Structural reinforcement intervention with RI-STRUTTURA system for a historic building – Trieste

Protagonist of an ambitious structural restoration project, overseen by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia (B.A.A FVG), was Unieco. Unieco aimed to create a structure that would remain unchanged over time, respecting the principles of good construction according to values of quality, historical preservation, and environmental respect.

Building restoration of the former « Silos » in Trieste The building restoration involved two buildings, 27 meters wide and 250 meters long, on one level, from which two or three new floors would be created depending on the areas. The structural works focused on the static consolidation of the entire building. It consisted of large structures made of mixed stone where the pillar-arch system created the main structural framework, but presented various degradation issues.

The building, located between the sea and the railway, is subject to high aggression due to the presence of saltwater and brackish air, especially during the periods of the « bora » wind. These conditions compromise the durability of traditional steel reinforcement materials. Therefore, the decision was made to use GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) consolidation systems from Fibre Net, which are based on AR (Alkali Resistant) glass fibers and thermosetting resins. This ensures mechanical resistance equivalent to traditional metal grids, offering long-term durability due to their anticorrosive properties and compatibility with various types of mortar (including plastering mortar). The materials used for reinforcing walls, pillars, and arches were the FBMESH  and the corresponding GFRP connection systems.

Application of RI-STRUTTURA reinforcement systems The improvement of shear and flexural strength of the pillars was achieved through the application of RI-STRUTTURA reinforcement systems using the technique of multi-layered reinforced plastering. The solid brick vaults with three heads were also reinforced with a consolidation layer applied to the extrados. To restore the structural homogeneity of the vaults, FBMESH and related connectors were used as reinforcement. The connection between pillars and vaulted arches was resolved using reinforced mesh at the edges with the RI-STRUTTURA range of angular connectors.

The result is a highly durable intervention in compliance with the conservation and protection requirements of the architectural heritage. Simultaneously, it provides the seismic improvement characteristics required by the regulations, particularly important in a region like Friuli Venezia Giulia, which has experienced dramatic seismic events in the past.