Article: Experimental investigations on glass fibre reinforced composites with gypsum-earth matrix to strengthen the earth walls of the Noh-Gonbad Mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan Journal: International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation (IJMRI) 2023 Vol.8 No.2/3 pp.154 - 177 Abstract: The Noh Gonbad Mosque is an almost unknown masterpiece dated back to the 8th century, located near Balkh, North Afghanistan. The archaeological remains show different buildings techniques such as rammed earth (for portions perimeter walls), adobe masonry (for walls, niches and abutment of the arcades) and brick masonry with earth or gypsum mortar (for domes, arch and columns). The state of ruin required targeted intervention strategies for perimeter walls. The presence of collapse debris, and the possibility of their removal, would increase for the masonry portions, the vulnerability against overturning connected to the seismic hazard at the site. The reported experimental campaign focus on the identification of a fibre reinforced composite system aimed at jacketing perimeter walls. The tests address different matrix compositions compatible with the substrate, i.e., based on earth and gypsum. The results enable to highlight the effect that the composition has on the mechanical response. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Experimental investigations on glass fibre reinforced composites with gypsum-earth matrix to strengthen the earth walls of the Noh-Gonbad Mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan

Authors: Arash Boostani; Giulia Misseri; Luisa Rovero; Ugo Tonietti

Addresses: Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Florence 50121, Italy ' Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Florence 50121, Italy ' Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Florence 50121, Italy ' Department of Architecture, University of Florence, Florence 50121, Italy

Abstract: The Noh Gonbad Mosque is an almost unknown masterpiece dated back to the 8th century, located near Balkh, North Afghanistan. The archaeological remains show different buildings techniques such as rammed earth (for portions perimeter walls), adobe masonry (for walls, niches and abutment of the arcades) and brick masonry with earth or gypsum mortar (for domes, arch and columns). The state of ruin required targeted intervention strategies for perimeter walls. The presence of collapse debris, and the possibility of their removal, would increase for the masonry portions, the vulnerability against overturning connected to the seismic hazard at the site. The reported experimental campaign focus on the identification of a fibre reinforced composite system aimed at jacketing perimeter walls. The tests address different matrix compositions compatible with the substrate, i.e., based on earth and gypsum. The results enable to highlight the effect that the composition has on the mechanical response.

Keywords: earth material; gypsum; glass fibre reinforced composites; mechanical tests; Abbasid period mosque; Balkh; Afghanistan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2023.129561

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2023 Vol.8 No.2/3, pp.154 - 177

Received: 15 Jul 2021
Accepted: 17 Dec 2021
Published online: 14 Mar 2023 *

Title: Experimental investigations on glass fibre reinforced composites with gypsum-earth matrix to strengthen the earth walls of the Noh-Gonbad Mosque in Balkh, Afghanistan

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