Characterization of Fibre Reinforced Geopolymers as structural strengthening material for brick masonry

The study presents a preliminary assessment of Fibre Reinforced Geopolymer (FRGP) as strengthening material for masonry buildings. FRGP was made of geopolymeric matrix reinforced with Basalt or Ultra High Strength Steel fabrics. Innovative strengthening materials should take into account fundamental restoration criteria. Geopolymeric matrices have the potential to comply with those requirements thanks to their tailored chemical and mechanical characteristics, while also providing heat-resistant performances better than organic polymeric matrices. The applicability of geopolymers as a matrix for composite materials aimed at structural strengthening of brick masonry was investigated with an interdisciplinary approach. Compression, splitting and pull-off tests were performed to check the main mechanical characteristic and adhesion to two clay brick substrates of the matrices and composites. Microscopy and SEM-EDS analyses were performed to check the compatibility of geopolymers with both fibres and clay brick substrates. The experimental tests and the main results for selecting effective FRGPs are presented.