Pull-off characterization of FRCM composites applied to stones and bricks in on-site conditions

Fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites represent an alternative for the reinforcement of masonry structures with respect to fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, due to their better compatibil-ity with the substrate and resistance to ageing. Over last years, the behavior of FRCM composites applied over masonry has been studied in detail, but the problem of the adhesion of these composites to masonry substrate in conditions that can be found on-site has not been fully investigated. In fact, real historic masonry can be af-fected by several problems, such as rising damp and salt deterioration. In this paper, several pull-off tests were conducted, to assess the pull-off behaviour of FRCM composites on different brick and stone substrates, af-fected by the presence of salts. Composites made of different fibers such as glass and basalt embedded in lime-based or cement-based matrices were tested. Results show that the presence of salts in the substrate in-fluences the bond capacity of the reinforcement.