Diagonal tests on adobe panels reinforced by traditional and innovative anti-seismic retrofits

Soil is a widespread construction material in seismic contexts also, even if its inherent mechanical characteristics are less suitable to face strong dynamic loads. However shape, technology, and the non-predominant materials may affect for the better the performance. This paper presents the outcomes of a diagonal-test campaign on in-scale adobe masonry panels, that studied the effectiveness against in-plane horizontal actions of two different reinforcement strategies. One laces horizontally the wall with wooden rods. This approach belongs to many traditional building cultures. The second strategy strengthens the walls with meshes or fabrics. Here the sustainable use of natural fibres has been privileged. The main mechanic parameters and the crack patterns obtained from the campaign have been documented and compared. The results are then used to evaluate the effectiveness of such systems and to provide a first definition of the parameters usually required by building codes