Experimental analysis on tensile and bond properties of PBO and aramid fabric reinforced cementitious matrix for strengthening masonry structures

The use of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites appears as a compatible and effective technique to strengthen masonry structures. The use of FRCM composites in place of FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) composites provides noticeable advantages in terms of fire and heat resistance and vapor permeability. These characteristics are of primary importance in the field of the strengthening historical buildings and monuments. This justifies the attention of the scientific community to the mechanical behavior of the FRCM materials with the aim to define exhaustive strengthening design guidelines. The experimental research presented in this paper involves direct tensile tests and single lap shear tests. It was carried out in the framework of the Technical Committee Rilem TC 250 CSM (Composites for the Sustainable Strengthening of Masonry). Specifically, this paper concerns FRCM systems comprising PBO (polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole) or Aramid textiles.