Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems are emerging as an expanding tool that can be a viable way to strengthen existing structures.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports that the performance of 50% of the concrete repairs on its structures is unsatisfactory and that after only 10 years 70% were failing. That sort of performance gives building owners and the public little confidence.
One difference between fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems is the mechanical behavior in tension of the composite. FRP systems are linear elastic until failure, and their ultimate tensile strain is limited by the ultimate strain of the fibers.
