An experimental-analytical scale-linking study on the crack-bridging mechanisms in different types of SHCC in dependence on fiber orientation

Abstract

A scale-linking, experimental study complemented by an analytical model was carried out to investigate the influence of fiber orientation on the crack-opening behavior of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC). Three SHCC compositions were investigated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers in combination with normal- and high-strength matrices. The micromechanical experiments with fiber inclinations of 0◦, 30◦, 45◦, and 60◦ involved fiber embedment in plain and fiber-reinforced specimens. The experimentally derived micromechanical parameters were input into an analytical crack-bridging model to assess the upscaling accuracy of the micromechanical results by comparing the predicted crack-bridging laws to the single-crack opening behavior of equivalent miniature SHCC specimens with controlled fiber orientation. This study yields new insights into the effect of fiber orientation on the crackbridging properties of different types of SHCC, assesses the link between micromechanical and composite scale properties, offers a solid experimental basis for refining the analytical models, and developing anisotropic materials models for SHCC in dependence on fiber orientation