Experimental Investigation on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Deterioration of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Subjected to Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Abstract

In this study, the dynamic mechanical properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete under the influence of freeze–thaw cycles were studied. The studied parameters include steel fiber content (0%, 1% and 2%), confining pressures (0, 5 and 10 MPa) and strain rates (10−5/s, 10−4/s, 10−3/s and 10−2/s). Performance was also evaluated, including triaxial compressive strength, peak strain, the relationship between stress and strain, failure mode and microstructure. The results show that with the increase in F–T cycles, the compressive strength and energy absorption capacity of concrete gradually decrease. The mechanical properties of concrete increased with the addition of steel fibers during F–T cycles, and the optimum amount of steel fiber to enhance resistance to F–T cycles is 1% within the evaluation range. In this study, the effects of strain rate and confining pressure on the strength and failure mode of concrete after fiber addition are studied. Both the dynamic increase factor and the concrete strength increase linearly with the increase of strain rate, the dynamic increase factor is characterized by an increase in intensity caused by strain rate. When there is no confining, the crack direction of the concrete specimen is parallel to the stress loading direction, and when there is confining, it is manifested as oblique shear failure. The results of scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure demonstrate the performance results at the macroscopic level (compressive strength and peak strain).