On the modeling of tensile behavior of ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete with freezing-thawing actions. (1st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhou, Zhidong; Xie, Ruifeng; Qiao, Pizhong; Lu, Linjun
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 174(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-01
• Subjects: Fiber-reinforced concrete -- Tensile behavior -- Freezing-thawing -- Direct tension test -- Interfacial transition zone -- Nanoindentation -- Durability; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.106983
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: An analytical model is proposed to predict the tensile behavior of Ultra-High Performance fiber-reinforced Concrete (UHPC) with extended cyclic freezing-thawing (F-T) actions. Based on the work mechanisms of stress transfer at the matrix-fiber interface, the fiber pullout behavior is modeled, from which the combined effects of fiber orientation, fiber snubbing and matrix spalling on the tensile responses of UHPC are characterized with a fiber reinforcement efficiency function. The nanoindentation test results show that the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between steel fiber and cementitious matrix deteriorates over the F-T period, and the thickness of this ITZ weak band gradually increases from 22 μm at 0 cycle to 60 μm at 1500 F-T cycles. A good agreement is achieved between the analytical and experimental tensile responses of UHPC at various F-T cycles, and the predictability of the model is improved by adjusting the coefficients that govern the softening branch of tensile stress-crack width curves. The proposed analytical model can be used to effectively predict the tensile behavior of UHPC and its degradation effect due to F-T actions.