Traditional masonry reinforcement techniques: injections and repointing

Innovative solutions such as composite materials are used to improve masonry strength but sometimes traditional techniques are the most suitable ones.

Improving the structural performance of masonry using composite materials is not always the best solution. In some particular cases it is advisable to choose traditional but updated solutions. This time we will focus on how to improve masonry strength using a traditional technique such as mortar injections.

Injections: a "passive" technique for curtain walls

Mortar injections into curtain walls are used to fill the gaps. This kind of masonry own to low-quality material and sedimentation is often rich in cavities and not suitable for the structural intended use.

The lack of interior solidity of masonry is combined with low strength and stifness. The injection aims to restore the cracked or unconnected material to consolidate the wall.

This consolidation method is usually called "passive" because it does not change the appearance of the building. The most suitable consolidation products are hydraulic lime-based fluid grouts, able to increase masonry strength with no relevant change in walls stifness.

The slurry Limepor 100 is suitable for most type of curtain walls. In case of frescoed curtain walls, the best solution is the slurry Limepor IZ8, which does not contain hydrosoluble salts at all. This solution avoids salts efflorescences.

Injections can be complementary to FRP reinforcement, as well as to collaborative plasters (to be used in case of walls whose surfaces do not need to be left at sight).

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Facades repointing

In order to preserve the appearance of masonry not covering it with FRP strips or plasters, consolidation injections can be combined with an other traditional exterior work, that is to say the repointing.

The grouting of joints avoids some serious problems such as rainwater infiltration and weeds growing, which over time may damage the masonry structure.

Kimia offers may different lime-based mortars suitable for facades repointing, e.g. Tectoria PMP which ensures the highest chemical and chromatic compatibility on ancient masonry, enhancing its properties and appearance.

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