in RC frames. The investigations proved the effectiveness of the innovative thermal and seismic retrofitting system in improving both shear strength and deformation capacity with respect to the unreinforced traditional masonry units.