Interfacial slip between the glass fiber mesh and the modified earthen matrix remains a critical issue in fiber-reinforced earthen matrix (FREM) retrofitting,as it significantly impairs the load-bearing capacity of traditional earthen structures. To address this issue, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed to simulate the nonlinear contact behavior between the fiber mesh and the modified matrix. The framework incorporates a damaged plasticity model for the earthen matrix and employs a global surface-to-surface contact algorithm to capture progressive interfacial slip and debonding. The reliability of the numerical model was validated against direct tensile test results, yielding a prediction error of less than 8% for the ultimate tensile strength. Subsequently, comprehensive parametric analyses were conducted to evaluate the effects of matrix modifier types, clamping configurations, and anchorage lengths. Results indicate that the artificial hydraulic lime (AHL) modified system exhibited a 30.1% higher ultimate tensile strength compared to the natural hydraulic lime (NHL) counterpart. Furthermore, an anchorage length of 100 mm triggered sudden slip failure, whereas extending the length to 150 mm transitioned the failure mode to progressive debonding, enhancing the tensile strength by 20%. However, further extension to 200 mm yielded only a marginal 3% strength gain, indicating an optimal anchorage threshold. Damage evolution analysis revealed an asymmetric failure mechanism dominated by end damage, highlighting that plastic damage and shear stress are consistently concentrate at the anchorage ends. These findings provide a robust quantitative basis for the parameter optimization and standardized testing of FREM reinforcement systems.

Long Zhou, Xuming Zhang, Haotian Guo, Feng Wu. Tensile Behaviors and Interfacial Slip of Hydraulic Lime-modified Earthen Matrix Composites Reinforced with Glass Fiber Mesh. Academic Journal of Architecture and Geotechnical Engineering (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 28-36. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJAGE.2026.080104.

[1] Carozzi F.G., Poggi C. Mechanical properties and debonding strength of Fabric Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) systems for masonry strengthening[J].Composites Part B, 2014, 70215-230.

[2] Hamid Saadatmanesh. Fiber Composites for New and Existing Structures. Structural Journal, 1994, 91.3.

[3] Arboleda, D., Loreto, G., De Luca, A., Nanni, A. Material characterization of fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composite laminates. In: Proceedings for 10th international symposium on ferrocement and thin reinforced cement composite, Havana, 2012.

[4] W. Han, F. Wu, Y. Cheng, H. Wang, S. Chu, Compressive performance of adobe masonry strengthened with glass-fiber reinforced matrix composites, Mater. Struct, 2023, 56(3)1-14. 

[5] Mezrea PE, Ispir M, Balci IA, Bal IE, Ilki A. Diagonal tensile tests on historical brick masonry wallets strengthened with fabric reinforced cementitious mortar. Structures, 2023, 33:935–46. 

[6] Antonio R ,V. D O ,A. R S .Experimental Investigation on the Bond Behavior of a Compatible TRM-based Solution for Rammed Earth Heritage[J]. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 2019, 13(7):1042-1060.

[7] Z. Zhao, D. Qi, L. Wang, et al. Research progress on glass fiber interface modification and mechanical properties of its composites. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering, 2023, 40(3), 120-125, 138.

[8] Daneshvar K ,Moradi J M ,Roshan N , et al. Enhancing flexural and shear capacities of RC T-beams with FRCM incorporating a full FRCM-concrete bond[J].Construction and Building Materials, 2025, 471,140687.

[9] J. Cui. Glass fiber mesh reinforced rammed earth surface layer tensile performance experimental study (Master’s thesis, Dalian Jiaotong University), 2022.

[10] J. Zhang, W. Wang, G. Li. Comparative study on compressive strength test of two natural fiber modified rammed earth specimens. Building Technology, 2024, 55(06), 715–718.

[11] Huimei Z ,Xingzi W ,Jiani C , et al. Effectiveness and compatibility of fabricated hydrauliclime prepared with ultrafine pozzolanic materials in consolidating soil-matrix[J]. Constructionand Building Materials, 2023, 378.

[12] Frank T ,Zimmermann I ,Horn R .Lime application in marshlands of Northern Germany—Influence of liming on the physicochemical and hydraulic properties of clayey soils[J].Soil& Tillage Research, 2020, 204.

[13] J. Wang, Y. Zhang, Y. Lv, et al. (2025). Research progress on hydraulic lime for architectural heritage restoration. Materials Review, 2025, 39(22), 69-81.

[14] J. Yang,W. Song, Wang, L. Wang, et al. Study on synthesis of hydraulic lime from Jiangshi and its physical-mechanical properties. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2018, 37(07), 1766-1775. 

[15] S. Yin,S. Xu,F. Wang. Bonding and lap performance of fiber woven mesh in fine-grained concrete. Journal of Building Materials, 2012, 15(01), 34-41.

[16] Falchi L ,Varin C ,Toscano G , et al. Statistical analysis of the physical properties and durability of water-repellent mortars made with limestone cement, natural hydraulic lime and pozzolana-lime[J].Construction and Building Materials, 2015, 78260-270.

[17] Lanas J ,Bernal P J ,Bello M , et al. Mechanical properties of natural hydraulic lime-basedmortars[J]. Cement and Concrete Research, 2004, 34(12):2191-2201.

[18] H. Guo. Research on tensile performance of glass fiber mesh reinforced hydraulic lime-modified rammed earth surface layer (Master’s thesis, Dalian Jiaotong University), 2023.

[19] X. Shi, Y. Yao, L. Wang, et al. Influence of CDP model parameters based on uniaxial tension and compression simulation. Building Structures, 2021, 51(S2), 999–1007.

[20] F. Cai, Study on mechanical properties of the soil material with chemical reinforcement,(Master’s thesis, Dalian Jiaotong University), 2017.

[21] J. Zhong, Study and application on constitutive relationship for earth material and mechanical compressed earth brick masonry, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China, 2018.

[22] G. Mazzucco, T. D’Antino, C. Pellegrino, V. Salomoni, Three-dimensional finite element modeling of inorganic-matrix composite materials using a mesoscale approach, Compos. PartB Eng. 2018,143,75–85.

[23] X. Liang. Study on the bonding performance between hydraulic lime modified raw soil surface layer and raw soil matrix (Master’s thesis, Dalian Jiaotong University), 2024.

[24] Hartig J ,Jesse F ,Schicktanz K , et al. Influence of experimental setups on the apparent uniaxial tensile load-bearing capacity of Textile Reinforced Concrete specimens[J].Materials and Structures, 2012, 45(3):433-446.

[25] X. Zhu, M. Su, Y. Wang, T. Ueda, Numerical and theoretical investigation on the constitutive model of graphene-enhanced FRCM composite, J. Build. Eng, 2024,108734.

[26] ASTM D2487-23, Standard practice for classification of soils for engineering purposes (unified soil classification system), ASTM International, West Conshohocken, 2023.