Tensile Strength Behavior of UHPC and UHPFRC

Abstract

UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete) and UHPFRC (Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete) are remarkable materials which exhibit many enhancements when compared to the properties of conventional concrete. Besides having a very high compressive strength, this material possess a high tensile strength as well. The high value of tensile strength in UHPC and UHPFRC leads to more ductile behavior. A recent research at Kassel University, a fracture mechanics based study have been developed to determine the postcracking tensile behavior of UHPC and UHPFRC. The outcome indicates that despite the successful application studying the postcracking tensile behavior of mature conventional concrete, however, similar results of UHPC and UHPFRC specimens are still premature due to the limitation of related literatures. The tensile strength value is improved by the efficiency of fibers. This value is close to Japanese recommendation, namely 5MPa (for UHPC). However, smaller than the proposed values by SETRA/AFGC guidelines of France namely 8MPa (for UHPC) and 7-15MPa (for UHPFRC). Investigating the tensile strength behaviors of UHPC and UHPFRC is significant to support the documentation writing of standard norms for structural design needs.