Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Multidimensional Epoxy-Coated Sisal/PET Braided Textile

Textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) is an alternative class of mechanical reinforcement for cement composites. The biaxial braided reinforcement structure in composite materials with diverse cross-sectional shapes offers high adaptability, torsional stability, and resistance to damage. In general, 3D textile reinforcements improve the mechanical properties of composites compared to 2D reinforcements. This study aimed to verify reinforcement behavior by comparing multidimensional braided textiles, 2D (one- and two-layer) reinforcements, and 3D reinforcement in composite cementitious boards. Experimental tests were performed to evaluate the effect of textile structures on cementitious composites using four-point bending tests, porosity measurements, and crack patterns. All textiles showed sufficient space between yarns, allowing the matrix (a commercial formulation) to infiltrate and influence the composite mechanical properties. All composites presented ductility behavior. The two layers of 2D textile composites displayed thicker cracks, influenced by shear forces. Three-dimensional textiles exhibited superior values in four-point bending tests for modulus of rupture (7.4 ± 0.5 MPa) and specific energy (5.7 ± 0.3 kJ/m2). No delamination or debonding failure was observed in the boards after the bending tests. The 3D textile structure offers a larger contact area with the cementitious matrix and creates a continuous network, enabling more uniform force distribution in all directions.