Push ‘o ver. In situ pushover tests on as built and strengthened existing brickwork constructions

In the last decades several experimental tests were performed to analyse the seismic capacity of unreinforced masonry, mostly involving small size structural elements or small-scale building models, not accounting for the actual complexity of existing constructions. This paper illustrates experimental pushover tests on two very similar portions of an existing masonry building. The first portion was tested as built, while the second one was tested after a strengthening intervention with Composite Reinforced Mortar (CRM) system with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) components. The retrofit consisted in the application of a reinforced plaster on both sides of the walls of the first storey and on the external side only of the second storey, a solution that preserves the continuity of use. Comparisons between the experimental response of the two portions as well as the observed behaviour of the intervention at the first storey (both wall sides) and second storey (only outer side) provide very interesting insights and preliminary information on the degree of upgrading, essential steps to support the assessment of seismic vulnerability reduction.