TimberGrid: a novel integrated timber-based solution for the seismic and energy retrofitting of masonry existing buildings

A new timber-based retrofit, called TimberGrid, was proposed within the SAFER-REBUILT project, with the aim of improving both the seismic safety and energy performance of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. The system consists of a timber lattice structure composed of studs, rails, and diagonals, connected by screws and carpentry joints. The lattice is anchored to the existing masonry using diffuse dry mechanical point-to-point fasteners (approximately 4-5 per square meter), and connected to the base by means of anchoring devices (e.g., hold downs and angles). This solution, builds on the advantages demonstrated by other timber-based retrofit techniques and emphasizes a rapid and minimally invasive intervention (social sustainability), the use of “less-engineered” timber products (such as solid wood components) from short supply chains (economic sustainability), and improved waste management and materials recyclability (environmental sustainability). Non-linear quasi-static numerical analyses were conducted to optimize the grid layout and joint configurations, providing an initial insight into the effectiveness of the TimberGrid system in enhancing the in-plane wall response. This paper introduces the TimberGrid system and presents the outcomes of simplified and detailed numerical models that are essential for calibrating the full-scale experimental tests planned within the project and for designing the corresponding test set-up.