PVA Fibers Research Articles

Multiscale Analysis of EPS Concrete Strengthened by Synergistic Reinforcement of Styrene–Butadiene Latex and PVA Fibers: Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Multiscale Analysis of EPS Concrete Strengthened by Synergistic Reinforcement of Styrene–Butadiene Latex and PVA Fibers: Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Hybrid synthetic/natural fiber-reinforced strain-hardening magnesia-based composites

Synthetic fiber-reinforced strain-hardening magnesia (MgO)-based composites (SHMC) are an emerging group of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) with ultra-high ductility and CO2 sequestration potential. However, the size of SHMC members is limited by the inadequate carbonation depth of the MgO matrix. In this work, hybrid synthetic/natural fiber-reinforced SHMC are developed containing different contents of PVA fibers (0-2 vol.%) and sisal fibers (0-4 vol.%). The new Hybrid-SHMC were experimentally studied on micro-scale and composite scale. On the micro-scale, the effect of cement matrix carbonation on the PVA/sisal fiber-to-matrix interfacial bonds and the matrix moduli were studied by single-fiber pullout test and local nano-indentation. On the composite scale, the effect of fiber dosage on the compressive/tensile behavior and carbonation profile of SHMC were studied. The effects of the carbonation-induced micromechanical enhancements on the composite behaviors were validated by a micromechanics-based fiber-bridging model. The results demonstrated that the new hybrid SHMC could achieve ultra-high tensile ductility (>2.5%) and uniform carbonation simultaneously (≥ 0.25g CO2/g MgO at different depths). In Hybrid-SHMC, the PVA fibers mainly contributed to the mechanical crack-bridging and thus strain-hardening, while sisal fibers with porous microstructure improved the carbonation depth and thus the fiber-matrix interfacial bonds, composite compressive, and tensile performances.

Damage characteristics and mechanisms of shear strength at the interface between fiber-reinforced concrete and rock under freeze-thaw cycles

In concrete reinforcement projects conducted in cold regions, freeze-thaw cycles contribute to the deterioration of the 'concrete-rock' interface strength. To examine the characteristics of shear stress and the evolution of damage at the interface of PVA fiber-reinforced concrete and rock under freeze-thaw conditions, a series of freeze-thaw shear tests were performed utilizing a self-developed fully saturated shear apparatus. This experimental approach was complemented by CT and scanning SEM analyses to investigate the structural changes at the interface under varying degrees of freeze-thaw damage. The findings revealed that the ECC-S specimens with PVA fibers exhibited an approximate 17.64 % increase in porosity and a 46.5 % reduction in rock strength after 45 freeze-thaw cycles. In contrast, OC-S specimens without PVA fibers experienced an approximate 10.51 % increase in porosity and a strength reduction of about 22.9 % under identical conditions. Furthermore, the study indicated that as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, the strength did not consistently rise with the angle of shear. A threshold was identified at an angle of 45°, beyond which the strength did not exhibit significant increases. This research holds considerable theoretical significance and practical implications for enhancing concrete reinforcement methodologies in cold regions, thereby ensuring the safe and efficient operation of rock engineering projects in such environments.

Enhancing concrete beam performance with PVA fibers, coal ash, and graphene fabric: a comprehensive structural analysis

ABSTRACT This study evaluates the structural performance of Polyvinyl Alcohol Cementitious Composites (PVCC)-layered reinforced concrete beams with coal ash under static loading. Experimental investigations included first crack load, ultimate load, load-deflection behavior, ductility, stiffness, and energy absorption. Results highlight the influence of Polyvinyl Alcohol-(PVA) fiber dosage on structural behavior. The control specimen exhibited an initial crack load of 80kN, with subsequent specimens showing varied crack initiation loads influenced by PVA fiber content. Optimal performance was observed at 1.2% PVA fiber dosage, with higher dosages leading to earlier crack initiation. Ultimate load carrying capacity increased with PVA fiber addition, reaching a peak at 1.2% dosage before slight decreases occurred with higher dosages. Load-deflection behavior demonstrated the superior performance of PVCC layered beams, particularly specimen BP3, attributed to optimal fiber content. Ductility, stiffness, and energy absorption increased with PVA fiber reinforcement, with 1.2% dosage yielding optimal results. Excessive fiber content led to diminishing returns. Energy index analysis revealed superior energy dissipation in specimens with higher PVA fiber content, emphasizing the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement in enhancing structural performance. Overall, the study underscores the importance of optimizing PVA fiber dosage to maximize structural resilience and load-bearing capacity in PVCC-layered concrete beams with coal ash.

