Hemp FRCM as bio-based technique for seismic consolidation of existing masonry buildings

The growing awareness of the importance that the building sector has in the environmental issues encouraged many researchers to study sustainable building components such as natural fibres. Moreover, the consciousness of the vulnerability of existing heritage led to the investigation of natural fibres to replace synthetic materials such as carbon and glass fibres. Hemp fibres and meshes represent a compelling solution to improve both energetic and seismic behaviour of existing buildings. This work investigates the properties and the mechanical characteristics of a hemp fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composed of lime mortar reinforced with hemp fibre mesh. The first phase aims to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of hemp fibres by performing experimental tests regarding the degree of water absorption and the tensile strength of the selected hemp braids. Afterwards, compression tests have been carried out on unreinforced and reinforced masonry wall samples to assess the static benefits deriving from the installation of hemp mesh. The results showed an improvement of the collapse mode of the proposed system, as well as an increase of ultimate strength.