Abstract
High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites belong to a new class of structural materials characterized by high strength and ductility. Thanks to the high energy absorbed during the fracture process, due to multiple cracking and pull-out phenomena, they are often suggested for dynamic loading applications. Current understanding of the dynamic response is very limited because of very few investigations have been actually carried out. An experimental research aimed at contributing to the understanding of the behaviour of advanced fiber-reinforced cementitious composites subjected to low and high strain rates was carried out. The material investigated is a High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites. Straight high carbon steel micro-fibers were used. The material behaviour was investigated at several strain rates and the tests results were compared with their static behaviour. Tests at intermediate strain rates were carried out by means of a hydro-pneumatic machine (HPM), while high strain rates were investigated by exploiting a Split Hopkinson Tensile Bar (SHTB). A comparison between static and dynamic tests highlighted several relevant aspects regarding the influence of fibers on the peak strength and post-peak behaviour at high strain rates. Finally, this material will be employed in the construction of an innovative tunnel segment designed for extreme conditions (high temperature and shock).
Highlights
The use of High Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HFRCC) has been continuously increasing during the last years because of its enhanced performance in terms of toughness and crack control
The dynamic behaviour of HPFRCC in tension when subjected to different strain rates was investigated
The HPFRCC analysed shown a good fibre alignment obtained by imposing a unidirectional casting flow
Summary
The use of High Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HFRCC) has been continuously increasing during the last years because of its enhanced performance in terms of toughness and crack control. The growing interest in applying HPFRCC in the field of structural engineering has point out the necessity of better knowing its behaviour under dynamic loading cases They are often used to improve impact and blast resistance due to their ability in energy absorption. Considering that Italy is the European country with the highest number of roadway tunnels with length over 500 meters and Switzerland is an alpine state with a high density of tunnels with respect to its surface, the tunnel safety is a crucial aspect that needs further improvements In this framework, a project founded by INTERREG, a special cohesion program between Italy and Switzerland supported by the European Commission and the Swiss Confederation, and named ACCIDENT (Advanced Cementitious Composites In DEsign and coNstruction of safe Tunnel) is inserted [3]. A comparison between static and dynamic tests highlighted several relevant aspects regarding the influence of fibers on the peak strength and post-peak behaviour at high strain rates
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