Modelling and optimizing the impact resistance of engineered cementitious composites with Multiwalled carbon nanotubes using response surface methodology

Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) are highly regarded in construction owing to their tensile ductility and crack control capabilities, making them suitable for various structural applications. The accumulation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) further enhances their mechanical properties. However, there’s a significant knowledge gap concerning MWCNTs-ECC impact resistance. The objective of this study is to tackle the challenges associated with evaluating, optimizing, and predicting MWCNTs-ECC impact resistance to ensure its safe and widespread use in critical infrastructure by applying response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, the 13 mixtures of ECC combined with several quantities of PVA fiber and MWCNTs as input elements were utilized to calculate the first (E1) and final (E2) impact energies. The findings demonstrated that the MWCNTs-ECC combinations’ impact resistance improved as the input ingredient concentrations increased. Besides, the optimum E1 and E2 of ECC combined with 1% of PVA fiber were noted by 1398 Joules and 12,956 Joules at 0.065% of MWCNTs on 28 days respectively. Furthermore, Response prediction models for E1 and E2 were created, and after being validated with an analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was determined that they had high R2 readings of 99.30% and 99.07%, correspondingly. The optimization process produced an ideal number of input variables for MWCNTs and PVA fiber, respectively, of 0.066% and 1%, with a desirability value of 100%. Moreover, it is recommended that the usage of 0.066% of MWCNTs in ECC combined with 1.0–1.50% PVA fiber provides optimum results for the construction industry.

The high ductility performance of energy-absorbing buffer support materials

In order to study the realization of high ductility performance of foam fiber concrete (FFC) as energy-absorbing buffer support material, a series of samples were prepared based on the optimal mix ratio of orthogonal test. The uniaxial compression test was carried out to obtain the stress–strain curve and energy absorption curve. The strain capacity and macroscopic cracking process were revealed by digital image correlation (DIC). The mechanical performance of the admixture in the process of achieving high ductility performance was captured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results show that the average strength of FFC in the platform stage is 73.95% of the peak strength, and it can effectively absorb external energy as an energy-absorbing buffer support material. Foam, waste polystyrene particles and PVA fiber were the key factors to realize the high ductility of FFC.

Mechanism of interface performance enhancement of nano-SiO2 modified polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete: Experiments, microscopic characterization, and molecular simulation

This study proposes a method utilizing nano-SiO2 modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers to enhance the interface properties of geopolymer concrete. The surface properties of modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers were analyzed through microscopic characterization. The influence of different dosages of modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers on the mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete was investigated. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the interfacial toughening mechanism between modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers and geopolymer concrete. Results showed that nano-SiO2 modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers increased surface roughness, thereby enhancing interfacial adhesion and mechanical interlocking between fibers and geopolymer concrete, significantly improving compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of geopolymer concrete with an optimal fiber dosage of 0.2 %. Relative to unmodified PVA fibers, the modified fibers enhance the compressive, splitting tensile, flexural strength, and elastic modulus by 20.19 %, 15.72 %, 22.34 %, and 30.58 % respectively. KH560 serves as an intermediate medium for nano-SiO2 modified polyvinyl alcohol fibers, generating numerous hydrogen bonds at the interface and tightly adhering nano-SiO2 to the surface of polyvinyl alcohol fibers. Additionally, nano-SiO2 can form ionic bonds and stable Si-O-Si bonds with the hydrated sodium aluminosilicate gel.

