Title: Tensile Response of HPFRC Composites Using Twisted Polygonal Steel Fibers

Author(s): C. Sujivorakul and A. E. Naaman

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 216

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 161-180

Keywords: composites; ductile composites; fiber reinforced concrete; high-performance fiber reinforced concrete composites (HPFRCCs); multiple cracking; steel fibers; strain hardening; tensile tests; Torex fibers; twisted polygonal fibers

DOI: 10.14359/12898

Date: 10/1/2003

Abstract:
The tensile stress-strain response of cement composites reinforced with newly developed twisted polygonal steel fibers (identified here as Torex fibers) is investigated in this study. The new fibers are produced from a prototype machine developed for this research. Parameters investigated are: 1) volume fraction of the fibers (Vf=1 % to 4%); 2) fiber equivalent aspect ratio (L/de = 60, 80 and 100); and 3) the compressive strength of the mortar matrix (20, 44, 68 and 84 MPa). It is observed that high performance fiber reinforced cement composites that exhibit strain hardening and multiple cracking behaviors can be obtained with a proper combination of these parameters. A comparison with hooked and straight steel fibers is also provided. The new Torex fibers leads to a significantly higher composite performance in terms of strength, ductility and cracking behavior.