Hierarchical composite coating for enhancing the tensile behaviour of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Cesare Signorini - , Chair of Construction Materials, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (First author)
  • Antonella Sola - , Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) (Author)
  • Andrea Nobili - , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Author)

Abstract

We describe a novel class of interface-functionalised textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) composite materials reinforced with basalt and alkali-resistant glass multifilament textiles embedded in a commercially available hybrid lime-cement mortar, usually applied for masonry retrofitting. Spotlight is set on improving the mechanical (tensile) performance of the system through a scalable and easy-to-apply surface treatment for the dry textiles. The treatment consists in soaking the textiles in highly-diluted epoxy resin, to which rice husk ash (RHA) is later added, acting as pozzolanic filler. The resulting functionalised textiles exhibit remarkable adhesion with the matrix owing to the presence of RHA having high specific surface area and rich amorphous content. Three different RHA powders are assessed and their performance is compared to that of plain silica fume. The role of RHA milling is also discussed. The RHA/epoxy coating significantly improves the ultimate tensile strength and energy dissipation capability of the TRMs. In particular, for basalt-textile reinforced composites, the mean tensile strength is three times as large as that of uncoated specimens, whereas the dissipated energy at failure is nearly four times as much. Furthermore, the surface treatment qualitatively changes the cracking pattern of the TRMs, for many diffused small cracks appear during tensile testing, and this provides evidence of effective stress distribution in the matrix as a result of superior interface adhesion.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number105082
JournalCement and Concrete Composites
Volume140
Publication statusPublished - 28 Apr 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85153684249
unpaywall 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105082
Mendeley 4e40b559-d89d-3cc0-b5a7-d66423eb7262
ORCID /0000-0002-6867-1340/work/142242928

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Basalt fibres, Epoxy resin, Glass fibres, Interface, Rice husk ash, Tensile test, Textile reinforced mortar