Deformational Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Cement Based Materials Under Repeated Loading

Abstract

Bond degradation of the constitute materials of the structure causes an increase in residual deflection and total surface crack width  which reduces overall performance of structures. Advanced construction materials such as ultra-high strength fiber-reinforced concrete, commonly known as engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and fiberreinforced strain-hardening cement-based composites  (SHCC)are designed to offer superior mechanical properties with multiple fine cracks and deformability than conventional concrete  materials because of the bridging effect of embedded fibers. In general, both ECC and SHCC can be suitable for applications involving repeated loadings. However, the performance depends on magnitude, type of loads, etc. In this study, deformational behavior of fiber  reinforced cement-based materials, ECC and SHCC, under repeated loading (low cycle fatigue) were investigated. Test results showed  that, ECC is bendable, the deformation can be easily detected and has high impact resistance. On the other hand, SHCC has the potential  for multiple cracking and strain-hardening behavior. ECC and SHCC can thus be used for strengthening and retrofitting of structural  elements in addition to their benefits for new construction works.