Guide to Design and Construction of Externally Bonded Fabric-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) Systems for Repair and Strengthening Concrete and Masonry Structures

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems for repairing and strengthening concrete and masonry structures are an alternative to traditional techniques such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs), steel plate bonding, section enlargement, and external post-tensioning. An FRCM is a composite material consisting of one or more layers of cement-based matrix reinforced with dry fibers in the form of open mesh or fabric. The cement-based matrixes are typically made of combinations of portland cement, silica fume, and fly ash as the binder. When adhered to concrete or masonry structural members, they form an FRCM system that acts as supplemental, externally bonded reinforcement. This guide addresses the history and use of FRCM system repair and strength- ening; their unique material properties; and recommendations on their design, construction, and inspection. Guidelines are based on experimental research, analytical work, and field applications.