Title: Cracking Behavior of Strain-Hardening Cement-Based Composites Subjected to Sustained Tensile Loading

Author(s): William P. Boshoff

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 111

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 553-560

Keywords: cracking; creep; fiber pullout; SHCC

DOI: 10.14359/51686602

Date: 9/1/2014

Abstract:
Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCCs) are a special type of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) that exhibit superior ductility and crack control when compared with conventional concrete, even when compared with conventional FRC. SHCC exhibits fine, multiple cracking under a tensile load, which makes it a promising material for concrete applications that require superior durability. This paper reports on tensile creep tests on notched SHCC specimens, and it is shown that the crack widths and tensile deformation increase significantly over time when subjected to a sustained tensile load. This increased deformation is a result of the widening of cracks and the initiation of additional cracks over time. Two phases of the deformation that increase over time can also be distinguished, which are separated by a relative sudden increase of the logarithmic deformation rate after approximately 18 hours. This is a concern for durability applications of SHCC and should be addressed.