Geometrical and mechanical aspects of fabric bonding and pullout in cement composites

Fabric reinforced cement composites are a new class of cementitious materials with enhanced tensile strength and ductility. The reinforcing mechanisms of 2-D fabric structures in cement matrix are studied using a fabric pullout model based on nonlinear finite difference method. Three main aspects of the composite are evaluated: nonlinear bond slip characteristic at interface; slack in longitudinal warp yarns, and mechanical anchorage provided by cross yarn junctions. Parametric studies of these key parameters indicate that an increase in the interfacial bond strength directly increases the pullout strength. Grid structures offering mechanical anchorage at cross yarn junctions can substantially increase the pullout resistance. Presence of slack in the yarn geometry causes an apparently weaker and more compliant pullout response. The model was calibrated using a variety of test data on the experimental pullout response of AR-Glass specimens, manufactured by different techniques to investigate the relative force contribution from bond at interface and from cross yarn junctions of alkaline resistant glass fabric reinforced cement composites.