Tackling Composite Challenges: Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Mortars in Masonry Retrofitting for Both Soil Settlement and Earthquake Resistance

Masonry structures often face compounded vulnerabilities arising from soil settlement and seismic events, significantly impacting their structural integrity and safety. This study investigates the effectiveness of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Mortars (FRCMs) as a retrofitting solution to address these dual challenges. FRCMs, a composite material combining high-strength fabrics with inorganic matrices, offer promising potential for enhancing the resilience of masonry structures. The research examines the mechanical behavior of FRCM-strengthened masonry under sequential loading conditions, simulating soil-induced displacements followed by seismic forces. In absence of existing experimental tests, numerical analyses were aimed at evaluating the interaction between the retrofitting system and masonry substrates under varying settlement magnitudes and in-plane loads. Key parameters, including tensile strength, stiffness, damage behavior, and energy dissipation capacity, are analyzed to assess the material’s ability to mitigate damage and prevent collapse. Results demonstrate that FRCMs effectively redistribute stresses and delay crack propagation during soil settlement, while providing enhanced ductility and improved seismic energy absorption under subsequent earthquakes. However, challenges such as the impact of pre-existing damage from settlements on the retrofit’s performance and the long-term durability of the system in varying environmental conditions remain open for further investigation. This study highlights the potential of FRCMs as a sustainable and efficient retrofitting solution for masonry structures exposed to complex loading scenarios. By addressing these dual hazards, the findings contribute to advancing resilient construction practices.