Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review

This study presents a comprehensive review of various advanced methodologies that have been used to enhance the structural and thermal performance of masonry walls through innovative and sustainable retrofitting/upgrading techniques. Focusing on three primary approaches—mechanical/structural retrofi...

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Main Authors: Arnas Majumder, Flavio Stochino, Monica Valdes, Giovanna Concu, Marco Pepe, Enzo Martinelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Fibers
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/13/6/68
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author Arnas Majumder
Flavio Stochino
Monica Valdes
Giovanna Concu
Marco Pepe
Enzo Martinelli
author_facet Arnas Majumder
Flavio Stochino
Monica Valdes
Giovanna Concu
Marco Pepe
Enzo Martinelli
author_sort Arnas Majumder
collection DOAJ
description This study presents a comprehensive review of various advanced methodologies that have been used to enhance the structural and thermal performance of masonry walls through innovative and sustainable retrofitting/upgrading techniques. Focusing on three primary approaches—mechanical/structural retrofitting, thermal retrofitting, and integrated (structural and thermal) retrofitting, this paper critically examines various masonry-strengthening strategies. Retrofitting techniques are categorized by material use and objectives. Fiber-based solutions include insulation materials, fiber composite mortar for strength, FRP for high-strength reinforcement, and TRM for durability. According to the relevant objectives, retrofitting can enhance structural stability (FRP, TRM), improve thermal insulation, or combine both for integrated performance. Particular emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of TRM systems, with a comparative analysis of man-made (glass, steel textile) and natural fiber-based TRM solutions. Regarding integrating natural fibers into TRM systems, this study highlights their potential as eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving structural integrity. Furthermore, it highlights and examines techniques for testing masonry walls. In this context, this review highlights the applicability of natural fiber as a sustainable building material in various retrofitting/upgrading solutions.
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spelling doaj-art-3fd85624fbb54ef1a7abb0e71b83c36d2025-06-25T13:49:11ZengMDPI AGFibers2079-64392025-05-011366810.3390/fib13060068Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A ReviewArnas Majumder0Flavio Stochino1Monica Valdes2Giovanna Concu3Marco Pepe4Enzo Martinelli5Department of Civil Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, CA, ItalyDepartment of Civil Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, CA, ItalyDepartment of Civil Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, CA, ItalyDepartment of Civil Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, CA, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II n.132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, ItalyDepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II n.132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, ItalyThis study presents a comprehensive review of various advanced methodologies that have been used to enhance the structural and thermal performance of masonry walls through innovative and sustainable retrofitting/upgrading techniques. Focusing on three primary approaches—mechanical/structural retrofitting, thermal retrofitting, and integrated (structural and thermal) retrofitting, this paper critically examines various masonry-strengthening strategies. Retrofitting techniques are categorized by material use and objectives. Fiber-based solutions include insulation materials, fiber composite mortar for strength, FRP for high-strength reinforcement, and TRM for durability. According to the relevant objectives, retrofitting can enhance structural stability (FRP, TRM), improve thermal insulation, or combine both for integrated performance. Particular emphasis is placed on the effectiveness of TRM systems, with a comparative analysis of man-made (glass, steel textile) and natural fiber-based TRM solutions. Regarding integrating natural fibers into TRM systems, this study highlights their potential as eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving structural integrity. Furthermore, it highlights and examines techniques for testing masonry walls. In this context, this review highlights the applicability of natural fiber as a sustainable building material in various retrofitting/upgrading solutions.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/13/6/68natural fibernatural fiber composite mortarnatural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRP)textile-reinforced mortars (TRM)natural fiber textile-reinforced mortars (NFTRM)integrated retrofitting/upgrading
spellingShingle Arnas Majumder
Flavio Stochino
Monica Valdes
Giovanna Concu
Marco Pepe
Enzo Martinelli
Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
Fibers
natural fiber
natural fiber composite mortar
natural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRP)
textile-reinforced mortars (TRM)
natural fiber textile-reinforced mortars (NFTRM)
integrated retrofitting/upgrading
title Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
title_full Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
title_fullStr Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
title_full_unstemmed Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
title_short Sustainable Masonry Retrofitting and Upgrading Techniques: A Review
title_sort sustainable masonry retrofitting and upgrading techniques a review
topic natural fiber
natural fiber composite mortar
natural fiber-reinforced polymers (NFRP)
textile-reinforced mortars (TRM)
natural fiber textile-reinforced mortars (NFTRM)
integrated retrofitting/upgrading
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6439/13/6/68
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