We
have investigated the mechanical behavior of two fiber reinforced repair
mortars. A lime-based mortar and a cement-based mortar containing a small
quantity of silica fume. Physico-chemical characterization of the materials is
carried out by measurements of porosity and shrinkage strains, and by Infra-red
spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. The microstructure of the mortars
is investigated by microscopic observations. Mechanical characterization is
based on compression, three-point bending and tensile tests. For that, we
propose a new post-peak tensile testing configuration to study the damaged
behavior of the materials. The evolution of the mechanical properties and the
influence of the cure conditions of the mortars are also investigated in this
study. The bond between the repair mortars and substrate is studied by slant
shear and three points bending tests. Results obtained have demonstrated the
influence of the surface roughness and moisture conditions on the bond
strength. Finally, SEM observations show the morphology of the
substrate-to-repair mortar interfacial zone. They allow us to observe and
understand the phenomena occurred at the interface, affecting the bond between
substrate and repair mortar.