Microstructural characteristics of cementitious composites reinforced with woven fabrics

The influence of woven fabrics on the bond between woven fabrics and cement matrix was studied to understand the microscopical characteristics of these composites. For that purpose, pull-out tests were carried out, and scanning electron microscope observations were taken prior to and after the pull-out tests. The fabrics which were used in this study were all plain weave with 22 yarns per centimetre in the pull-out direction and with varied fill density in the perpendicular direction. It was found that the crimped yarns became straight after the pull-out of the matrix, and their surface exhibited abrasion-like damage. Greater surface damage was associated with greater pull-out resistance.