Rate-sensitive tensile resistance of glass textile reinforced cementitious composites

Abstract

This study investigated the sensitivity of tensile resistance of glass textile (G) reinforced cementitious composites (GTRCCs) containing G with two types of mesh direction (G-M1 and G-M2) on the strain rates between 0.000333 and 100 s−1 using an improved strain energy frame impact machine for measuring. The tensile behavior, strain rate effects on tensile strength of GTRCCs and source of enhancements at high strain rates were discussed. The GTRCCs maintained the tensile strain hardening response even at high strain rates. The tensile strength of GTRCCs at high strain rates of 35–100 s−1 (between 14 and 17.72 MPa) were approximately twice that at the static (6.89 MPa). The interfacial bond strength between G and the mortar matrix played a key role in the rate-sensitive tensile response of GTRCCs. At high strain rates, the interfacial bond strength was significantly improved due to the inertial effect, and the high energy was required to damage the inter-atomic bond in composites for a short incubation time. G-M1 was more effective than G-M2 in reinforcing within the composites.