Title: Nailable Extruded HPFRCC for Use in Residential Building Applications

Author(s): K.G. Kuder and S.P. Shah

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 260

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 29-44

Keywords: cavity expansion; extrusion; fracture mechanics; nailing

DOI: 10.14359/56623

Date: 6/1/2009

Abstract:
Extruded high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) offer a number of benefits over the materials currently used in residential construction, including improved strength, ductility and durability, increased design flexibility, improved safety in the event of natural hazards and greater affordability. Despite these benefits, the use of extruded HPFRCC is not widespread in North America. Current extruded HPFRCC are difficult to nail, requiring excessive force to nail and often cracking due to nailing stresses. Research at the Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials (ACBM), headquartered at Northwestern University, has focused on developing nailable extruded composites. Using a previously developed test method, the nailing performance of extruded HPFRCC was evaluated and compared with commercial products. Existing cavity expansion- and fracture mechanics- based models were used to determine the material parameters required for nailing. The results indicate that by tailoring both the matrix and the fiber reinforcement, nailable extruded composites can be produced. Nailable extruded HPFRCC have a reasonably low density and compressive strength (to allow for nail penetration) and a high fracture toughness (to resist cracking due the nailing stresses).