RETROFITTING SOLUTIONS FOR ENHANCING IN-PLANE RESPONSE OF MASONRY WALLS UNDER SEISMIC LOADING

This study aims to numerically evaluate the beneficial effects of two retrofitting solutions for masonry walls subjected to seismic loads. The solutions investigated involve applying steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) grids embedded in a thin layer of plaster on both faces of the masonry panels. Two types of masonry were examined, selected to represent real construction cases in historic centres of Southern Italy: irregular stone masonry and regular soft stone masonry (tuff). Finite Element models were used with a macro-scale representation of the masonry material. The masonry panels, measuring 3000×3000×600 mm, were subjected to a constant vertical compression and an increasing in-plane horizontal displacement at the top until collapse, with rotation prevented. Both unreinforced and reinforced conditions were analysed, and the results compared to assess the effects of these retrofitting systems in terms of stiffness, strength, and ductility. This study was conducted as part of the research project “GENESIS – Seismic risk manaGEmeNt for tourist valorization of thE hiStorIcal centers of Southern Italy” and serves to lay the groundwork for upcoming experimental activities.