Research & Development / 7/9/2024

Mapei seismic retrofitting systems for cutting-edge structural safety

Innovative technologies for strengthening structures and protecting against seismic events at WCEE 2024

Structural safety is a central theme in modern construction, with increasing attention being paid to the strengthening of existing buildings. Mapei offers advanced solutions such as the MapeWrap, Mapenet, Mapegrid G, Mapefix and Mapewall range of products to improve seismic resistance. Participation in WCEE 2024 underlines its commitment to the research and development of cutting-edge technologies, contributing to the safety and protection of structures around the world.

Structural safety in buildings is a very relevant topic, with an increasing commitment of resources in the strengthening of existing structures. The seismic vulnerability of buildings has become a crucial issue, especially after the numerous seismic events that have affected our building heritage. Many buildings, constructed at times when technical standards did not adequately consider seismic stresses, have suffered considerable damage despite having been designed 'to standard' at the time.

In recent decades, scientific research and the development of innovative materials have significantly contributed to the development of new technologies for structural strengthening. For more than twenty years, Mapei has distinguished itself for its commitment to the research and development of advanced solutions, collaborating fruitfully with numerous Italian and international universities.

Mapei offers advanced solutions such as the MapeWrap, Mapenet, Mapegrid G, Mapefix and Mapewall range of products to improve seismic resistance.

Mapei products for seismic upgrading

Mapei offers a wide range of solutions to address the critical issues related to the improvement or seismic retrofitting. The main products include MapeWrap glass and carbon fibre-based reinforcement systems, designed to increase the load-bearing capacity of structural elements in concrete, masonry and timber. Mapenet and Mapegrid glass fibre meshes are ideal for reinforcing masonry and making low thickness reinforced render, improving ductility and shear strength.

Mapefix chemical anchors offer secure anchoring of structural elements, being particularly useful in seismic upgrading works. Finally, the specific Mapewall mortars are intended for the consolidation of historical and modern masonry, guaranteeing high compatibility and resistance.

These products are designed to be used in a wide range of applications, allowing both load-bearing and non-load-bearing elements to be reinforced, offering effective solutions for different types of buildings.

At WCEE 2024, Mapei held a technical session entitled "Enhancement of existing structures with composite materials: use of proven technologies in modern engineering challenges".

Mapei at WCEE 2024

Mapei participated as Diamond Sponsor at the World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE) 2024, held from 30th June to 5th July at the Allianz MiCo Congress Centre in Milan. This international event, in its 18th edition, brought together over 4,000 experts from all over the academic and industrial world and 112 companies from the seismic and structural engineering sector.

At stands E35 and D30, Mapei presented its cutting-edge solutions for the static strengthening and seismic upgrading of reinforced concrete, masonry and timber structures. Among the highlights, Giuseppe Melcangi, product manager of Mapei's structural reinforcement line, and Luca Albertario, regional product manager, led a technical session entitled “Enhancement of existing structures with composite materials: use of proven technologies in modern engineering challenges”. The session was attended by experts such as Gian Michele Calvi, full professor of Construction Technology at the IUSS in Pavia and adjunct professor at North Carolina State University. Interviewed by our microphones, prof. Calvi told us how important and useful this fair is for the sector.

Mapei-WCEE 2024: Interview with Gian Michele Calvi

In addition to professor Calvi, Andrea Prota, full professor of Structural Engineering at the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture at the University Federico II in Naples, Italy, and Salvador Ivorra, full professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Alicante in Spain, also discussed the use of composite technologies in modern engineering challenges.

Mapei-WCEE 2024: interviews with Salvador Ivorra and Andrea Prota

In conclusion, Mapei continues to play a leading role in the development of seismic upgrading solutions, contributing significantly to the advancement of structural safety and the dissemination of cutting-edge technologies in the building sector.