The paper explores the perspectives of pultruded FRP (PFRP) profiles in the field of masonry building preservation, for ancillary structures or strengthening techniques. The available knowledge about interfaces is briefly summarized; recent experimental results about bolted PFRP-to-masonry joints are cited. A numeric predictive analysis, aimed at evaluating the shear interface behaviour of adhesive PFRP-to-masonry joints, is shown in view of foreseen laboratory tests. The numeric results enlighten a clear influence of compressive loading on the peak shear displacement at varying transfer length. The model, which relies on the assumption of frictional joint behaviour, appears to represent the joint sliding in a satisfactory way.

This paper presents a first program of non-destructive tests carried out on two medieval façades and inside the main rooms of Palazzo Ducale in Venice, i.e. the room of Maggior Consiglio and the room of Scrutinio. A probably multiple leaf load-bearing brick masonry and an external cladding of polychrome stones compose these façades under investigation. The aim of the tests concern the improvement of knowledge about the construction technique and the mechanical features of these important historical facades. The program was set up after a preliminary historic investigation. Non-destructive and minor-destructive investigations (i.e. pattern surveys, endoscopic tests and georadar test) on the inner sides of the two walls of the area under examination were carried out for the analytical determination of the construction technique and structural characteristics, not clearly inferable from the literature.Due to the complexity of the structure and the transformations undergone in seven hundred years of life, and to the very limited investigable areas of the internal surface, the results of investigations cannot be extended to the entire structure. Nevertheless, these tests provide valuable clues to give a correct interpretation of the construction technique and to contribute to identify the possible mechanical properties, which provide knowledge about the health state of the building.