CYCLIC STRESS-STRAIN RESPONSE OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBER REINFORCED CEMENT COMPOSITES

Abstract

This study presents an investigation on the response of polypropylene fiber reinforced cement composites to uniaxial compression, tension and cyclic loading. A series of experiments were conducted on specimens 350 mm high with cross-section of 105 mm by 70 mm tapering to 70 mm by 70 mm at the center. The effects of cyclic loading on the stress-strain envelope including unloading and reloading paths in both compression and tension were examined. It is found that unloading and reloading do not essentially change the shape of the stress-strain envelope. Reverse cyclic loading affects the tensile response of the material if the uniaxial compressive strength during loading was exceeded and not to affect the tensile response if the compressive strength was not exceeded.