Experimental and numerical investigation on the dynamic tensile behavior of ultra-high performance cement based composites

In order to investigate the dynamic tensile behavior of ultra-high performance cement based composites (UHPCCs) used in defense works, UHPCC with 200 MPa compressive strength is prepared by replacing a large quantity of cement by industrial waste residues such as silica fume, fly ash and slag; and substituting ground fine quartz sand (⩽600 μm in diameter) with natural sand (2.5 mm in diameter). Dynamic tensile tests are conducted using Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) on UHPCC with different fiber volume fraction. By using this method, the dynamic tensile strength of UHPCC and its dependence on strain rates are measured and investigated. Results show that dynamic tensile strength of UHPCC is rate sensitive and also improved with an increase of fiber volume fraction. In addition, the finite element method (LS-DYNA) is employed to simulate the whole impact process of UHPCC. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with experimental results and can be used for further research.

► We prepare three kinds of ultra-high performance cement based composites (UHPCCs).
► We investigate the dynamic tensile behaviors of UHPCCs by SHPB tests.
► We investigate the spalling tensile patterns of UHPCCs at different strain rates.
► The whole impact process of UHPCC is simulated by the finite element method (LS-DYNA).