Dynamic compressive properties of 2D-aligned steel fiber reinforced cement-based composites

Abstract

Dynamic compression may happen in some protective cement-based composite structures. Cement-based composites are compressed at loading direction when subjected to dynamic compression, however expansion occurs in the direction perpendicular to the loading. As a quasi-brittle material, the expansion of the cement-based composites may result in the disintegration and hence the failure of the material. Incorporating steel fibers is a valid solution of reinforce the composites to resist dynamic compression. Usually, steel fibers are randomly dispersed throughout the composites. Actually, steel fibers with the same direction of the dynamic loading are ineffective. Only steel fibers perpendicular to the orientation of the dynamic compression load can they effectively restrict the expansion of the composites and enhance its dynamic compressive properties. So, cylindrical specimens using two-dimensionally aligned steel fiber reinforced cement-based composites (2D-SFRC) were prepared and tested. In specimens all steel fibers are perpendicular to the dynamic compression load, which limits the circumferential expansion and deformation of the specimens when subjected to dynamic compression and significantly enhances its performance resisting dynamic compression. When preparing 2D-SFRC specimens, the magnetic field was used to align steel fibers to achieve the two-dimensionally aligned steel fiber in specimens. Then, 2D-SFRC specimens were tested for their dynamic compressive properties. The results indicate that the dynamic compressive strength and toughness of 2D-SFRC specimens are significantly increased compared with unidirectional and random steel fiber distribution specimens. By analyzing the stress distribution and tensile force of steel fibers, the reinforcing mechanism of two-dimensionally aligned steel fibers was revealed. The two-dimensional alignment of steel fibers increased the number and the tensile force of fibers, which effectively restrained the circumferential expansion of the cylinder specimens.