Fabric-Reinforced Lime Composite as a Strengthening System for Masonry Materials: A Study of Adhesion Using Flexural and Tensile Testing

This study aimed to investigate the potential of using flax nonwoven fabric as a reinforcement material for lime composite with 20% metakaolin in strengthening masonry structures. The two types of masonry stones used in the study were subjected to flexural and tensile testing methods to determine the bond mechanism between the reinforced lime mortars and rocks. The study found that the bond strength values were directly related to the adhesion extension, which was influenced by the effective surface treatment (such as water, lime, and latex) the materials. To simulate the effects of carbonation in the environment, the reinforced masonry structures were exposed to CO2 chambers for 7 days before testing. The 7-day carbonation process was important in evaluating the effectiveness of the reinforcement material in strengthening the masonry structures under real-world conditions. The study found that the latex treatment was the most effective in strengthening the masonry structures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the composite and behaviour adhesion reinforcement, and the results confirmed the effectiveness of the latex treatment. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the potential of this reinforcement system for masonry structures. The use of sustainable reinforcement materials like flax nonwoven fabric has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of construction and improve the durability and strength of masonry structures. Therefore, this study has significant implications for the construction industry and could contribute to the development of sustainable building materials and practices.