ABSTRACT
Externally bonded reinforcements, made of fibrous meshes, embedded in a cementitious/hydraulic lime mortar, are now getting a great deal of attention, mostly for strengthening, retrofitting and repair of existing structures. When applied on masonry structures, these innovative materials have shown better behaviour than FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer), in terms of compatibility with the substrate, sustainability and reversibility. Moreover, these features are indispensable criteria that need to be fulfilled when the intervention is intended in the field of cultural Heritage, which largely consisting of masonry structures. As well known, the effectiveness of the strengthening is strongly related to the bond behaviour between the reinforcement system and the substrate. With this aim, the present work reports the results of experimental study on GFRCM (Glass Fabric Reinforcement Cementitious Matrix); i.e. a glass open-grid embedded in inorganic matrix, applied on two different masonry substrates. First, the mechanical properties of GFRCM reinforcements were obtained through tensile tests; then, the experimental investigation on bond behaviour was carried out by direct shear bond test. The test results were collected and processed to evaluate both the bond strength and the failure modes.
