Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) or mesh reinforcement is an alternative strengthening technique especially suited for masonry structures and certain concrete applications. Instead of using epoxy to bond fibers, FRCM uses a fiber mesh (grid) embedded in inorganic mortar. ZRETE’s offerings in this category include Basalt Fiber Mesh and Carbon Fiber Mesh products, each with unique properties:

• Basalt Fiber Mesh: Basalt fibers are derived from volcanic rock and exhibit excellent strength and chemical stability. Basalt mesh is often preferred for its high temperature resistance and cost-effectiveness. When applied with a compatible cement mortar, basalt mesh can significantly enhance the in-plane shear strength of masonry walls and improve their ductility during seismic loads. It’s non-corrosive and blends well into mortar.

• Carbon Fiber Mesh: Carbon mesh (a grid of carbon fiber tows) provides higher tensile strength and stiffness. ZRETE’s carbon fiber mesh reinforcement can increase load capacity of concrete or masonry substrates and refine crack control. Because the carbon grid carries tensile forces, the surrounding mortar can remain relatively thin while still achieving big gains in strength and toughness. Carbon FRCM systems are often used when a slim retrofit is needed on historic walls or when epoxy use must be avoided (for breathability).

The installation involves applying a layer of specially formulated mortar to the wall or surface, embedding the fiber mesh into the wet mortar, and then covering it with another thin mortar layer. Once cured, the fiber grid and mortar act together to reinforce the structure. These systems maintain the substrate’s ability to “breathe” (important for old brick or stone that expels moisture) and are fire-resistant, since there are no polymers that weaken at high temperature. They also have a more traditional appearance which can be important for architectural heritage sites.

ZRETE’s high-ductility seismic mortar (see next section) can be used in conjunction with basalt or carbon mesh to form a complete solution for upgrading unreinforced masonry. In essence, the mesh provides the tensile reinforcement similar to rebar, while the mortar provides compressive matrix and transfers stresses to the mesh. This composite greatly increases the energy dissipation capacity of walls under earthquake loading, helping them stay intact even with cracking.

Products (Fiber Mesh Systems):

• Basalt Fiber Mesh – Alkali-resistant basalt fiber grid for embedding in mortar layers. Ideal for seismic retrofitting of masonry and concrete surfaces with improved toughness and crack control.

• Carbon Fiber Mesh – High-strength carbon fiber open mesh for FRCM strengthening. Provides excellent reinforcement in thin mortar overlays for walls, slabs, or piers.

(Fiber mesh/FRCM systems are often chosen for retrofitting brick masonry buildings, stone arches, and thin concrete walls. They achieve a high-ductility reinforcement similar to adding steel mesh, but without the thickness and with better corrosion resistance. This method was crucial in many earthquake-prone regions to upgrade historic structures that could not be easily reinforced with traditional concrete jacketing.)