Defence of architectural heritage: Experimental campaign on masonries reinforced with natural FRCM composite materials

In this contribution are reported the first results of an experimental campaign con- ceived to evaluate the performance of FRCM (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) composite materials for the recovery and restoration field of heritage buildings. With reference to the risks of seismic collapse concerning ancient masonry buildings, the peculiar structural behaviour of “in falso” walls, a typology of load-bearing masonries built without a direct load path to the foundations, has been examined. The tests have been conducted, through an experimental set- up specially designed, on two rectangular walls characterized by the same basic traits: the first one in unreinforced masonry, the second presenting a non-canonical “truss-like” application of bands of composites. Alongside the progression of the experimental campaign - delayed due to the COVID outbreak - that in the near future will engage other two masonry panels enhanced by different applications of the FRCM, the creation of a FEM will be achieved gathering data from the new tests in order to replicate the complex mechanical behaviour of the FRCM composites with reference to the skills and time required for different installation modalities.