Testing and evaluation of PVCC nano layered reinforced concrete T-beam: Experimental study

This study examines the performance of reinforced concrete T-beams strengthened with PVCC nano layering and basalt fiber fabric wrapping. TP3, a PVCC nano-layered specimen with 1.2% PVA fiber, and TB2, a basalt fiber fabric-wrapped beam, outperform the other specimens. TP3 has a first fracture load of 112 kN and a maximum ultimate load of 165 kN, with 1.66 times the ductility and 1.51 times the stiffness of the control beam (T0). TP3 also has 1.61 times more energy absorption and the highest energy index, 1.46 times that of T0. TB2 can withstand a maximum ultimate load of 185 kN and has higher ductility, stiffness, energy absorption, and energy index than T0. The experimental results are validated by finite element analysis, which provides useful insights into strengthening procedures in structural engineering applications.

Influence of Steel and Poly Vinyl Alcohol Fibers on the Development of High-Strength Geopolymer Concrete

The present study focuses on the mechanical performance of steel and polyvinyl alcohol fibers embedded in the geopolymer matrix. A high-strength geopolymer concrete with fly ash, slag and silica fume as precursors and sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions as activators has been tested for its strength in compression and flexure. The influence of fibers on flowability, long-term shrinkage and sulphuric acid attack on the geopolymer concrete has also been studied. The dosage of fibers was maintained at 1%, 2% and 3% by volume, and fibers of length 13 mm have been used in the study. Results indicate that slag with 3% steel fibers by volume had a predominant influence on the strength development of steel fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete, yielding a compressive strength of 107 MPa after 28 days. Blast furnace slag resulted in increasing the shrinkage of concrete due to rapid gel formation owing to the presence of calcium ions, although the fibers helped reduce the shrinkage to some extent. The strength of steel fiber geopolymer concrete was superior to PVA fiber geopolymer concrete; however, after an acid attack, the strength of steel fiber geopolymer concrete was reduced more than PVA fiber geopolymer concrete due to the enhanced corrosion resistance of PVA fibers.

Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biopolymer Fibers: Fabrication Techniques and Characterization Methods.

Hybrid nanocomposites combining biopolymer fibers incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) have received increasing attention due to their remarkable characteristics. Inorganic NPs are typically chosen for their properties, such as magnetism and thermal or electrical conductivity, for example. Meanwhile, the biopolymer fiber component is a backbone, and could act as a support structure for the NPs. This shift towards biopolymers over traditional synthetic polymers is motivated by their sustainability, compatibility with biological systems, non-toxic nature, and natural decomposition. This study employed the solution blow spinning (SBS) method to obtain a nanocomposite comprising poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVA, and gelatin biodegradable polymer fibers incorporated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles coated with poly(acrylic acid), PAA2k, coded as γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. The fiber production process entailed a preliminary investigation to determine suitable solvents, polymer concentrations, and spinning parameters. γ-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized via chemical co-precipitation as maghemite and coated with PAA2k through the precipitation-redispersion protocol in order to prepare γ-Fe2O3-NPs-PAA2k. Biopolymeric fibers containing coated NPs with sub-micrometer diameters were obtained, with NP concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 1.7% wt. The synthesized NPs underwent characterization via dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and infrared spectroscopy, while the biopolymer fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful implementation of SBS for producing biopolymeric fibers incorporating iron oxide NPs, where the amalgamation of materials demonstrated superior thermal behavior to the plain polymers. The thorough characterization of the NPs and fibers provided valuable insights into their properties, paving the way for their potential applications in various fields such as biomedical engineering, environmental remediation, and functional materials.

Effect of PVA fibers grafted with MWCNTs on the shrinkage behaviors of engineered geopolymer composite (EGC)

