Abstract

Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) is an appealing choice for the strengthening of existing structures and especially that of monumental character through application as external reinforcement. In the current study, the TRM-to-masonry bond was experimentally investigated focusing on the parameter of the yarns’ treatment, that is none or impregnation with Styrene-Butadiene Rubber – SBR latex. For this purpose, both double-lap/double-prism (DL) and single-lap/single-prism (SL) shear bond test configurations have been employed. Specimens comprised strips of glass fiber textiles (either uncoated – UT or fully impregnated – IT) applied on wall prisms of stack-bonded smooth clay units through a cement-based mortar. TRM strips of DL specimens (with uncoated textile – UT or impregnated textile – IT) had a bond length (BL) equal to 150 mm. This BL was larger than the effective one, i.e. the minimum length needed for the attainment of the maximum TRM bond capacity (with UT). Due to the inadequacy of the DL set-up in capturing specimens’ post-peak response, the SL set-up was also opted for. TRM strips of SL specimens (with UT or IT) had various BLs (100 mm, 150 mm and 200 mm) in order to study the combined effect of BL and textile impregnation. According to the results from both set-ups, the maximum bond load, Fmax of specimens with IT was increased by 40% in comparison with specimens with UT. Additionally, Fmax of specimens with IT increased with increasing BL.