The regulations to use FRCM systems

Ruregold has been the first Italian company who pays attention to the certification of FRCM strengthening systems.

From 2011 Ruregold has started a qualification process of some of its FRCM systems with the University of Miami (Florida – USA).

For some of its FRCM with PBO and Carbon fibers, Ruregold has obtained the Evaluation Service Report (ESR n. 3265) released by ICC-ES (International Code Council – Evaluation Report) according to the USA Guidelines AC 434 “Acceptance criteria for masonry and concrete strengthening using fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) and steel reinforced grout (SRG) composite systems” for the certification of FRCM fiber-reinforced compounds with inorganic matrix.

The product regulation AC 434 is based on selective criteria and it requires several tests in order to be issued.

AC 434 regulation requires further tests on full-scale structural elements like reinforced beams resistant to bending and shear, compressed pillars and reinforced walls resistant to bending and compression in and out of the plane.

Beside the qualification tests of materials, it requires also tests in order to identify the structural performances and, in particular, it needs the following tests on FRCM-reinforced structural elements:

• tests to bending and shear on reinforced beams;
• tests on reinforced pillars;
• tests to bending on walls;
• tests to shear on walls;

The E.S.R. certification for FRCM materials is subjected to annual quality control in order to be renewed.