Salt crystallization tests on brick masonry reinforced by CFRP textiles

Repair of historic masonry by Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) systems is being more and more used especially in seismic areas. A rather great deal of experimental research on the mechanical behaviour of the repaired masonry has been carried out but very small experimental work has been done on the durability of FRP repairs when masonry is exposed to aggressive environments Carbon FRP have been applied on the surface of both soldier course and running bond specimens respectively as bonds in thin vaults and in solid walls. A total number of 20 specimens have been prepared and tested. A RILEM pre-standard procedure was followed for the evaluation of resistance to sulphates of the specimens. Thedamage evolution has been monitored by visual observation and by quantification of material loss at each 4 week cycle and the first results are here reported which show the importance of a carefulr application of FRPs.