Flexural failure of fabric reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) plates under punctual loads: experimental test, analytical approach and numerical simulation

Abstract

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FCRMs) are composites that produce lighter and more durable strengthening solutions. In this study, carbon and basalt fabrics were used to manufactured FRCM plate specimens. These plates were subjected to a centered punctual load with different punch diameters. Flexural failure mode was observed. Experimental tests showed that carbon and basalt fabrics improved notably the load capacity and the stiffness of mortar plates compared to unreinforced ones. Moreover, failure in the reinforced plates was progressive, preventing the sudden brittle failure of the unreinforced ones. Analytical and numerical models were adjusted and validated from experimental results, and both have proved to be effective calculation tools. What is more, numerical model allowed to determine a sliding tensile stress for the carbon fabric used in this study.