Abstract
The analysis of fracture mechanics parameters of concrete with new types of fibers is essential for the dissemination of their application and development of new methods of structural design.Fracture mechanics parameters are widely used to analyze the material behaviour and also in the design process of selected structures. The paper reports the results of an experimental programme focused on the effect of non-metallic (basalt) fibers on the fracture properties of concrete investigated in Mode I conditions. The changes in concrete properties were analysed on the basis of the critical stress intensity factor KIc, the critical value of crack tip opening displacement (CTODc) and the fracture energy GF. The addition of the basalt fibers had a slight effect on the strength properties of concrete but, at the same time, it had a significant influence on the fracture parameters by the modification of pre-cracking and particularly post-cracking behaviour of the concrete. Results of measuring the toughness and energy-absorption characteristics showed that the specimens reinforced with basalt fibers acquired a great ductile behaviour and energy absorption capacity, compared to ordinary concrete specimens.
Highlights
Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been widely used in different applications in structures, such as geotechnical, road, marine and industrial, etc., where the major concern is toughness and first-crack strength in flexure
The fracture energy of concretes tested in this experimental study, was evaluated using the procedure given by RILEM TC 50-FMT Recommendation [19], in which energy was calculated from load-deflection curves obtained by performing a three-point bending test,dividing by the area of ligament, which is defined as the projection of the fracture zone on a plane perpendicular to the beam axis
The results of measuring the toughness and the energy-absorption characteristics showed that basalt fiber reinforced concrete specimens acquire a great ductile behavior and energy absorption capacity, compared to ordinary concrete specimens
Summary
Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been widely used in different applications in structures, such as geotechnical (dam, tunnels), road (bridges, pavements, railways objects), marine and industrial (cooling towers, floors, overlays), etc., where the major concern is toughness and first-crack strength in flexure. Dimensioning of the pavement is carried out in accordance with the procedure allowing better use of the fiber reinforced concrete properties while keeping the required total crack resistance. This fiber exhibits high strength and high module performance. Considering the applicability of basalt fibers further experimental studies should be conducted on the use of them in cement based composites to characterize its effects on physical and mechanical properties. The fracture characteristics for concretes with basalt fibers, such as critical stress intensity factor KIc, crack tip opening displacement CTODc and fracture energy GF were assessed using beams with initial notches in three-point-bending test
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