ABSTRACT
Masonry buildings suffer continuous and various attacks due to the changes induced from the surrounding environment. Those conditions influence materials interacting with the substrate, due to intervention techniques. Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) are increasingly used to strengthen and retrofit existing structures, also belonging to historical contexts. The use of properly selected matrices, make FRCMs alternative to Fiber Reinforced Polymer systems, in terms of higher compatibility and removability. Externally Bonded Reinforcement systems applied with FRCM are increasingly used to strengthen existing masonry constructions. They consist of dry fibers composing open meshes, embedded in layers of inorganic-based matrix. Salt crystallization is one of the highest causes of damage in masonry exposed to aggressive environment: mortar joints, as bricks and stones, can be a vehicle of the water and salts coming from capillary rise or sea spray. Masonry buildings are affected by time-dependent attacks, particularly severe in case of Cultural Heritage constructions, which may weaken the durability of the masonry.
