Compressive Test Investigation and Numerical Simulation of Polyvinyl-Alcohol (PVA)-Fiber-Reinforced Rubber Concrete

Abstract

To investigate the mechanical properties of polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA)-fiber-reinforced rubber concrete, 13 groups of PVA rubber/concrete specimens with PVA volume fractions of 0%, 0.5 vol%, 1.0 vol%, and 1.5 vol% and rubber particles with volume replacement sand ratios of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were prepared, and the uniaxial compression full curve test was performed. The findings indicate that the bridging effect of PVA, as well as the synergistic effect of PVA and rubber particles, can improve the compressive properties of concrete, and the failure of the specimens demonstrates obvious ductile characteristics. Furthermore, PVA has a better impact on rubber concrete’s bearing capacity, crack propagation of the failure surface, and compressive strength in the latter stages. PVA-fiber-reinforced rubber concrete is thought to be a six-phase composite made up of the aggregate phase, mortar matrix, PVA fiber, rubber particles, aggregate–mortar interface, and rubber–mortar interface on the mesoscale. To simulate the entire process of concrete with varying PVA rubber/content from integrity to damage and cracking, a meso-numerical model of PVA rubber/concrete was constructed. The simulation results and test results are in good agreement, demonstrating the validity of the mesomodel and offering a theoretical foundation for the structural analysis and design of this type of concrete.