Durability of Textile Reinforced Concrete: Existing Knowledge and Current Gaps

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a review of the current literature on the durability of textile-reinforced concrete and mortar (TRC/TRM) composites. Most previous studies have focused on the role of chemical attacks, freeze-thaw conditions, and high temperatures on the mechanical performance of these composites. Information on the long-term performance of TRCs under synergistic action of mechanical and environmental loads is scarce. Considering the variety of fabrics and matrices used for the production of TRC composites, the existing data are still very limited and comprehensive studies are needed in this field. Additionally, due to the lack of standard procedures, different approaches are often followed for durability or post-ageing mechanical tests, or sufficient data on the curing and post-ageing preparation procedures followed are not provided. These have led to incompatibility of the existing data and in some cases contradictory results on the durability of these materials.