Geopolymer have been considered as a promising alternative for the development of high-ductility and eco-friendly engineered materials. In this study, modified PVA fibers grafted with MWCNTs(PM) are used as additives to investigate their impact on the drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage and chemical shrinkage of Engineered Geopolymer Composites(EGC). Additionally, various micro-structure techniques, including X-ray Diffraction(XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), are employed to examine the morphology and chemical composition of EGC. The experimental findings indicates that PVA fibers and MWCNTs both help to mitigate the drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of the EGC. When the PVA fiber content is 2.0 % and the MWCNT content is 1.0 ‰, the 90-day drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage values of the EGC are minimized, reducing by 31.67 % and 34.16 %, respectively, in comparison to the control group. However, the incorporation of MWCNTs increases the chemical shrinkage of the geopolymer matrix, with the chemical shrinkage value reaching its maximum when the MWCNT content is 1.0 ‰. Micro-structural analysis reveals that the inclusion of PM leads to an improvement in the quantity of reaction products without affecting their type. Furthermore, the incorporation of PM refines the overall pore structure, restricts the crack development and enhances the interfacial bonding effect of EGC. Notably, a correction prediction model for drying shrinkage strain and autogenous shrinkage strain, incorporating the influence coefficients of PVA fibers and MWCNTs, is constructed under constant humidity and temperature conditions. This significantly improves the prediction accuracy of drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of EGC.

Effect of different ceramsite types on the compressive performance of lightweight engineered geopolymer composites (LW-EGC) exposed to high temperatures

This study investigates the high-temperature performance of lightweight engineered geopolymer composites (LW-EGC) by analyzing the effects of different ceramsite types on thermal stability, compressive strength, and microstructural changes. LW-EGC-M and LW-EGC-C, which incorporate FACM and CC respectively, exhibited higher mass loss, indicating the release of moisture and volatiles. LW-EGC-S, which contains SC, exhibited the lowest mass loss across the entire temperature range. The compressive strength analysis reveals that, although the initial elastic behavior was similar across all aggregates, differences became apparent during the strengthening and yielding phases. At 800 °C, the peak stress of LW-EGC-S decreased significantly, dropping from 20.840 MPa at 20 °C to 6.850 MPa. Microstructural analysis of matrix at elevated temperatures using SEM, XRD, and FT-IR reveals dehydration, shrinkage, and cracking in the matrix, which degrade mechanical performance. However, the melting of PVA fibers in the 200–400 °C range facilitates the release of internal moisture, reducing steam pressure and preventing explosive spalling. While the dehydration of the matrix, the formation of nepheline, and the decomposition of calcite lead to an increase in porosity and a reduction in structural integrity, the fundamental geopolymer network remains stable. This study not only provides new insights into the thermal behavior of lightweight engineered geopolymer composites but also offers a promising approach for enhancing fire resistance in structural applications through the strategic selection of ceramsite types.

Experimental study on the influence of fiber characteristics on the working property of underwater flowable solidified soil: Flowability, anti-dispersion, strength and anti-scour resistance

A series of laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the properties of fiber-reinforced underwater flowable solidified soil (UFSS) as a novel material for scour protection in marine structures. The tests included flowability, underwater anti-dispersion, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and anti-scour resistance. Results showed that adding fibers reduced UFSS's flowability and significantly enhanced its underwater anti-dispersion, exhibiting a similar trend with increasing fiber content. Increasing fiber length initially decreased and then increased flowability, with the opposite trend for anti-dispersion. The least favorable fiber lengths for flowability were 6 mm for PVA fiber and 9 mm for both basalt and glass fibers, whereas these lengths were optimal for anti-dispersion. Fibers improved both UCS and anti-scour resistance of UFSS, with both properties first increasing and then decreasing as fiber content and length increased. Excessive fiber content or length reduced both properties. In this study, the optimal fiber content for improving UCS was 0.3% for PVA and 0.2% for basalt and glass fibers, with an optimal length of 6 mm for all three. An empirical exponential relationship between UCS, critical scour resistance velocity, and critical scour shear stress at typical times (t = 3 h, 5 h) was established for rapid prediction of UFSS's anti-scour resistance.

Multiple impact resistance and microstructure of hybrid fiber-reinforced fly ash/slag-based geopolymers after exposure to elevated temperatures

Engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) have garnered significant attention from researchers as a new environmentally friendly building material with superior tensile properties, impact resistance, and high-temperature resistance. This study focuses on the investigation of the dynamic mechanical properties of a hybrid fiber reinforced lightweight EGC containing ceramsite (LW-EGC) after exposure to elevated temperatures and multiple impacts. The effects of temperature, steel fiber content, and ceramsite types were taken into consideration. The analysis encompassed multiple impact stress-strain curves, dynamic peak stress and strain evolution, energy absorption, damage evolution, damage morphology, and microstructure changes following exposure to elevated temperatures. The experimental results revealed a significant decrease in the number of impacts endured by LW-EGC-M as the temperature increased. After 200 °C, the LW-EGC-M experienced 15 impacts, while after 800 °C, it only endured 2 impacts. Both cumulative energy absorption and cumulative damage of LW-EGC exhibited an exponential growth pattern with an increasing number of impacts. Microstructural analysis unveiled the emergence of a new nepheline phase after exposure to elevated temperatures, while the calcite in the matrix demonstrated gradual decomposition. Moreover, elevated temperatures led to a decreased Si/Al ratio in the matrix. The complete melting of PVA fibers after exposure to elevated temperatures resulted in the production of numerous interconnected pores in the matrix, leading to a decline in the mechanical strength of LW-EGC. This phenomenon also contributed to the reduction of internal pore pressures and the release of local vapor pressure generated by elevated temperatures.

Enhancing toughness in cement-based composites: Unraveling the composite effect mechanisms of polymers and fibers through physic testing and molecular dynamics simulations

To reveal the toughening mechanism of polymers and fibers in composite applications, a combination of physical tests (uniaxial compression, flexural fracture, single fiber pull-out, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD)) and molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out. Three polymers, i.e. ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), styrene-acrylate copolymer (SAE), and styrene-butadiene copolymer (SB), and two fibers, i.e. polypropylene fiber (PP) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA) are considered. Their composite effect mechanisms are explained in the viewpoint of three scales. At the macro-scale, the pull-out tests of single fiber show that the polymer increased the equivalent bond strength between the fiber and the mortar matrix. At micro-scale, it was observed from the SEM experiments that the fiber and polymer film inhibited the crack extension at different scales, besides the polymer could absorb on the fiber surface to improve the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) density around the fiber and increase the roughness of the fiber surface. At nano-scale, MD simulations demonstrate that three polymers facilitated the bond strength between PP fiber and C–S–H at the nano-scale, mainly because of the formation of Ca–O coordination bond and H-bonds between the polymers and C–S–H, and the presence of van der Waals forces between the polymers and PP fiber. However, SAE facilitated the bonding between the PVA fibers and the C–S–H, which originated from the coordination bonds formed between Ca ions on the surface of SAE and O atoms in PVA. In addition, the large number of H-bonds formed between SAE and PVA.

Enhancement of mechanical properties in coral concrete via seawater and sea-sand: Experimental insights into the use of dual plastic fibers

The South China Sea contains many coral reefs, and there is a lot of discussion about the best way to dispose of them. Finding ways to use these materials effectively in marine engineering could help address the shortage of natural aggregates in coastal engineering. One potential solution is using coral concrete, which offers cost-effective and enhanced properties. A type of coral fiber concrete using sea sand is created by combining coral rock, sea sand, seawater, PVA fiber, and PP fiber. The findings indicate that by utilizing the optimal ratio of the two fibers (3 kg PVA + 1 kg PP and 2 kg PVA + 2 kg PP), the cubic and axial compressive strength of the new concrete can be increased by 10 % and 20 %, respectively compared to ordinary coral concrete. Furthermore, incorporating these fibers can also reduce axial displacement, resulting in an elastic modulus that is 30–50 % higher than non-fiber variants while enhancing axial toughness. Finally, this study examines stress-strain curves at three different stages through analysis of macroscopic and microscopic failure mechanisms. It was found that there exists a correlation exceeding 0.9 between two mathematical models and measured stress-strain curves from this study. The effective use of composite plastic fiber significantly enhances concrete material performance while providing valuable data support for marine economic facilities construction.

