Contribution to direct tensile testing of textile reinforced concrete (TRC) composites

While the development of TRC (Textile Reinforced Concrete) in recent years is undeniable, validated experimental protocols and standards are slow to take hold. By drawing judiciously from previous studies, this work aims to identify and propose contribution to direct tensile test for design purpose which is reliable, efficient and relatively easy to implement. The results obtained on the basis of a large series of experiments involving the laminating technique and the use of field measurements (photogrammetry measurement) have permitted the validation, based on five criteria (considered to be the most relevant), of the test protocol in a design context. The limitations of the protocol were identified, including the poorly reproducible nature of the initial zone and the impact of implementation defects (e.g. dissymmetry of reinforcement in the thickness of the TRC composite and the warping of specimens). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.