Chapter 19 - Theoretical and FE models for the study of the bond behavior of FRCM systems

Abstract

The bond behavior at the interfaces of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM)-strengthened masonry is a critical mechanism in the nonlinear response of strengthened masonry structures. The current literature contains interesting experimental, theoretical, and numerical modeling approaches for studying the bond behavior of FRCM strengthening systems externally applied to concrete and masonry substrates. Although many of these approaches rely still on models used for fiber-reinforced polymer materials, significant modifications and improvements have been provided by different authors to account for specific features of FRCMs. Evaluating these approaches provides a proper overview of the actual state-of-the art of this still open and important topic and, moreover, it represents a useful basis for reflection on innovative and more effective approaches. Some of the theoretical and numerical modeling approaches available in the literature are reviewed in this chapter by focusing the attention on the hypotheses and the strategies proposed by the authors to model specific aspects characterizing the experimental behavior of FRCMs.