An overview of the tensile and bond behavior of fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites

In 2017, the Rilem Technical Committee 250-CSM coordinated a Round Robin initiative, in which 19 research institutions tested 28 Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites, with the support of 11 industrial partners. Two years after the publication of the first papers on the results of this wide investigation, it is still worth further analysing its outcomes to highlight the fundamental properties of mortar-based reinforcements and give an overview of the various available fabrics and matrices, which are currently used in structural rehabilitation activities. Equally, a better understanding still needs to be gained on the causes of the variability observed in test results. These include the quasibrittle behaviour of the inorganic matrix and its sensitivity to manufacturing, curing and handling. Test implementation, such as gripping method and measuring techniques, also plays a crucial role in the reliability and repeatability of experimental outcomes.