Debonding analysis of FRCM composites for structural upgrading of RC structures

Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) materials are currently widely used for strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) structures and have assumed an important role in the seismic upgrading of these structures. The mechanical parameters for the evaluation of the capacity of strengthened structures, such as the tensile strength and the debonding load of the strengthening material, are determined through standards testing procedures that usually include tensile tests and bond tests. In this work the results of an experimental campaign of beam tests on RC elements strengthened with FRCM composites are presented. Different strengthening configurations and load rates are adopted. The experimental results are discussed and compared with the results available in literature to assess the influence of the testing procedure on the obtained mechanical parameters.