PSI - Issue 78

Paolo Petrella et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 2062–2069

2067

underlying voids; e) possible repetition of phases (c) and (d) for all subsequent reinforcement layers envisaged by the project; f) insertion of diatones made of unidirectional, extremely resistant galvanized steel fiber fabric, after: creation of the entrance hole, with dimensions suitable for the nature of the subsequent connector, packaging of the metal connector by cutting, “unravelling”, and final rolling of the steel fiber fabric, with locking of the same by means of a plastic tie, insertion of the preformed connector inside the hole with final low pressure injection of highly hygroscopic and breathable, hyperfluid geomalta® with high water retention based on pure natural lime, mineral geobinder® and controlled aggregates.

Fig. 3. Consolidation of masonry: with repointing and transversal connection of the facings (sx); with natural basalt fibre mesh (dx).

Insertion of new masonry walls Insertion of new masonry walls is planned, i.e. the replacement of thin partitions with load-bearing masonry walls. The walls will be made of solid brick masonry (50 cm thick), therefore compatible with the existing masonry to which they will be adequately anchored. They have the function of increasing the overall seismic-resistant capacity of the building thanks to the increase in the resistant masonry surface, but also of improving the overall functioning of the building thanks to a strategic arrangement that allows a reduction in the eccentricities induced by the distribution of the stiffnesses with respect to the masses and therefore a reduction in the torsional effects on the building. Steel top curb The top curbs to the masonry are an effective solution for connecting the walls, in an area where the masonry is less cohesive due to the limited level of compression, and to improve the interaction with the roof. Steel curbs were adopted for their lightness and limited invasiveness. The curbs are made with a flat reticular structure, in angular elements and metal plates, placed at the top of the masonry walls. The connection of the curbs to the masonry, possibly consolidated if necessary, is performed using bar reinforced holes. The metal curbs are also used to connect the wooden elements of the roof and eliminate any secondary thrusts. Stiffening in the floor plan and floor-wall connection The stiffening intervention of the floors is carried out by operating from the underside in order to safeguard the pre-existing floors. The stiffening consists of bracing the floor fields with L-shaped perimeter steel profiles and tie rods in the shape of a St. Andrew's cross. The perimeter profiles are connected to the existing floors and anchored to the walls. The connection of the profiles to the masonry and of the twinned profiles (on the two faces of the same wall panel) between them, is performed by means of bar reinforced holes deepened for 2/3 - 3/4 of the thickness of the masonry, inclined slightly downwards and grouted with compatible mortars with compensated shrinkage. The intervention, which is characterized by extreme lightness and limited invasiveness, is made at the underside for the floor spans where it is necessary to preserve the existing flooring: the profiles are therefore positioned and connected below or above the existing floors.