Utility of textiles in ultra high performance cementitious matrices

Fabric reinforced cementitious matrices (FRCM) or textile reinforced concrete (TRM) are being developed for various practical application areas by number of research groups. The properties of the composite depend on the properties of fabric and matrix and the matrix-fabric interface. Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrices provide high strength and toughness composite for applications in construction industry. In this experimental study, mechanical properties of glass and carbon fabric reinforced Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) as well as the performance of FRCM with lower strength mortar were investigated. Glass fabrics, sand coated SBR and only SBR coated carbon fabrics were used as reinforcements. In this context, compressive strength tests on matrices and, tensile tests on composites were performed. Fibermatrix interfaces were examined and effects of the interface on the composite mechanical properties were also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Main result obtained from the study indicates that: the characteristic values of composites produced with ultra-high strength cementitious matrix under tension were higher than the characteristic values of composites produced with lower strength matrix. The difference is higher in the composite with carbon fabric. This difference is attributed to the higher strength and higher adherence of the fiber-matrix interface in the high strength matrix composite.