Francesco Monni¹, Enrico Quagliarini², Stefano Geminiani², Mirko Schiavoni², Marco Tirabassi², and Stefano Lenci²
1)  AhRTE Srl, Spin Off of Polytechnic University of Marche
DICEA – Department of Civil and Building Engineering and Architecture, Polytechnic University of
Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
e-mail: f.monni@ahrte.it
2)  DICEA – Department of Civil and Building Engineering and Architecture, Polytechnic University of
Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
e-mail: {e.quagliarini, s.lenci}@univpm.it

Keywords: Masonry columns, Strengthening technique, Reversibility.

Abstract. Basalt fiber rope is an innovative product that has been already used by authors with good results in some previous experiences about consolidation of masonry. It is the main element of the technique of continuous stitchings, which has been effective in connecting the outer leaves of “three-leaf” masonry specimens subject to compressive and shear load, obtaining a monolithic behaviour and an improvement of the mechanical characteristics of the tested panels. Moreover, some laboratory experiences have shown the effectiveness of this strengthening system in increasing the performance of masonry wall specimens subject to out of plane actions (also in a dry application). Last studies show that basalt fiber ropes could be successfully used also for the confinement of masonry columns, without compromising aesthetical appearance of building. In this work are presented the experimental results of a laboratory research performed to better evaluate the effectiveness of the technique for masonry columns confinement. Particular attention was paid to the issue of strengthening facing masonry columns in order to propose a technique usable also in architectural heritage restoration. Finally was tested also a dry application – focusing on reversibility of the technique applicable to columns also for first-aid intervention.