The Bond Behaviour of FRP and FRCM Strengthening Sheets Externally Bonded to Masonry Pillars: An Experimental Based Comparison

Fibre reinforced composite materials have been increasingly used in recent decades as reinforcement systems for masonry structures. Initially, externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets were mainly used in in structural applications. Subsequently, the use of composite materials with inorganic matrix (mainly, fiber reinforced cementitious matrix – FRCM) became widespread. Both systems present advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable in particular conditions and for specific practical applications. In any case, the structural effectiveness of such externally bonded reinforcements strongly depends on the composite-to-substrate adhesive capacity. The experimental behaviour of two different reinforcing systems (the first with organic matrix and the second having inorganic matrix) externally bonded to masonry pillars is compared in this paper.