Diagonal Compression Tests on Stone Masonry Wallettes Jacketed with Different Techniques

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental campaign performed on natural stone masonry wallettes jacketed with 14 different combinations of mortars, meshes, and connectors. After characterizing the mortars and the bare masonry, diagonal compression tests were performed on three specimens for each jacketing solution. The performance of a fiber-reinforced, high-performance mortar without reinforcing mesh was investigated, considering its application to one or both sides of the wall, with and without connectors. Then, two different fabric reinforced cementitious matrix solutions were tested, using unidirectional or bidirectional textiles. Finally, the effects of FRP mesh spacing, mortar composition, and connector type and density were explored on reinforced plaster applications. The test outcomes were analyzed in terms of failure mode, tensile strength, and corresponding shear deformation capacity. All combinations proved effective at increasing the tensile strength compared to the bare masonry, with ratios between 1.9 and 4.7.