Matrix and fabric contribution on the tensile behaviour of fabric reinforced cementitious matrix composites

Fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) are a type of sustainable materials for structures strengthening and envisaging to develop new construction solutions. However, the wide range of possible combinations of fabric and cementitious matrixes makes it necessary to study the particular contribution of mortar and fabric in the composite action of the FRCM. In this line, this study presents the experimental, analytical and numerical evaluation of the tensile behaviour of FRCM composites. 85 FRCM specimens of different thicknesses were manufactured, with one or two embedded fabrics of different type of fibres and geometry. Fabrics made of coated vegetal fibres were also considered to be compared with commercial fabrics of coated synthetic fibres. The results show a significant increase of the ultimate tensile strength with the increase of the FRCM thickness due to a residual contribution of the mortar after the cracking stage. The analytical model was effective for the cases that showed a cracking stabilization stage. However, the numerical model allows a closer approximation to experimental results because of considering the mortar contribution in the post-cracking stage.This study has been partially financed by the “European Union – NextGenerationEU”, through the Margarita Salas program, from the Spanish Ministry of Universities. The materials support of Sika AG and Mapei Spain S.A. is acknowledged. Authors want to thanks the research project SEVERUS (RTI2018- 099589-B-I00) of the Spanish Research Agency. Third author is a Serra Húnter Fellow.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft