Interface modeling approach for the study of the bond behavior of FRCM strengthening systems

In this paper a simple approach for the study of the bond behavior of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) strengthening systems is presented. The approach enables the use of a common interface modeling strategy by implicitly introducing the effect of the damage of the matrix into the shear behavior of the reinforcement/mortar interface layer. For this aim, a preliminary numerical study developed by using a newly conceived efficient spring-model is performed. The obtained results are critically analyzed and then used for carrying out the proposed approach. Finally, the approach is benchmarked against experimental data available in the literature by using both the proposed spring-model and a detailed 2D-FE non-linear model.