EFFECT OF MATRIX ON BOND BETWEEN FRCM AND MASONRY

Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composite materials. Bi-directional carbon and glass grids were applied by using cementitious mortar or natural hydraulic lime mortar. Tests on bricks were carried out first without surface preparation and then after treating them with sandblasting, in order to investigate possible improvements on the maximum debonding force after increasing adhesion between matrix and substrate. The study is focused on the analysis of the influence of different properties of the matrix on bond between FRCM and masonry. The effect of an adhesion promoter, developed in order to improve the adhesion between fibers and matrix and to limit the possible slip between them, was investigated. All the samples were subjected to single-lap shear tests until failure. The use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique allowed to obtain complete displacement and strain maps on the surface of the specimens tested. The experimental results show good performance of CFRCM and GFRCM strengthening systems in combination with the adhesion promoter.