Structural performance of hybrid reinforced concrete beams containing polyvinyl alcohol fibers under thermal loads

This study focused on the efficiency of concrete beams containing polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVA) under thermal loads. The eighteen concrete beams were reinforced with hybrid bars or a combination of GFRP bars and steel reinforcement bars (hybrid scheme). The main experimental variables were the level of temperature (25o, 300o, and 600o C), PVA fiber volume (0 %, 0.50 %, and 1.0 %), and the flexural reinforcement bars. The experimental test results are discussed in terms of the first crack load, flexural capacity, and load-deflection curves. Moreover, the initial and post-crack stiffness, ductility factor, and failure modes are discussed. The test results demonstrated a significant increase in the capacity of PVA concrete beams reinforced with hybrid reinforcement bars. At a temperature of 300o C, the inclusion of 0.50 % and 1.0 % PVA ratios improved the flexural capacities by 11 % and 24 %, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of PVA fibers enhanced the toughness by 34 % and 67 %, respectively, when compared to normal concrete beams. The results also demonstrate that using PVA fibers prevents the spalling of concrete beams after exposure to elevated temperatures. At 600 °C, beams containing 0.50 % and 1.0 % PVA fibers exhibited flexural capacities that were 9 % and 6 % higher, respectively, compared to normal concrete beams. Additionally, the inclusion of PVA fibers increased the toughness by 27 % and 21 % for the respective fiber ratios. Finally, a nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) simulation was performed to verify the experimental test results and supplement experiments by predicting the results that are difficult to accomplish through experiments. With an average ratio of 1.02 between experimental and NLFEA ultimate capacity, the numerical results were an exact match of the patterns observed in the experimental results.

Modeling of the effect of fibers on ECC slurry fluidity based on an amended water film thickness theory

Knowing the influence mechanisms of fibers on ECC slurry fluidity and implementing the prediction of ECC slurry fluidity attach vital significance to the design and application of ECC. Based on traditional water film thickness (WFT) theories, this paper introduces the difference in surface WFT of reactive fibers and binding material particles with excess water distribution coefficient and further gives a modified formula for water film calculation and a WFT based ECC fluidity model. Through 40 tests and fitting, the excess water distribution coefficient with respect to distinct fibers and relevant parameters of the ECC fluidity model are obtained. The results indicate that the new model is applicable to different types of fibers, and the fluidity of ECC slurry can be described using an equation, with the R2 of the new equation reaching 0.97. Finally, based on the proposed model, the impact of PP and PVA fibers on the fluidity of ECC slurry can be summarized in two aspects: the wedge effect of the fibers reduces the packing density of the ECC powder, leading to a decrease in the excess water ratio; the water distribution in the ECC slurry is altered by the fibers, resulting in a decrease in the water film thickness on the surface of the cementitious material particles, ultimately causing a decline in the fluidity of the ECC slurry.

Multi-Objective Optimization and Mechanical Properties Analysis of Steel-PVA Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites.

When steel fiber and PVA fiber produced in China and PVA fiber made in Japan are prepared according to the appropriate proportions, the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HFRCC) are better, which is beneficial to cost control and has wide application prospects. The effects of the volume content of steel fibers and the volume substitution rate of PVA fibers on the tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength of HFRCC were analyzed using the factor optimization method and principal component analysis (PCA). Through the principal component analysis of HFRCC, a mathematical model for comprehensive performance evaluation was established, and a multi-objective optimization was carried out. The results show that compared with the matrix, the tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength of concrete increase significantly when the volume content of steel fibers is 0.2-0.4% and the volume substitution rate of domestically produced PVA fibers in China or PVA fibers produced in Japan is 50-100%. The maximum cost reduction is 88.25%, and the strength index of HFRCC can reach the optimum; the weights of each factor on the performance of HFRCC were obtained through mathematical statistics. Combined with a variable correlation analysis, these indicators should be noted when optimizing the performance of HFRCC. The research results can provide a basis for the preparation of HFRCC.

Carbon fiber and PVA fiber reinforced concrete: Electrical resistivity and piezoresistive properties

This study examines the effects of carbon fiber (CF) and polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF) on the mechanical and electrical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete by using four-electrode system and piezoresistive testing platforms. The optimal combination of 0.6 % CF and 0.6 % PVAF significantly improved piezoresistive properties, with a 45 % increase in relative resistivity. Additionally, 0.6 % CF with 0.9 % PVAF achieved a 13 % boost in compressive strength. SEM analysis revealed enhanced interfacial bonding between fibers, leading to improved mechanical and electrical performance. These findings highlight the composite’s potential for structural health monitoring, electromagnetic shielding, and winter snow removal applications