Title: Stress-Strain Properties of SIFCON in Compression

Author(s): Joseph R. Homrich and Antoine E. Naaman

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 105

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 283-304

Keywords: compression tests; compressive strength; ductility; fiber reinforced concretes; metal fibers; slurries; stiffness; strength; stress-strain relationships; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2172

Date: 12/1/1987

Abstract:
SIFCON (slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete) is a type of fiber reinforced concrete construction in which formwork molds are filled to capacity with fibers and the resulting network is infiltrated by a cement-based slurry under vibration. The main objective of the paper is to investigate the compressive properties of SIFCON and to develop constitutive models to describe them. Primary focus is on the results of the experimental phase of the program. The experimental program consists of compression tests on 3 x 6 in. cylindrical specimens. Parameters under investigation include the following variables: four compressive strengths for the slurry (with and without fly ash and microsilica), three types of fibers (deformed, hooked, and crimped), orientation of fiber axis to direction of loading (normal and parallel), and the effect of mold walls (cored versus molded specimens). The instrumentation used comprises a servohydraulic testing machine with closed-loop control capability, a data acquisition system, data transfer devices, and data plotting. Results include the stress-strain response as well as strength, stiffness, and ductility properties. To model the descending branch of the stress-strain curve that exhibits a plateau value up to very high strains (10 percent), an analytical relationship with asymptotic behavior is proposed.