Dynamic compressive behavior of a novel ultra-lightweight cement composite incorporated with rubber powder

Abstract

This paper develops a novel rubberized ultra-lightweight high ductility cement composite (RULCC) with added rubber powder and low content PE fiber (0.7%), and investigates the dynamic compressive response and failure mechanism of the RULCC both experimentally and analytically. The test program examines the dynamic compressive stress-strain relationship of the RULCC through Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) impact tests. The results show that the rubber powder aggregates have significant effect on the compressive strength, stress-strain relations and failure mechanism of the RULCC. A volume replacement of fine aggregates with 5%, 10% and 20% rubber power results in a reduction in static compressive strength by 29.5%, 47.7% and 60.3%, respectively. The RULCC with a low fiber content of 0.7% in volume exhibits a 3% direct tensile strain, and a 4–5% tensile strain can still be achieved after 10% rubber powder is added to the RULCC, showing a high ductility of the material. The SHPB impact test shows that the compressive strength increases with strain rate. An empirical model, taking into account of the replacement ratio of the rubber powder aggregates in the RULCC, is developed in this paper to evaluate the Dynamic Increasing Factor (DIF). The experimental and analytical studies are essential to better understand the fundamental dynamic behavior of the RULCC for its further applications in engineering applications, such as protective structures, etc.