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This research investigated the effect of adding Ferula Communis to building materials. Four ratios of this additive (2, 4, 6, and 8%) were used to replace gypsum in plasterboard and sand in mortar. Based on thermo-physical characterisation, it was observed that increasing the Ferula Communis content in the basic materials improved their thermal properties and lightness. However, despite this promising enhancement, increasing the additive's concentration negatively impacted the composites' mechanical performance. Thus, it was found that incorporating 8% of the aggregate into the plaster and 6% into the mortar decreased their mechanical strength by 44.62% and 91.2% during bending, respectively. Additionally, compression experiments of the mortar matrix showed an approximate reduction of 87.93%. According to these results, 4% aggregate in mortar and 8% aggregate in plaster were selected to be integrated into a bio-based wall, which was numerically simulated using the heat transfer equation. The obtained results prove the wall's thermal ability to reduce the average heating and cooling energy loads by 13 kWh/m 2. year calculated over the four orientations (north, east, south, and west) which is equivalent to 6.47 $ / m 2 of energy savings and 5.64 kgCO 2 eq/m 2. year of avoided C O 2 emissions. • Development of composites with plaster, mortar, and Ferula Communis (FC). • Thermo-mechanical characterisation using the two-box method (EI700) and H10KL test machine. • Microstructure analysis with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). • Analysis of thermal performance of optimal bio-wall using numerical simulations and heat transfer equation. • Evaluation of energy requirements, annual cost savings and avoided CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile reinforcements applied with inorganic matrices are currently receiving great attention for strengthening reinforced concrete and masonry structures, especially when preservation criteria need to be fulfilled for safeguarding cultural heritage. As the development of mortar-based reinforcements is still at an early stage, their mechanical properties need to be investigated and standardized testing methodologies have to be defined. The paper presents an experimental study on the tensile behaviour of strengthening systems comprising two different textiles and five mortar matrices. Various clamping methods and testing setups have been experimented and their effect on the results is discussed. Monotonic and cyclic tests have been carried out to derive strength and stiffness, crack pattern, failure mode, and response stages under tension, which have been related to the mechanical properties and the layout of the matrix and the textile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortar-based composite materials appear particularly promising for use as externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) systems for masonry structures. Nevertheless, their mechanical performance, which may significantly differ from that of Fibre Reinforced Polymers, is still far from being fully investigated. Furthermore, standardized and reliable testing procedures have not been defined yet. The present paper provides an insight on experimental-related issues arising from campaigns on mortar-based EBRs carried out by laboratories in Italy, Portugal and Spain. The performance of three reinforcement systems made out of steel, carbon and basalt textiles embedded in inorganic matrices has been investigated by means of uniaxial tensile coupon testing and bond tests on brick and stone substrates. The experimental results contribute to the existing knowledge regarding the structural behaviour of mortar-based EBRs against tension and shear bond stress, and to the development of reliable test procedures aiming at their homogenization/standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Rocking behaviour of a masonry wall with opening is investigated by FE analysis. [•] Low response sensitivity to fracture energies is shown. [•] The relationship between rocking rotations of the spandrel and piers is analysed. [•] Several pier effective heights, spandrel lengths and reduction factors are tested. [•] Analytical drifts of equivalent frame models are compared to experimental drifts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Shake table tests were performed on a real-scale structure strengthened with CRM. • Strengthening was designed based on structural features and damage state. • Acceleration and displacement capacity were significantly enhanced. • Strengthening was applied to the outer wall surface to minimize inconvenience on occupants. • CRM requires fast installation, includes durable materials and is 30 mm thick. The seismic vulnerability of unreinforced masonry structures threatens the life and health of people and the conservation of the built heritage in earthquake prone areas, highlighting the need of gaining a deeper understanding of their dynamic behaviour and of developing appropriate strengthening technologies. This work investigates the effectiveness of a low-impact technology consisting of composite reinforced mortar (CRM) applied to the outer surface of masonry walls for enhancing their seismic capacity, without the need to evacuate the building. Shake table tests were performed under natural accelerograms (applied in horizontal and vertical directions) on a real-scale structure, built with tuff blocks and consisting of a façade with a window, two side walls (one of which with a door near the corner) and an inclined timber roof. The mock-up was tested unstrengthened, then repaired and strengthened by applying a glass fibre reinforced polymer mesh embedded in a lime-based plaster to the outer surface of damaged walls. The experimental investigation showed the effects of CRM on damage accumulation, failure mode and on the increase of base acceleration and displacement capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]