Development of heavyweight high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) - Part I: Mechanical properties

- Heavy-weight high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composite was studied.
- Barite sand and granulated ferrous waste were used in production of the composites.
- Type of aggregate influenced the energy absorption capacity of the specimens.
- Use of granulated ferrous waste led to higher toughness at higher fiber content.

This paper addresses the development of heavyweight high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) incorporating silica sand-quartz powder blend, granulated ferrous waste or barite as fine aggregate. In this phase of the experimental program, the effects of three types of aggregates on mechanical properties of HPFRCC were investigated. Additionally, three different water-to-binder ratios, and three different steel fiber volume fractions were the other experimental variables. Also two different curing conditions (standard water curing and steam curing) were applied to HPFRCC specimens. Particle shape and surface morphology of the aggregates were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compressive strength, flexural strength and flexural toughness of the HPFRCC series were examined and discussed with regard to fine aggregate characteristics. The results showed that the highest flexural strength was achieved in the series incorporating granulated ferrous waste. Furthermore, all test series exhibited a ductile response and deflection-hardening behavior, regardless of the aggregate type and volume fraction of steel fiber.

103