The NaTeRM project made significant progress in developing and validating an innovative natural Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) system for strengthening masonry structures. Through extensive lab work, lime-based mortars were optimized, resulting in six trial mixtures, with two chosen for their excellent mechanical properties, including compressive strength above 10 MPa and flexural strength over 3 MPa. Over 20% of the lime binder was replaced with sustainable additives like silica fume, boosting eco-friendliness.
Three types of natural fiber-reinforced TRM systems were created: lime mortar with flax fibers, a lime-pozzolan TRM with coated hemp textiles, and a hybrid combining both fibers. Tests showed high textile-to-matrix bond efficiency, over 90%, and confirmed their multi-cracking and strain-hardening abilities using advanced strain analysis.
Pilot tests on retrofitted masonry showed impressive results. The Fiber Reinforced Mortar (FRM) increased shear strength by 210%, while the TRM with hemp textiles improved shear strength by 200% and tripled ductility, demonstrating the systems’ effectiveness in enhancing structural resilience.
The computational phase shifted from complex modeling to practical analytical methods, applying mechanics theories to create tools for calculating optimal fiber volume and spacing. This approach informed efficient TRM design.
Results were shared through open-access publications, conference presentations, and public outreach, including university lectures and events like Researchers' Night. A project webpage and social media updates kept stakeholders informed.
Outcomes included the development of high-performance TRM composites surpassing initial targets, a new engineering design method for TRM systems, and improved masonry retrofitting capabilities. The project also advanced the researcher's career, leading to a partnership with FibreNet SPA as their technical representative.
Future work includes more publications and steps to increase the TRM system's readiness for industrial use. The collaboration among the University of Minho, the researcher, and FibreNet SPA lays a foundation for further research and commercialization. The project supports the European Green Deal’s goals, promoting sustainable building practices and safer, eco-friendly retrofitting solutions.
