Shake table tests on a masonry structure retrofitted with composite reinforced mortar

Recent earthquakes have dramatically shown the seismic vulnerability of existing masonry structures and highlighted the urgent need of developing suitable strengthening solutions. In order to gain an improved understanding of the seismic response of masonry constructions and of the most appropriate technologies for their retrofitting, a shake table test was performed on a full-scale U-shaped tuff masonry structure, provided with an asymmetric plan with openings and with an inclined roof. The specimen was tested unreinforced and then repaired and retrofitted with composite reinforced mortar (CRM), comprised of a glass fibre reinforced polymer mesh applied with a lime mortar. Natural accelerograms were applied with increasing scale factor to collapse. Results provided information on the dynamic behaviour of masonry structures strengthened with CRM and on the enhancement of seismic performance provided by the retrofitting work.