Structural behaviour of masonry panels strengthened with an innovative hemp fibre composite grid

• An innovative strengthening system made of hemp-fibre composite grids was developed.
• The in-plane behaviour of hemp-fibre strengthened masonry panels was assessed.
• The shear strength enhancements were comparable with those obtained with FRP meshes.

Sustainability goals are essential driving principles for the development of innovative materials in the construction industry. Natural fibres represent an attractive alternative as reinforcing material due to both good mechanical properties and sustainability prerequisites. The present work investigates the shear behaviour of masonry panels strengthened with a mortar-based system reinforced with an innovative hemp fibre composite grid. The objective of the study is to assess the feasibility of using the proposed strengthening system for external retrofit of existing masonry walls and to compare its performances with typical retrofitting solutions.