Interfacial technology for enhancement in steel fiber reinforced cementitious composite from nano to macroscale

Abstract

The rapid construction of innovative structures and megastructures is pushing the development of steel fiber reinforced cementitious composite (SFRCC). The interfacial enhancement technology from nano to macroscale for improving global properties of SFRCC is summarized here, including nanomaterials reinforcement of cementitious matrix, physical arrangement and nanomaterials modification of steel fiber. The interfacial bonding strength of SFRCC can be enhanced more than 150% via these approaches. To evaluate the effect of local interfacial technology on global mechanical properties of SFRCC, the structural performance of SFRCC with interfacial modification is reviewed. The energy absorption capacity of SFRCC can be improved over 20% through interfacial enhancement technology. The multi-scale mechanisms behind these approaches are illustrated through macroscale characterizations and molecular dynamics modeling. Furthermore, the key challenges and future prospects of enhancement approaches are also discussed from the perspectives of bottom-up system, nanoscale reinforcement, and durability properties in SFRCC, which are expected to inspire further improvement in interfacial performance and promote the application of SFRCC in practical engineering.