Abstract
The use of synthetic fibers as reinforcement in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) demonstrates a combination of better ductile response vis-à-vis metallic ones, enhanced durability in a high pH environment, and resistance to corrosion as well as self-healing capabilities. This study explores the effect of macro- and micro-scale polypropylene (PP) fibers on post-crack energy, ductility, and the self-healing potential of FRCC. Laboratory results indicate a significant change in fracture response, i.e., loss in ductility as curing time increases. PP fiber samples cured for 2 days demonstrated ductile fracture behavior, controllable crack growth during tensile testing, post-cracking behavior, and a regain in strength owing to FRCC’s self-healing mechanism. Different mixes of FRCC suggest an economical mixing methodology, where the strong bond between the PP fibers and cementitious matrix plays a key role in improving the tensile strength of the mortar. Additionally, the micro PP fiber samples demonstrate resistance to micro-crack propagation, observed as an increase in peak load value and shape deformation during compression and tensile tests. Notably, low volume fraction of macro-scale PP fibers in FRCC revealed higher post-crack energy than the higher dosage of micro-scale PP fibers. Lastly, few samples with a crack of < 0.5 mm exhibited a self-healing mechanism, and upon testing, the healed specimens illustrated higher strain values.
Highlights
Cement-based composites are typically quasi-brittle materials in nature with several well-known benefits, including easy forming, low cost, local availability, and a fairly sustainable character [1,2]
The tensile strength of the polypropylene fiber-reinforced cement composites (PFRCC) material was measured by applying tensile load to the dog-bone-shaped specimens until their failure in accordance with ASTM C307 [61]
The mortar samples with 0.3% and 0.75% volume fraction when compared to the control demonstrated considerable improvement in tensile strength with a 33% and 15% increase, respectively
Summary
Cement-based composites are typically quasi-brittle materials in nature with several well-known benefits, including easy forming, low cost, local availability, and a fairly sustainable character [1,2] Opposing these main advantages, non-beneficial properties of cement-based materials, such as low tensile strengths (around one tenth of their corresponding compressive strength), low strain capacity, low ductility, and poor resistance to crack opening and propagation, could result in several combined complex issues related to their structural integrity, load-carrying capacity, and durability properties. The structural performance and durability of cementitious materials is basically compromised by the induction of cracks developed at an early age by plastic shrinkage, or a later age by tensile/flexural loadings, thermal stresses, or reinforcement corrosion These cracks create potential pathways for deleterious agents (e.g., chloride ions, acid rain, or carbon dioxide) that can penetrate inside the composite’s matrix, and can reduce its durability and strength. Crack healing phenomena in autogenous mode can largely occur inside cement-based materials through four mechanisms, including (1) the formation of calcite (mostly known as calcium carbonate, CaCO3 ),
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