Restoration of cultural heritage masonry structures damaged by the 2009 Abruzzo earthquake: materials and methods

This research is aimed at developing a methodology for the emergency stabilization and restoration of cultural heritage buildings damaged by the 2009 Abruzzo earthquake, through on-purpose modified injection grouts based on hydraulic binders. Several portions of multi-leaf stone masonry walls from buildings in the towns of Onna, Tempera and Sant'Eusanio Forconese, all located in the province of L'Aquila, were selected for carrying out injection tests with six commercial grouts. Before and after the injection, a comprehensive experimental program was performed, including chemical, mineralogical and microstructural tests on original and repair materials and mechanical tests on the masonry walls. The present contribution describes the tests carried out at different scales and discusses the main results obtained, with special emphasis on compatibility of grouts with the pre-existing structures.