This contribution presents the results of a comprehensive experimental campaign consisting of 36 diagonal compression tests on unreinforced and reinforced masonry walls. Two geometries were examined—120×120 cm and 60×60 cm—to assess the influence of scale on shear response and failure mechanisms. Strengthening systems included jute diaton and a bidirectional Flax Fiber net embedded in a lime-based mortar, developed within the IntegraTRM PRIN project. Test results highlight the effectiveness of both reinforcement configurations in enhancing shear strength and deformation capacity, while offering insights into scale-dependent behaviour and the mechanical efficiency of natural-fiber TRM strengthening. The work contributes to the development of sustainable seismic-retrofitting systems based on bio-based components, providing experimental evidence useful for future analytical modelling and for establishing performance-oriented design criteria tailored to natural-fiber composites. Moreover, the results allow a deeper understanding of the interaction between the flax-based textiles and the masonry substrate, clarifying failure modes, crack patterns, and load-transfer mechanisms. These findings support the feasibility of natural-fiber TRM as a low-carbon, cost-effective alternative for strengthening existing masonry structures.
Diagonal Compression Tests on Masonry Walls Strengthened with Natural TRM: Scale Effects and Retrofitting Efficiency
Stochino, Flavio;Majumder, Arnas;Valdes, Monica;Concu, Giovanna;Martinelli, Enzo
2026-01-01
Abstract
This contribution presents the results of a comprehensive experimental campaign consisting of 36 diagonal compression tests on unreinforced and reinforced masonry walls. Two geometries were examined—120×120 cm and 60×60 cm—to assess the influence of scale on shear response and failure mechanisms. Strengthening systems included jute diaton and a bidirectional Flax Fiber net embedded in a lime-based mortar, developed within the IntegraTRM PRIN project. Test results highlight the effectiveness of both reinforcement configurations in enhancing shear strength and deformation capacity, while offering insights into scale-dependent behaviour and the mechanical efficiency of natural-fiber TRM strengthening. The work contributes to the development of sustainable seismic-retrofitting systems based on bio-based components, providing experimental evidence useful for future analytical modelling and for establishing performance-oriented design criteria tailored to natural-fiber composites. Moreover, the results allow a deeper understanding of the interaction between the flax-based textiles and the masonry substrate, clarifying failure modes, crack patterns, and load-transfer mechanisms. These findings support the feasibility of natural-fiber TRM as a low-carbon, cost-effective alternative for strengthening existing masonry structures.
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