Strengthening elements for masonry structures
Horizontal strengthening systems for anti-seismic safety of masonry and infill walls
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Seismic safety of infill walls with Murfor strengthening elements
Widespread horizontal strengthening with Murfor
The use of Murfor horizontal reinforcements in mortar beds increases the ductility of load-bearing walls (piers), without altering their initial stiffness and maximum strength, as demonstrated by the numerous experiments carried out on different types of masonry.
The use of Murfor in mortar beds at a pitch not exceeding 500 mm (generally 2 courses of blocks) obviates the need to verify stability of the infill wall directly (para. 7.3.6.2 of Circular 7/2019).
The innovative, high-performance, easy-to-use product, Murfor Compact, is certified by a specific European Technical Assessment (ETA 18/0316) in accordance with EN 845-3 (Specification for complementary elements for masonry – Steel reinforcement for horizontal joints).
Strengthening masonry with Murfor
In the case of reinforced load-bearing masonry constructed in accordance with NTC 2018, by positioning Murfor horizontal strengthenings at a pitch distance of ≤ 500 mm it is possible to increase the shear strength, ductility and resistance to combined out-of-plane axial and bending forces of load-bearing walls (piers).
Masonry, like concrete, is subject to tensile stresses due to thermal expansion and shrinkage.
Horizontal strengthening with Murfor helps to contain such movements, so that the expansion joints can be spaced further apart than in non-reinforced masonry.
For architectural walls constructed using aligned (or "sister") joints, the use of Murfor horizontal strengthenings (pitch distance ≤ 300 mm) increases bending strength, such that it is equivalent to that of a staggered joint infill wall.
Concentrating stresses at the openings can lead to cracking in the partitions and infill walls.
By implementing Murfor strengthenings above and below the openings, it is possible to absorb these stresses preventing the formation of aesthetic defects.
Choosing the strengthening according to the width of the blocks
