Static and Dynamic Behaviors of Fibre Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Mortar

Abstract

This study aims to explore the inclusion of microfibre in fine recycled aggregate (FRA) mortars under dynamic impact load. A 12-mm-diameter Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) was employed to test the impact of a recycled mortar with a single and hybrid fibre system and to determine potential improvements in its dynamic mechanical properties. In recycled mortar production, two microfibres with different sizes and types, namely, polypropylene and nylon, were added whilst keeping the amount of microfibres at a volumetrical fraction of 0.6%. An impact loading test was conducted by using the striking bar of SHPB at impact speeds of 2, 4 and 6 m/s. The effects of fibre on failure mode, tensile curve, compressive strength and dynamic increase factor (DIF) were then analysed. Experimental findings show that the improved mortar fibre mix has superior quasi-static and dynamic compression power compared with the reference mortar mix. Meanwhile, compared with the single fibre mix, the hybrid fibre mix is more effective in enhancing the dynamic compressive ability of the recycled mortar. The recycled-hybrid-fibre-enhanced mortar showed lower DIF values compared with the reference mortar, and the inclusion of fibre reinforcement can reduce the fragmentation of the recycled mortar mix after being subjected to impact.