Design, casting and fracture analysis of textile reinforced cementitious shells. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsangouri, Eleni; Van Driessche, Aron; Livitsanos, Georgios; Aggelis, Dimitrios G.
• Is Part Of: Developments in the built environment. Volume 3(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Textile reinforced cementitious -- Shell -- Ductility -- Curvature -- Slenderness -- Fracture -- Acoustic emission -- Digital image correlation -- Full-field structural health monitoring; Civil engineering -- Periodicals; Sustainable construction -- Periodicals; 624.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2666-1659

Abstract

Abstract: The high potentials of thin, light-weight and slender textile reinforced cementitious (TRC) composites permits multi-layered, effective, highly-aesthetic and elaborated designs as launched nowadays: domes, vaults, free-form structures. Their casting and installation appear challenging requiring textiles secure mounting and in-time mortar casting. In this study, TRC roof shells are cast into a reusable formwork that provides controlled thickness and smooth surfaces. Casting is limited to a few hours with the minimum labor. TRC shells are tested under distributed loading. Digital Image Correlation measures online, in full-field the deflection and cracks opening. Acoustic Emission tracks cracks onset. It is demonstrated that at the early loading, TRC shells behave as a compressive element. Beyond cement strength, the textiles elongate to bear loading. In higher curvature shells, the stiffness rises and several wider cracks form. The catastrophic collapse is evaded, and ductility is achieved. TRCs demonstrate optimal performance with non-confined supports, offering new perspectives on free-form designs. Highlights: Textile cementitious (TRC) shells are optimally cast with minimum labor in few hours. TRC is cast into reusable formwork providing controlled thickness and smooth surfaces. In higher curvature, stiffness rises and multiple cracks form as textiles bear the load. Under service loads, ductile fracture occurs and catastrophic collapse is evaded. TRC demonstrate effective response to damage even in non-confined supports setup.