Work

Cementitious versus alkali-activated textile-reinforced mortars combined with mineral wool insulation for strengthening masonry panels exposed to high temperature

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study focuses on the experimental investigation of an integrated system that combines seismic upgrading of masonry load-bearing elements with their protection against fire-born high temperatures. Two systems of carbon textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) comprising different matrices were combined with mineral wool panels. The first matrix was a cementitious mortar with polymers based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC), while the second one was an environmentally friendly alkali-activated mortar (AAM) based on ferronickel slag. The study focused on the mechanical performance of retrofitted masonry specimens in terms of shear bond capacity, out-of-plane monotonic and in-plane cyclic bending capacity. Prior to their mechanical testing, some of the retrofitted specimens (both thermally protected and not) were exposed to 600 °C for 1.5 h. It was concluded that: (i) the residual (post-heat) shear bond capacity of both the thermally protected and unprotected masonry-to-TRM joints remains unaffected or decreases in case of prisms furnished with textile-reinforced alkali-activated or polymer-modified mortar overlays, respectively; (ii) exposure to high temperatures bears a moderate negative effect on the flexural response of the TRM-retrofitted-insulated walls irrespective of the matrix type; (iii) textile-reinforced alkali-activated mortar jackets comprise a promising retrofitting option for flexure-deficient walls without any thermal protection means. • Heat does not affect shear bond strength of insulated/bare TRAAM-retrofitted prism. • Heat reduces shear bond strength of insulated/bare TRCM-retrofitted prism. • Heat degrades moderately flexural response of TRM-retrofitted-insulated wall. • TRAAM can be a potential strengthening and insulating overlay of bending walls.

Source: Construction and Building Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.141133

Authors: Panagiotis Kapsalis, Paraskevi D. Askouni, Catherine G. Papanicolaou, Thanasis C. Triantafillou

Institutions: University of Patras, Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports

Language: English

Topic: Masonry and Concrete Structural Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,540