Mechanical properties and fracture parameters of ultra high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete composites made with extremely low water per binder ratios

Abstract

This study examines the effects of high-volume micro-steel fibers (MSF) content on the mechanical properties, fracture parameters, and ductility of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRCs). The MSFs used in this experiment had an aspect ratio of 37.5 with average length of 6 mm. The investigated parameters include very low water/binder (w/b) ratio and fiber content. Sixteen UHPFRC mixes were examined, eight mixes were made with w/b of 0.12 and eight fiber contents (0%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5, 4%) while the other eight mixes were made with the same fiber contents but with w/b of 0.14. The UHPFRC mixes were examined for various strengths (compressive, splitting tensile, flexural), elastic modulus, and fracture parameters. The experimental results showed that the mixture with 4% of MSFs content and 0.12 w/b ratio exhibited a compressive strength of more than 160 MPa, splitting tensile strength higher than 12 MPa, and modulus of elasticity greater than 43 GPa. Moreover, the results also demonstrated that with increasing MSFs content from 0 to 4% the load–displacement behavior, ductility, and all other fracture parameters were improved significantly.