Description
In this paper, a novel seismic-plus-energy retrofit solution for building envelopes is presented. The intervention aims to simultaneously improve the thermal efficiency and seismic safety of buildings with a light, cost-effective, and sustainable approach. The so-called TCP system consists of prefabricated textile capillary-tube panels, which at the same time improve the seismic performance and energy efficiency of existing buildings. The seismic behaviour of the proposed system is tested on three 3/5-scaled masonry-infilled RC frames through quasi-static in-plane cyclic loading. A comparison with a non-retrofitted control frame and a frame retrofitted with textile-reinforced mortar and extruded polystyrene boards is offered, highlighting the effectiveness of the TCP retrofit. A significant increase in strength, stiffness and displacement capacity was demonstrated for the retrofitted specimens compared to the control specimen. The potential of using TCP panels for integrated building retrofitting was demonstrated, with similar seismic performance improvements compared to the more typical TRM-retrofit. Finally, the thermal performance of the proposed integrated retrofitting system was assessed through in-situ experimentation on a real residential masonry building wall, exhibiting high efficiency.
