ConFiRMa: calibration of a numerical model for fibre-reinforced mortar analysis with OOFEM code

The 'conFiRMa' project is aimed at calibrating a numerical model for masonry buildings strengthened with fibre reinforced mortar (FRM). The main purpose is to develop a multi-level approach, starting with the detailed modelling of components, followed by an optimisation procedure to get a computationally efficient intermediate level model for the calibration of the lumped plasticity model for global analysis. In this paper, the first results concerning the detailed modelling level are presented. It focuses on the interaction between the mortar matrix and the embedded composite reinforcement mesh. The mortar is modelled through solid elements, the yarns of the fibre-based mesh with truss elements and the mortar-mesh interaction by means of interface elements. Nonlinear static analyses are performed, considering the materials and interfaces nonlinearity. The results of previous experimental tests concerning FRM mechanical characterisation are considered to calibrate (pull-off tests) and validate (tensile and shear bond tests) the numerical model.