Title: Durability of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): A. Lambrechts, D. Nemegeer, J. Vanbrabant, and H. Stang

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 212

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 667-684

Keywords: corrosion; cracked concrete, electrochemical analysis; reinforced concrete; steel fibre; wedge-splitting test

DOI: 10.14359/12715

Date: 6/1/2003

Abstract:
In the frame of a European sponsored Brite-Euram research project program, long-term exposure tests are conducted. Notched cubes are used to test the effect of exposure to different environments for different periods of time. The different environments are: outside exposure; alternatively drying and wetting for one week in lab environment; wetting in demineralised or chloride water and drying in CO2 environment. Reference testing is done after 6, 12 and I8 months. To assess the mechanical behaviour, the wedge splitting test is performed. The electrochemical testing is done on the same types of cubes in which fibres are embedded. The comparison is made between fibres bridging the crack and fibres fully embedded in the concrete. Afterwards fibres are taken out and analysed with the microscope. This is done for the cubes mechanically tested and for the cubes electrochemically tested. No decrease of strength could be found after the 18 months of exposure. The electrochemical measurements on the sensors show negligible corrosion. This is confirmed by the microscopic analysis. Maximum measured corrosion depth is 16um.