Development of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC) for application as a transition layer of reinforced beams

Abstract

This study presents the development and behavior analysis of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC). The described materials were specifically developed for application as a transition layer: a repair layer that constitutes the stressed chord of reinforced concrete strengthened in flexure with carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). Nineteen different composites were produced by the hybridization process, varying the conventional short steel fiber and steel microfiber (manufactured exclusively for this research) contents to modify the microstructure of the material, thus enhancing the stress transfer process from the cement matrix to the fibers. To analyze the response to flexural loading, the composites underwent three point bending tests in notched prism specimens. The response of the material was obtained considering strength and tenacity parameters (flexural and fracture). There was evidence of high performance by the composites with a pseudo-hardening behavior.