Low-Cycle Fatigue Performance of Carbon FRCM

This work investigates the fatigue behaviour of carbon fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composite systems for structural retrofitting and rehabilitation, especially in view of assessing the support that the system can offer against seismic forces. A micron-sized thin epoxy resin coating of the textile diluted in 75% weight acetone is applied to the carbon fabric to improve impreg- nation and adhesion with the surrounding mortar matrix. The fatigue response is determined following the European assessment document (EAD) for FRCM composites. The obtained results shed light on how fatigue affects the overall performance of the FRCM system during and after the cyclic loading and may significantly contribute to the diffusion of FRCM-based strengthening systems in seismic vulnerable structures.