An Analytical Model for Describing Tensile Behavior of FRCM

As a newly emerged strengthening material, FRCM (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) has attracted the attention of many engineers and scholars due to the higher compatibility of the cementitious matrix with masonry structures compared to traditional organic matrix. Different from FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) material that similarly can be externally applied onto the structures for strengthening, FRCM exhibits more complex failure modes due to the weaker performance of the matrix. To investigate the complex failure mechanism, the tensile test on FRCM coupon is a simple and intuitive method commonly used, in which the failure of both material and interface can be observed. In this article, an analytical model was proposed to reproduce the tensile behavior of FRCM, with the possibility to consider all the failure modes. A simplified mathematical model consisting of the components of the mortar layer, the fiber layer, and a zero-thickness interface gives the basis of force analysis, and from which the ODE system presenting the model behavior can be deduced and solved. This model was then validated against existing experimental results in terms of the global stress-strain relationships. It can be concluded that the proposed model is fast and stable, while able to reproduce the failure mode, global and local behavior of FRCM under tension.