Coupled effects of high temperature and strain rate on compressive properties of hybrid fiber UHTCC

Abstract

This study investigates the combined effect of the strain rate and temperature on the compressive properties of hybrid fiber ultra high toughness cementitious composites (UHTCCs) using a Split Hopkinson pressure bar. Specimens were first heated to different exposure temperatures, e.g. ambient temperature, 200, 400, 500, 600 and 800 °C, and subsequently, cooled to ambient temperature. Thereafter, the specimens were tested at four different strain rates. The test results show that the dynamic compressive strength of the UHTCC is enhanced at a temperature of 200 °C, and subsequently, decreases with the increase in exposure temperature. The strain rate sensitivity of UHTCC is largely enhanced with the increase in exposure temperature. The possible mechanism of this phenomenon was discussed based on the high-speed photography of the crack propagation process on the surface of the specimens and microscopic observation of fibers condition on their fracture surfaces. Moreover, an empirical relationship is established to express the dynamic strength enhancement of fire-damaged UHTCC as a function of strain rate.