earthquake-resistance systems for old buildings
Inspirations

Earthquake-resistance systems for old buildings

MC-Bauchemie Croatia's innovative systems, developed after the 2020 Zagreb earthquake, strengthen older buildings and prove their worth in subsequent seismic events.

Making buildings more earthquake-resistant

Nov 03, 2023

Earthquakes are a global phenomenon. Their destructive forces are immense and the consequences terrifying, as recently shown by the earthquake in Turkey. The earthquake in Zagreb, Croatia, on 2nd March 2020 prompted our colleagues at MC-Croatia to develop systems that can be used to strengthen and secure older buildings in particular. These proved their effectiveness in the second major earthquake on 29th December 2020, as buildings reinforced with the MC systems withstood the second quake.

Buildings at the Medical University of Zagreb were also reinforced with MC systems.

Buildings at the Medical University of Zagreb were also reinforced with MC systems.
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

In a residential building in Zagreb the FRCM system was used.

In a residential building in Zagreb the FRCM system was used.
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

Reinforcement of masonry with FRCM system of MC-Bauchemie

Reinforcement of masonry with FRCM system of MC-Bauchemie
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

CFK systems of MC-Bauchemie strengthen pillars and walls of old buildings

CFK systems of MC-Bauchemie strengthen pillars and walls of old buildings
© MC-Bauchemie 2025

One of the main causes of earthquake-related damage is inadequate construction, especially for buildings constructed of masonry. Since it is neither practical nor desirable to replace all masonry buildings with modern "resilient" structures, it is at least important that masonry buildings are properly maintained and, wherever possible, strengthened to make them more earthquake-resistant. For this, it is enormously important to increase their strength and ductility. MC-Croatia has developed a whole range of repair systems to strengthen older structures and building elements in a sustainable way, be it repairing cracks and joints, consolidating masonry with injections and mortars, or reinforcing and proving masonry with FRCM systems.

Repair of cracks and joints

Cracks in walls and joints are not only a visual defect, but can also endanger the statics and function of the building. They occur due to stresses caused by temperature fluctuations, ground subsidence, earthquakes, etc. With the help of MC’s spiral anchors and Emcekrete SFM Thix mortar, cracked walls can be secured or walls can be connected as well as lintels and vaults can be reinforced without affecting the aesthetic and functional properties of the building.

Reinforcement of masonry

The reinforcement of old buildings is a necessity not only for urban planning reasons, but also for architectural and historical reasons. They are unique witnesses of history and create a special flair. MC's injection and mortar systems are used to fill joints, cavities and cracks in walls and to strengthen the masonry in such a way that the load-bearing capacity is improved and earthquake resistance is increased.

Reinforcement of masonry with FRCM system

The strongest and best form of reinforcement for masonry or concrete buildings is achieved with the FRCM system. FRCM stands for Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix and is a system consisting of mortars based on hydraulic lime or trass cement combined with a matrix of woven carbon, alkali-resistant glass or basal fibres. The matrix has the task of protecting the fibres and transferring stresses from the concrete or masonry to the fibres. The high strength-to-weight ratio of the FRCM system makes it possible to improve the mechanical performance of the reinforced component without increasing its mass or significantly changing its stiffness.

Related Products

Emcekrete SFM thix Thixotropic mortar for joints and fixing anchor holes
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