The use of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites for structural retrofit has seen an increased interest during the last decade. Various studies has revealed their effectiveness, they offer many advantages respect the well know Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) due to a more compatibility with masonry support, the reversibility of intervention and the sustainability. Despite the growing use, especially for existing masonry buildings, the characterization of FRCM mechanical behaviour is still an open issue, due to numerous variables involved in the problem such us test set-up adopted, mortar grade, fiber treatment and support nature.

The proposed experimental study aims to investigate the tensile and shear bond behaviour of Basalt-FRCM for strengthening calcarenite masonry elements. For this purpose, double shear bond tests on calcarenite support are performed evaluating the effect of two mortar types, a cement-based and a lime-based one. The tensile behaviour of the two type of Basalt-FRCM employed was evaluated adopting clamping and clevis grip methods.

Experimental results are compared in terms of stress-strain curves, evaluating the influence of the selected parameters in the mechanical performances of Basalt-FRCM. The comparisons provide information about the mechanical stress transfer phenomena that occur at the fiber-matrix interface level and the failure modes.