Flexural toughness and ductility characteristics of polyvinyl-alcohol fibre reinforced concrete (PVA-FRC)

Amin Noushini, Bijan Samali, Kirk Vessalas

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paperpeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

![CDATA[This paper presents the results of an experimental study investigating the effect of uncoated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres on the properties of hardened concrete. PVA fibre of varying lengths, 6 and 12 mm and aspect ratio (l/d) of 430 and 860, respectively, was utilised in different volume fractions of 0.125%, 0.25%, and 0.5%. In addition, 30% fly ash was also used as partial replacement of Portland cement in all fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) mixes. Uniaxial compression, splitting tensile, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) tests were performed following the Australian Standards to evaluate the mechanical properties of PVA-FRCs. Fracture test is also conducted in accordance with European Standard in order to evaluate the residual flexural tensile strength and limit of proportionality of PVA-FRCs. Furthermore, the structural properties of reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating PVA fibres are investigated for their load-deflection behaviour using 4-point loading. Flexural toughness of the test specimens and peak load deflection were measured and discussed indicating to what extent the un-coated PVA fibre can enhance the brittle-like behaviour of concrete. Results show that adding PVA fibres to the mix generally improves the mechanical properties of concrete. Regarding the strength, the optimum fibre content goes to 0.25% for both fibre lengths and in the case of toughness and ultimate deflection 0.5% shows the highest values. An increase of 30% in ductility is noted for the RC beam incorporating 0.5% by volume fraction of 12 mm PVA fibre.]]
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures (FraMCoS-8), 11-14 March, 2013, Toledo, Spain
PublisherInternational Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering
Pages1110-1121
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9788494100413
Publication statusPublished - 2013
EventInternational Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures -
Duration: 11 Mar 2013 → …

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures
Period11/03/13 → …

Keywords

  • fiber-reinforced concrete
  • flexure

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