Effectiveness of textile reinforced (TR) systems based on sustainable mortar for the confinement of clay brick masonry columns: a preliminary study

The seismic retrofitting of existing structures is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and resilience of buildings in earthquake- regions, with particular attention when historical buildings are considered, given their cultural and architectural relevance. Textile reinforced (TR) systems have gained significant attention due to their performance in enhancing the seismic capacity of structures, with the possibility to be applied on concrete and masonry structures without compromising their aesthetic integrity. The development of sustainable and high-performance materials in structural retrofitting has led to growing interest in TR systems incorporating alkali-activated matrices. These systems, which replace traditional Portland cement with alternative binders based on industrial by-products, offer a lower environmental impact while maintaining mechanical effectiveness. In this study an experimental investigation into the axial behaviour of small-size clay brick masonry columns confined with TR systems employing both traditional lime-based mortar and alkali-activated mortar is carried out. The performance of these systems was assessed in terms of ultimate load capacity, axial strain and failure mechanisms. It is noteworthy that the present experimental study is part of the STRIPES research project, funded by the PRIN- PNRR 2022 call, which aims at developing sustainable mortars for structural repair/retrofitting interventions.