Title:
Cyclic Response of Highly Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites
Author(s):
Keith E. Kesner, Sarah L. Billington, and Kyle S. Douglas
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
100
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
381-390
Keywords:
cement; composite; concrete.
DOI:
10.14359/12813
Date:
9/1/2003
Abstract:
This paper examines the response of highly ductile fiber-reinforced cement-based composites (DFRCC) to uniaxial monotonic and cyclic loading. The DFRCC examined in this investigation is a portland cement-based mortar matrix with a low volume fraction (typically 2%) of high modulus polymeric fibers. Various cyclic testing schemes were used to examine the effect of cyclic loading on the material’s compressive and tensile stress-strain envelope. The response of different tensile specimen geometries was also examined. A distinctive feature of DFRCC is its pseudo-strain hardening response in tension. Testing results identified a unique unloading and reloading response for DFRCC, which is a consequence of fibers debonding and pulling out of the matrix. Reversed cyclic loading was seen to affect the tensile response of the material if the uniaxial compressive strength during loading was exceeded and not to affect the tensile response if the compressive strength was not exceeded. The evaluation of tensile specimen geometries revealed significant variations in strain capacity between the different geometries.