“Bio-CAM2”

The project “Bio-CAM2 (Bio-Compositi Avanzati per il Miglioramento multifunzionale e il Monitoraggio Intelligente delle costruzioni)” aims to develop an inorganic matrix composite system internally reinforced with textiles (Textile Reinforced Mortar, TRM, in the international literature), featuring the characteristics and properties of an Advanced Material.

In particular, in terms of composition, both the inorganic matrix (mortar) and the reinforcing textile will be manufactured using recycled and plant-based constituents, respectively. Furthermore, in terms of performance, the TRM system under investigation will provide both the mechanical properties required for “structural” applications in static and seismic strengthening interventions, as well as the acoustic and thermo-hygrometric properties required for applications to existing buildings, also aimed at improving their energy efficiency.

The project aims to develop the product and validate it in a “relevant” laboratory environment in order to demonstrate the potential of the system under investigation as a possible solution for the seismic upgrading and acoustic and energy efficiency improvement of existing buildings. This issue is of particular interest to owners and managers of both public and private building assets, whose generally ageing condition, in the absence of improvement measures, results in significant resource consumption for heating and cooling, as well as exposure to substantial levels of seismic risk and, consequently, significant expected losses in terms of both financial resources and human lives.

Therefore, the system under development, which clearly features “advanced” characteristics compared with currently available systems designed for similar purposes, may be of interest to several categories of stakeholders:

• Manufacturers of construction materials and systems, who will be able to develop an innovative strengthening system.
• Engineers and designers, who will be specifically provided with technical documentation for the design of upgrading interventions.
• Building owners and asset managers, who will be able to select a technically advanced solution for the upgrading, monitoring, and management of their properties.