  The weak properties in the thickness of the laminates in terms of rigidity,
fatigue and impact resistance involve delamination sensitivity for thick
structures. This issue has led to the development of three-dimensional (3D)
preforms with reinforcement through-the-thickness, making it possible to
combine good mechanical performance in-plane and out-of-plane. In this study,
the tufting technology is used to strength through-the-thickness of stacked
layers. This reinforcement technique has extensively gained attention in the
composite industry due to its ability to reinforce thick pieces. The present
study focuses on the mechanical behaviour of tufted preforms before resin
impregnation due to their application in the forming steps during the
manufacturing process. Therefore, an experimental investigation of the
mechanical behaviour (tensile, bending and in-plane shear) was carried out in
order to outline the influence of tufting on the mechanical properties of the
final structure.
