Title: Tailoring Extruded HPFRCC to be Nailable

Author(s): Katherine G. Kuder and Surendra P. Shah

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 104

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 526-534

Keywords: cavity expansion; constructibility; extrusion; fracture mechanics; lightweight

DOI: 10.14359/18909

Date: 9/1/2007

Abstract:
Extruded high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) have a number of attributes that make them attractive materials to be used in residential applications, including superior mechanical performance and durability. The constructibility of these materials, however, can be improved, particularly the ability of the material to be nailed. In this work, the material parameters that govern nailing are sought so that nailable extruded composites can be produced. Nailing performance is experimentally evaluated using a test method developed previously. Existing fracture mechanics-based and cavity expansion-based models are used to understand the role of the fiber reinforcement and the matrix in the penetration process. Based on the findings from these models, nailable lightweight composites are produced. The results indicate that by properly tailoring both the matrix and the fiber reinforcement, nailable composites can be achieved. Nailable composites are shown to have a high fracture toughness (to control cracking) and a matrix with a low density and compressive strength (for ease of nailing).