Tensile behaviour of mortar-based composites for externally bonded reinforcement systems

Textile reinforcements applied with inorganic matrices are currently receiving great attention for strengthening reinforced concrete and masonry structures, especially when preservation criteria need to be fulfilled for safeguarding cultural heritage. As the development of mortar-based reinforcements is still at an early stage, their mechanical properties need to be investigated and standardized testing methodologies have to be defined. The paper presents an experimental study on the tensile behaviour of strengthening systems comprising two different textiles and five mortar matrices. Various clamping methods and testing setups have been experimented and their effect on the results is discussed. Monotonic and cyclic tests have been carried out to derive strength and stiffness, crack pattern, failure mode, and response stages under tension, which have been related to the mechanical properties and the layout of the matrix and the textile.