Influence of three-dimensional (3D) fabric orientation on flexural properties of cement-based composites

This research studied the flexural behavior of textile reinforced cement-based composites reinforced with 3D fabrics. Three different 3D fabrics were examined, each with a different orientation of the spacer yarns. This work focused on the influences involved in the two plane fabric directions, weft and warp. Plain 2D fabrics (not in cement) and within the cement were also examined for comparison. It was found that the warp direction of the plain fabric has higher tensile strength than the weft direction. On the contrary, when the fabric is in a composite, the weft direction presents improved behavior in flexure due to three mechanisms: the tightening of the warp bundles by the loops, the waviness of the warp yarns, and the angle of the yarns located along the composite thickness to the loading direction. In general, compared with 2D fabrics, 3D fabrics are highly beneficial reinforcements for cement-based composites due to their greater reinforcing efficiency via mechanical anchoring.