Influence of Concrete Shrinkage on the Behavior of Carbon Short-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (CSFRC) under Tension

Abstract

Carbon short-fiber-reinforced concrete (CSFRC) is a novel material obtained by adding and mixing carbon fibers into fresh concrete. In this way, the concrete behavior is changed, and concrete no longer undergoes brittle failure under tension. Specifically, when concrete is reinforced with short carbon fibers, its tensile characteristics become similar to those of steel. For example, CSFRC exhibits a distinct ductility, enabling the concrete to withstand substantial damage before failure. This results in a higher energy dissipation capacity, which consequently also increases the tensile strength of the concrete. Accordingly, the tensile strength of CSFRC is about 400% higher than that of plain concrete and almost double that of UHPC. Because of the differences in mechanical performance compared to conventional concrete, extensive experimental and theoretical research is needed to characterize the behavior of CFRSC. Our main aim in this research is to investigate and describe the load bearing and deformation behavior of CSFRC, as well as the related damage processes.