Influence of nanoparticles additions on the bond between steel fibres and the binding paste

An experimental program was defined and conducted to analyze the influence of nanoparticles additions in the fibre-to-paste bond strength. A new pull-out test for monitor the fibres' slip versus the applied load was specifically designed in this scope, using current equipment, and thirty-six specimens were tested up to failure. It was concluded that it is more effective to add nanoparticles to the binding paste than to add these as fibres' coating and the fibres' anchorage, namely the hooks at both ends of the fibres, plays a much more significant role on the fibres-to-paste bond strength than the nanoparticles addition.