ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an experimental investigation that compares the bond strength of two Steel-FRP (S-FRP) reinforcements applied to extruded solid clay bricks, made of Ultra-High Tensile Strength Steel fabric embedded in either a Polyurethane or an epoxy matrix. The application of composite materials has become in the last decade one of the reference interventions for existing buildings, also in the case of historical structures where dedicated requirements for restoration need to be met. Inorganic matrices may exhibit lower bond strength with respect to epoxy counterparts. Nevertheless, they are beneficial in terms of compatibility with the substrate, vapour permeability, reversibility, improved fire resistance, simplified applicability. The chapter investigates the adoption of an alternative bond solution that make use of a possible additional interface in between epoxy laminated S-FRPs and the bonding polymer, which was either a flexible polyurethane or a non-sag epoxy mortar.
