Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix confined concrete elements

This paper discusses outcomes of experimental research into FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) and CFRPs (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers) confined concrete elements. FRPs (Fibre Reinforced Polymers) composite materials use epoxy resin to bond concrete with external composite reinforcement, whereas FCRM uses composite jacket embedded in mineral mortar. Since mineral adhesive is used for FRCM composites, they are an alternative to FRP composites for applications in elevated temperatures. The two-stage comparative research was carried out to evaluate the confinement effectiveness and behaviour of FRCM and CFRP confined concrete elements. At the first stage, the effect of different number of transverse reinforcement layers of FRCM and CFRP sheets not exposed to elevated temperature was investigated. At the second stage, elements with single layer transverse reinforcement of FRCM and CFRP sheets was exposed to elevated temperature and then tested to failure. This paper reviews results of limit load capacity research, damage patterns were described and stress–strain curves were plotted and compared for both confinement types.

► The influence of CFRP and FRCM strengthening on the stress–strain relationship of confined concrete elements was analysed. ► Signalised and slow strain increment within failure load for FRCM confined elements. ► Higher tensile strength of FRCM mesh does not translate directly to higher load-bearing capacity and compressive strain.