FRCM vs. FRP composites to strengthen rc beams: a comparative analysis

Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) are well known systems used to improve flexural and shear capacity of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams. Innovative composites made of Cementitious Matrix Reinforced by continuous Fibres (FRCM) can have a consistent possibility to be an alternative technological solution on strengthening RC beams; these materials are supposed to give some advantages related to fire resistance and durability in aggressive environment. FRCM strengthened RC beams behave in different manner, especially at collapse, in comparison to FRP strengthened beams. This structural aspect is investigated and critically discussed in this paper on the basis of an experimental program and numerical simulation in progress at IUAV University of Venice, Italy. The experimental analysis involves three and four points bending tests of beams with different strengthening configurations made of FRP and FRCM materials with different types of fibres. First results show, for FRCM strengthened beams, a more ductile behaviour in comparison to FRP strengthened beams. The maximum capacity increasing depends on fibres type. Great attention should be given to this interesting new technology for the collateral advantages; the structural efficiency correlated to matrix special formulation and technology needs more investigations.