Experimental investigation on basalt grid cementitious mortar strips in tension

Fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composite materials are currently receiving great attention for strengthening reinforced concrete and masonry structures, especially when specific preservation criteria need to be fulfilled. FRCM composites can be a convenient alternative to fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) for their better resistance to high temperature and compatibility with stone and masonry structures. In this work an experimental study for the tensile characterization of basalt reinforced cementitious matrix (BRCM) strips is presented. Strips with one, two or three layers of grid were tested in tension to study the effect of reinforcement ratio on the tensile stress-strain response of the composite strips. The basalt grid and matrix (cementitious mortar) were also tested in order to compare the mechanical properties of the constituent materials to the response of the composite. Strength, stiffness, failure modes and response stages of the composite strips are discussed in the paper.