Behavior of double-edge-notched specimens made of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites subject to direct tensile loading with high strain rates

Strain rate effects on the tensile strength and fracture energies, including specific work-to-fracture, fracture energy and the entire fracture energy, of high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) were investigated. The tensile strength and entire fracture energy of HPFRCCs were clearly affected by loading rates: HPFRCCs produced enhanced tensile strength and entire fracture energy at higher strain rates, albeit the enhancements were different according to fiber type, fiber volume content and matrix type. Twisted fibers, except in the case of 1.5%, generally produced a higher tensile strength and entire fracture energy than hooked fibers. Twisted fibers also produced a higher rate of sensitivity on tensile strength, but lower sensitivity on entire fracture energy. The specific work-to-fracture was more sensitive to strain rates than the fracture energy. The different rates of sensitivity between specific work-to-fracture and fracture energy are based on the different fiber bridging mechanisms in the hardening and softening stages.