Characterization of Textile-Reinforced Mortar: State of the Art and Detail-Level Modeling with a Free Open-Source Finite-Element Code

The research addressed in the paper is aimed at calibrating a numerical model developed by using a free open-sourcefinite-element code for the assessment of the structural performances of historical masonry buildings strengthened using the textile-reinforcedmortar (TRM) technique. TRM is a near-surface-mounted system, which couples inorganic matrices withfiber-based textile or meshes. Themain purpose is to develop a multiple-level numerical approach, starting with the detailed modeling of components and interfaces, followedby a computationally efficient intermediate level model, using layered elements, for the calibration of a lumped plasticity-based model suit-able for the global analysis of structures. In this paper, thefirst research results are presented. In particular, a broad literature review concern-ing the mechanical characterization and analysis of TRM systems is collected. Then, the calibration of the numerical model, the validationthrough comparison with the results of experimental characterization tests available in the literature (tensile, shear bond, and in-plane sheartests) and a sensitivity analysis are reported. Nonlinear static analyses were performed, considering the nonlinearity of the composite materialcomponents and interfaces. The model was capable of accounting for the main parameters affecting the behavior of the composite material,such as the reinforcement ratio and orientation, the mortar characteristics and the wire–mortar interaction and proved to be a valid tool toinvestigate the optimization of TRM applicative details