Numerical simulation of RC beams reinforced with FRCM

FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) system consists in two or more layers of cementitious mortar, in which a dry grid of fibres is disposed. This strengthening technique overcomes some of the limits of traditional systems, like FRP. Indeed, the presence of the mortar assures a better compatibility with the surface of the structural element, which could be either concrete or masonry. Moreover, FRCM can resist at higher temperatures and it can lead to a more ductile failure of the reinforced element. In this work, the attention is focused on the analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) beams retrofitted by FRCM. To this aim, both the behaviour of RC beams and of FRCM composite material is modelled through proper non-linear models implemented into a Finite Element (FE) code. The proposed approach is subsequently validated through significant experimental data relative to strengthened RC beams, available in technical literature