Tensile behaviour of textile reinforced mortar composite systems with flax fibres

Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) composite systems are among the most promising techniques for strengthening masonry elements. This study aims to assess the mechanical performance of a sustainable TRM system internally reinforced by natural fabric. More specifically, specimens consisting of a bi-directional flax fabric and a hydraulic lime-based mortar were subjected to tensile tests. The TRM under consideration showed a behaviour not significantly different from the one typically exhibited by similar materials reinforced by non-plant fibres. Moreover, the so-called exploitation ratio of the internal textile remained almost unchanged in TRM systems with either one and two layers of fabric. These aspects confirm the potential of using plant fibres as reinforcement of inorganic matrices.