Flexural out-of-plane retroftting technique for masonry walls in historical constructions

Abstract

The paper presents a recent technology for the out-of-plane flexural strengthening of historic masonry walls. The method is based on the forming of an irregular net following the joint texture of the wall, which would be able to work in tension. The applied net can be hidden by repointing the joints. This way the technology does not cause visual alteration to walls without rendering, respecting their authenticity. An ongoing research in Portugal is aiming to increase the workability and efficiency of the technique by developing a new anchor element for the application of the net. The discussion includes the introduction of the method and partial results of the research from the University of Minho, Portugal.