Title: Mechanical Properties of Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON)

Author(s): P. Balaguru and John Kendzulak

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 105

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 247-268

Keywords: axial loads; bending; cements; ductility; durability; fiber reinforced concretes; flexural strength; metal fibers; silica; shear properties; slurries; tension; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2154

Date: 12/1/1987

Abstract:
Paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the behavior of slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) subjected to flexure, shear, and axial tensile loading. More emphasis was placed on the flexural behavior in which the specimens were subjected to static and high-amplitude cyclic loading. Four fiber lengths, namely, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mm, and four volume contents ranging from 4 to 12 percent were used. Fibers with hooked ends were used for the entire investigation. Effect of the addition of silica fume and sand to cement slurry was investigated by using a selective group of specimens made with 8 percent fiber content. Freeze-thaw studies were also conducted using prisms that had 8 percent fibers. The behavior in shear was studied using direct shear specimens. Properties in axial tension were investigated using four fiber contents of 50 mm long fibers. The results indicate that strengths of up to 10,000 psi (68.9 MPa), 4000 psi (27.6 MPa), and 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) can be obtained in flexure, direct shear, and axial tension, respectively. The composite is extremely ductile in all three modes of loading. Based on the tests conducted in flexure, addition of silica fume increases the strength. Sand can be added to the slurry without reducing the strength up to a certain cement-sand ratio. The ductility characteristics are not affected by the addition of either sand or silica fume.