Durability assessment of impregnated Glass Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (GFRCM) composites in the alkaline and saline environments

In this paper, the effect of the alkaline and of the saline environments on prismatic specimens of impregnated alkali-resistant Glass Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (GFRCM) coupons is investigated. Two types of mortar are considered as representative of a mid-high performance or fine-texture matrix. Coupons are manufactured, cured for 28 days and then submerged in the alkaline or saline solution at constant temperature in a climatic chamber for 1000 h (aging). Specimens in the control group are retained in the laboratory environment. Mechanical performance of the aged coupons is assessed through tensile testing. A Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system is used to measure the actual specimen deformation. Ultimate strength and elongation, uncracked and cracked matrix elastic moduli, turning point location and failure mechanisms are determined and compared with the control group's through a variance analysis. Statistical support is found for an important reduction in the ultimate strength and elongation, owing to mortar degradation. This result is confirmed by a similar analysis carried out on the single components (mortars and glass fabric) of the composite. Mortar degradation affects failure through favoring a less desirable fabric slip mechanism, as opposed to fabric rupture. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.