Tensile Behaviour and Durability of Mortar-Based Strengthening Systems with Glass-Aramid Textiles

Abstract

Mortar-based composite materials are currently receiving great attention for strengthening masonry structures, especially when specific preservation criteria need to be fulfilled. Their mechanical properties and durability, however, still need to be fully investigated. An experimental campaign has been carried out to characterize the tensile behaviour of composite strengthening systems comprising glass-aramid textiles. First, textile specimens comprising either E-glass or AR-glass have been aged in alkaline environment, for different durations up to 1000 hours, and tested under tension to investigate their durability. Then, composite specimens have been manufactured with the AR-glass-aramid mesh and four different mortar matrices, ranging from strong mineral and cement mortars, to weak hydraulic lime mortars. Strength and stiffness, failure mode and response stages under tension have been identified and compared to those of the dry textiles to investigate the contribution provided by the matrix and derive design parameters for various field applications.