Effect of matrix cracking on electrical resistivity of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites in tension

The effect of matrix cracking on the electrical resistivity of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) was investigated by performing multi-steel fiber pullout tests combined with electrical resistivity measurement. The electrical resistivity of the HPFRCCs fell immediately after the matrix cracking and then started to increase after full debonding of the fibers during fibers pullout processing. The specimens with the two pre-designated cracks exhibited a higher reduction in the electrical resistivity than those with the one pre-designated cracks or pre-crack. The source of the sensing damage of HPFRCC in tension significantly depends upon matrix cracking and fiber matrix debonding.