Flexural performance of cementitious composites reinforced with woven fabrics

The influence of a woven fabric structure on the flexural behavior of cementitious composites was studied. The fabrics used were all plain weave with different fills densities of 5, 7, or 10 fills per cm and the warps density was kept constant (22 warps per cm). The yarns were all monofilament from polyethylene. The crimped geometry of the individual yam in the fabric might influence the bonding between the matrix and the fabrics and the overall performance of the composite. Two different types of composites were prepared: (1) Samples with fabrics; and (2) samples with crimped yarns that were untied from the fabrics. Three different tests, flexural, tensile, and pullout, were carried out to characterize the mechanical performance of the composite and the bond between the fabrics and the matrix. Special attention was given to the characterization of multiple cracking, which may contribute to the understanding of the bonding between the fabrics and the matrix. It was found that the fabric structure, which yields a high bond, did not provide a composite with better properties than in the case of crimped untied yarns. Weakening of the matrix due to less efficient compaction was detected as-a significant parameter. When fabrics are used, the compaction is less efficient and the performance is poorer. The:lower stress magnitude for first crack appearance supports that observation.