Title: Fatigue Performance of Fibre-Reinforced CementComposite Concrete Beams

Author(s): N. J. Dave

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 126

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 697-714

Keywords: composite construction; cracking (fracturing); deflection; fatigue loading; fiber reinforced cement (FRC); surface reinforcement; lightweight aggregate concretes; prestressing; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2915

Date: 8/1/1991

Abstract:
At the University of Salford, UK., a research team led by the author has developed a form of composite concrete construction in which fiber reinforced cement (FRC) units are employed as surface reinforcement. As part of an extensive program of investigation, full-sized rectangular and T-section beams, with and without FRC units as surface reinforcement, have been tested under fatigue in up to three million repetitions of loading. Companion beams having surface reinforcement have also been tested under short-term static loading. After a brief review of the concept of FRC composite concrete construction, the paper describes and details the test program. The behavior of the beams is examined regarding ultimate load, deflection, and cracking--the criteria of safety and serviceability. The performance under fatigue loading of beams with surface reinforcement is compared with that of companion beams without surface reinforcement but subjected to similar fatigue loading, and with surface reinforcement but tested under short-term static loading. It is concluded that the use of FRC as surface reinforcement is effective in controlling deflection and cracking well within the permissible limits without affecting ultimate load-carrying capacity for the beams subjected to fatigue loading.