Experimental study on flexural behavior of BTRM reinforced with hybrid combinations of short fibers and pre-stressing

Abstract

This paper investigates the combined effects of short fiber content and the pretension of textile on the flexural performance of basalt textile-reinforced mortar (BTRM). The flexural characteristics of BTRM samples with and without pre-stress were evaluated using three-point bending tests. Short carbon, steel and AR-glass fibers were used as additional reinforcement for cementitious matrix. The experimental results showed that the addition of short fibers and the pre-stressing of basalt-textile considerably improved the mechanical performance of BTRM. The addition of short fibers enhanced the mechanical parameters including first-crack stress (first deviation in the stress–strain curve), ultimate strain, maximum displacement, and energy absorption capacity. The pre-stressing of basalt textile reduced the ultimate strain and maximum displacement. The failure probability of BTRM as a function of flexural strength was built using a two-parameter Weibull distribution method. This study also provides a detailed discussion on the failure patterns of basalt textile and reinforcing mechanisms. This study can serve as an informative reference for the design of the pre-stressed TRM composites.