Theoretical model for the study of the tensile behavior of FRCM reinforcements: Fid-Bau Portal

Theoretical model for the study of the tensile behavior of FRCM reinforcements

Grande, Ernesto / Milani, Gabriele / Imbimbo, Maura

Highlights • The tensile test is widely used for the characterization of FRCM systems. • The tensile behavior of FRCM involves different phenomena interacting among them. • A theoretical model for studying the tensile behavior of FRCM is proposed. • The reliability of the model is assessed with reference to experimental cases. • The proposed model is a valid support for understanding the experimental outcomes.

Abstract Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems have been recently introduced for repairing or strengthening interventions of reinforced concrete and masonry structures. Thanks to the combination of a dry grid of fibers and a cement-based material (matrix), they present a good strength and numerous advantages with respect to traditional Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) systems. The tensile and bond behavior of FRCM reinforcement systems is characterized by specific phenomena influencing their performance, which are generally not observed in the case of FRP, and that are still object of experimental and numerical studies. Aim of the present paper is the proposal of a theoretical model for numerically studying the tensile behavior of FRCM systems, able to consider the different phenomena characterizing the response of FRCM in tension. The model is carried out on the basis of equilibrium considerations by introducing both linear and nonlinear laws for schematizing the local behavior at the level of the matrix, reinforcement and reinforcement/matrix interface. The model is presented in detail in the first part of the paper and, in the second part, it is applied to an experimental case study derived from literature.