Effect of random distribution of mortar tensile strength on shear bond behaviour of FRCM composites

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) is a composite known for its mechanical performance when used to retrofit existing buildings. For this reason, research is currently directed towards the characterization of these materials using numerical models. The objective of this work is to numerically assess the behaviour of the material when the tensile strength of the mortar varies. The developed FE model provides a simplified approach that exploits truss elements for the main constituents and Zero-Length links for reciprocal interactions. The tensile strength of the mortar was considered as a model variable, and random values were assigned to each truss element through a random distribution. The final objective was to evaluate the effects on both global and local responses by studying the distribution of stresses on the material and the cracking phenomenon.