Experimental Study Of FRCM Strengthening System In The Out-Of-Plane Behaviour Of Real-Scale Slabs And Panels

During the last decades, the strengthening of existing structures sees the application of Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) materials, i.e. fibre grids with lime or cementitious mortars. The use of this system brings many advantages, as the optimal compatibility with the substrate, resistance to high temperature and their reversibility, that makes them more suitable than traditional retrofitting systems like FRP. This work studies the application of FRCM as reinforcement of infill walls from an experimental point of view by testing real-scale infill walls and floors reinforced with these materials. In particular, the behaviour and failure modes of the strengthening system used to prevent overturning of the panel and the vertical collapse of the slab were discussed. In addition, for the FRCM system here characterized, the application on substrates has not require the removal of plaster layer, therefore it is a suitable solution for existing building. In both tests, the reinforcement system allowed a redistribution of the actions, inducing a ductile failure mode.