Abstract
Cementitious composites have good ductility and pseudo-crack control. However, in practical applications of these composites, the external load and environmental erosion eventually form a large crack in the matrix, resulting in matrix fracture. The fracture of cementitious composite materials causes not only structural insufficiency, but also economic losses associated with the maintenance and reinforcement of cementitious composite components. Therefore, it is necessary to study the fracture properties of cementitious composites for preventing the fracture of the matrix. In this paper, a multi-crack cracking model, fictitious crack model, crack band model, pseudo-strain hardening model, and double-K fracture model for cementitious composites are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. The multi-crack cracking model can determine the optimal mixing amount of fibers in the matrix. The fictitious crack model and crack band model are stress softening models describing the cohesion in the fracture process area. The pseudo-strain hardening model is mainly applied to ductile materials. The double-K fracture model mainly describes the fracture process of concrete. Additionally, the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and steel fibers (SFs) on the fracture properties of the matrix are analyzed. The fracture properties of cementitious composite can be greatly improved by adding 1.5–2% PVA fiber or 4% steel fiber (SF). The fracture property of cementitious composite can also be improved by adding 1.5% steel fiber and 1% PVA fiber. However, there are many problems to be solved for the application of cementitious composites in actual engineering. Therefore, further research is needed to solve the fracture problems frequently encountered in engineering.
Highlights
Cementitious composites were proposed in the 1990s by Victor Li et al [1,2,3], who used micromechanics and fracture mechanics to study the properties of the matrix, the properties of the fiber, the properties of the interface between the fiber and the matrix, and their interrelationships
Toutanji et al reported that when the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber content increased from 0% to 0.9%, the fracture performance of cementitious composites gradually increased [63] in agreement with the results of
Toutanji et al reported that when the PVA fiber content increased from 0% to 0.9%, the fracture performance of cementitious composites gradually increased [63] in agreement with the results of Li et al (Figure 11) [65]
Summary
Cementitious composites were proposed in the 1990s by Victor Li et al [1,2,3], who used micromechanics and fracture mechanics to study the properties of the matrix, the properties of the fiber, the properties of the interface between the fiber and the matrix, and their interrelationships. Owing to the high-strength, high-elastic modulus and nontoxic hydrophilic PVA fibers the brittleness of the cementitious composite is significantly improved, while the fracture energy of the material is increased, which is useful for solving the durability problem caused by the high brittleness of cementitious composites. These features of cementitious composites can reduce the concrete brittleness and ease of fracture and mitigate other shortcomings. The effects of PVA fibers and SFs on the fracture performance of cementitious composites are investigated
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