FRCM systems for strengthening masonry structures
Composite materials have been widely used for strengthening weak masonry buildings. Particularly, wrapping with fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites has become a common method for strengthening masonry members primarily subjected to compressive static loads or seismic actions. More recently, in an effort to alleviate some drawbacks associated with the use of FRP materials, fibrereinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have received a lot of interests for external strengthening of historical masonry structures. It is used as an alternative to FRP in situations where these composites have shown some disadvantages or their use is banned. This paper presents a literature review on …
On the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for evaluating the tensile behaviour of BFRCM strips
Abstract. Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites are becoming largely adopted for retrofitting masonry structures. These materials offer several advantages in comparison to Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, such as good resistance to fire and high temperatures, vapour permeability, possibility to be applied on wet surfaces, higher compatibility with the masonry substrate. However, the tensile behavior of FRCM materials is more complex compared to FRP composites, due to the limited tensile strength of the cement-based matrix. For this reason, FRCM materials require appropriate tensile characterization and, in this context, the use of non-conventional measurement syst…
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF SMALL CLAY BRICK CYLINDERS CONFINED BY BFRP GRID UNDER AXIAL COMPRESSION
Many investigations have shown that fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites can be effectively used to induce a passive confinement action on masonry columns and improve their axial capacity and ductility. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the compressive behaviour of clay brick masonry cylinders externally wrapped with basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) grids. The circular section shape was chosen to assess the pure confinement effect on the masonry material. Fourteen clay brick masonry cylinders, cored from two different masonry assembly types, were confined with one or two layers of BFRP grids. The two assemblies were used to investigate the effect of vert…
Experimental application of digital image correlation for the tensile characterization of basalt FRCM composites
Abstract Composites made with inorganic matrix, namely fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) composites are becoming widespread as strengthening materials for existing masonry structures. These composites are made of a dry grid of fibres embedded in an inorganic matrix. FRCMs can be considered a valid alternative to traditional organic composites such as fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) because of their better compatibility with the masonry support. This work presents an experimental study for the tensile characterization of a basalt fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (BFRCM) composite. Tensile tests were carried out on coupons reinforced with one, two or three layers of grid to i…