SEISMIC RETROFIT OF HISTORICAL AND EXISTING BUILDINGS

RÖFIX SismaCalce, a new fiber-mortar composite applied on MASONRY walls, ignoring the steel reinforced concrete structure, is the perfect solution for Earthquake protection. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and RÖFIX has developed an anti-seismic reinforcement system consisting of (1) RÖFIX SismaProtect, a multi-axial hybrid high-tech tissue, synthetic and glass fibers, alkali- and corrosion- resistant, with (2) RÖFIX SismaCalce coating, a mineral mortar of NHL-Lime + white cement + polymer + bonder by penetrating chemical reaction agent. Traditional stone and block masonry buildings have low ductility and are usually severely damaged during strong earthquakes. Their collapse could cause building destruction, occupants and passersby loss. Existing walls retrofitted with the new KIT and RÖFIX system, gain high ductility and low modulus of elasticity and adapt perfectly to the different requirements of new buildings, but also and especially of old and existing ones. During earthquake, the system improves the seismic stability of the global structure: retrofitted masonry walls becoming the main elements of building stability, working as sheer resistant walls holding the slabs. The earthquake-induced movements and energies in the masonry can be absorbed through the fiber mesh (Figure 1). Forces and force peaks distributed in the mesh are reduced by the special mortar (Figure 2). Although cracks and partial damages of the structure develop a complete collapse, however, can be prevented, saving human lives.