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

The study presents a preliminary assessment of Fibre Reinforced Geopolymers (FRGP) as strengthening material for masonry architectural heritages. FRGP was made of geopolymeric matrixes reinforced with mineral fibre nets. Modern and innovative materials should take into account fundamental preservation criteria when applied for restoration purposes. Consequently, interdisciplinary studies are a key factor for the evaluation of durability and compatibility requirements from a chemical, physical and mechanical standpoints of new materials for strengthening intervention. Geopolymeric matrixes have the potential to comply with those requirements, thanks to their tailored chemical and mechanical characteristics, and also to provide fire and/or heat-resistant performances much better than common organic polymeric matrixes. The applicability of geopolymers as a matrix of composite materials for structural strengthening of brick masonry was investigated with an interdisciplinary approach. Physico-chemical measurements using XRD, MAS-NMR and ESEM/EDS were performed to check the compatibility of geopolymers with both fibres and brick structures. Compression, splitting, pull-off were performed to check the main mechanical characteristic and adhesion to a clay brick substrate of the matrixes. The experimental tests are described and the main results for selecting a performing FRGP are presented and discussed in detail.