Analytical and simplified numerical approaches of FRCM pipes

Abstract

Despite the well-known advantages of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM), few applications of this composite material have been proposed apart from structural strengthening. To exploit material corrosion resistance, seven FRCM pipes were produced with mortar and dry concrete matrixes. They were experimentally tested under diametral compression configuration, and their cracking load and loadbearing capacity were compared with both analytical and numerical simulations results, which indicated the better accuracy (between 10% and 16% of relative error) of the proposed analytical approach, proving the efficiency of the latter as a calculation tool for this innovative structural application of FRCM.