Analytical and experimental investigations on the fracture behavior of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete

In the present study, Mode-I fracture tests of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) composite beams were conducted and the fracture properties and other post peak strength characteristics of the HFRC composites were evaluated and analyzed. The HFRC composite was produced using three types of fibers namely steel, Kevlar and polypropylene. A total of 27 HFRC composite beam specimens were cast and tested using the RILEM recommended three point bending test. The main variables were the fiber volume content and combinations of different fibers. The load versus crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) curves of HFRC composite beams were obtained. Inverse analysis was carried out to determine the tensile strength and crack opening relationship. Analytical models based on comprehensive reinforcing index were developed for determining the influence of the fibers on fracture energy, flexural tensile strength, equivalent tensile strengths and residual tensile strengths of HFRC composites. Based on the experimental results and inverse analysis, a model for predicting the tensile softening diagram of HFRC composite mixes was also developed. The analytical models show conformity with the experimental results.