Experimental study on the effectiveness of masonry-basalt TRM reinforced systems characterized by different fiber grid densities

The use of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) systems is emerging as a suitable solution for strengthening historical masonry buildings, as they are made of compatible materials often resulting in limited and reversible interventions. Moreover, TRM systems reinforced by basalt textile are a very promising solution. This study presents the results of single shear-lap tests intended at defining and comparing the effectiveness of three reinforced basalt TRM-masonry systems characterized by different strengthening ratios. These systems have been obtained by inserting one, two or three basalt grids in the TRM composite. The experimental results show that a slippage of the fiber roving within the mortar matrix frequently occurs in the reinforced system characterized by a low strengthening ratio; the increase in fiber grid density often results in a brittle debonding between the lower and the upper layer of mortar matrix. The results show that a high strengthening ratio may result in decreasing the strengthening performances.