An Experimental study on mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC)

Abstract

This research investigated the structural properties (i.e., compressive, tensile, and flexural strength) of different types of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) with various fibers volume fraction (i.e., 0–4%) and properties compared with a normal strength concrete (NSC) mix. The straight micro steel fibers with aspect ratios (65 and 30) were considered for UHPFRC. The compressive strength exceeded 121 MPa with a water–cementitious material ratio of 0.20 after steam curing. The results of this investigation confirmed that UHPFRC exhibited superior mechanical performance compared to NSC. The increase of fiber volume content showed that mechanical properties of the UHPFRC also increased. It can be seen from the tensile strength tests that NSC and UHPFRC specimen without fiber ended with sudden brittle failure, on the other hand, the specimens made of UHPFRC containing fibers show ductile behaviors. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, direct tensile strength, and flexural performance were improved by increasing the fiber volume fraction.