Experimental analysis on the tensile response and cracking process in jute/flax lime-based textile-reinforced mortars

Growing environmental awareness is increasingly justifying the development and adoption of sustainable solutions in various industrial sectors. The civil engineering sector is no exception: new materials sourced from renewable, locally available resources are being developed and explored worldwide. Alongside this widespread effort, a class of emerging materials is receiving particular attention: bio-based composite systems. This study investigates the mechanical response of a textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) system that incorporates two layers of flax and jute fabric into a hydraulic lime-based mortar matrix. Specifically, the bond interaction between the natural fabrics and the mortar matrix is analysed using direct pull-out tests, as well as by examining cracking patterns observed in tensile tests on natural TRM systems. These analyses reveal the substantial mechanical response in both cases, offering insights into the potential application of natural textile reinforcement in restoring and reinforcing existing masonry elements and structures.