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Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials

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A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2022) | Viewed by 15715

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Carlos Zanuy

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Guest Editor

Department of Continuum Mechanics & Structures, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, ETS Ingenieros de Caminos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: structural concrete; fiber-reinforced concrete; bond; fatigue; impact

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The use of high- and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concretes (HPFRC and UHPFRC, respectively) has increased significantly in recent years as a result of large research efforts and collaboration between research and industry. Among the most recent developments aiming at an optimization of the material possibilities, researchers have tried to combine different fiber types within the cementitious mix, including fibers with different geometries (straight, deformed, twisted, etc.) or materials (steel, polymer, synthetic, etc.). New advances regarding the aggregates, cement or additives have favored the development of engineered composites. Special mixes have been developed to perform satisfactorily under severe load conditions and environments such as fatigue, impact, or corrosion. In addition, HPFRC and UHPFRC have been combined with other materials (such as conventional concrete, steel, FRP, etc.) to form composite members or strengthen and retrofit existing structures. Research challenges such as the bond between materials and rheological effects’ interaction have to be addressed for such composite elements. The objective of this Special Issue is to put together the most recent and relevant research results by materials, structural, chemical, and mechanical engineering experts in this field.

This Special Issue is therefore dedicated to “Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials”, and it intends to welcome contributions on, but not limited to, the following subjects:

Material and chemical properties of high- and ultra-high performance hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete;
Optimal mix design of high- and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete;
Development of high-performance engineered cementitious composites;
Multiscale (nano, micro, macro) fiber-reinforced concrete;
Fiber-matrix bond and internal interaction of components of high- and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete;
Structural behavior of composite members combining high- and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete with other materials;`
Innovative applications of composite members of high- and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete and other materials.

Prof. Dr. Carlos Zanuy
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

HPFRC
UHPFRC
mix optimization
composite structures
hybrid fiber reinforcement

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 189 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials

by Carlos Zanuy

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3409; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15093409 - 09 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182

Abstract

The use of high- and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes (HPFRC and UHPFRC, respectively) has increased significantly in the last few years as a result of large research efforts and collaboration between research and industry [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

19 pages, 6702 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficiency of Hybrid Intelligent Models in Predicting Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Concrete Interfacial-Bond Strength

by Mohammad Sadegh Barkhordari, Danial Jahed Armaghani, Mohanad Muayad Sabri Sabri, Dmitrii Vladimirovich Ulrikh and Mahmood Ahmad

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3019; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15093019 - 21 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1931

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) has several benefits, in addition to excellent tensile strength and low self-weight, including corrosion resistance, high durability, and easy construction, making it among the most optimum options for concrete structure restoration. The bond behavior of the FRP-concrete (FRPC) interface, on the other hand, is extremely intricate, making the bond strength challenging to estimate. As a result, a robust modeling framework is necessary. In this paper, data-driven hybrid models are developed by combining state-of-the-art population-based algorithms (bald eagle search (BES), dynamic fitness distance balance-manta ray foraging optimization (dFDB-MRFO), RUNge Kutta optimizer (RUN)) and artificial neural networks (ANN) named “BES-ANN”, “dFDB-MRFO -ANN”, and “RUN-ANN” to estimate the FRPC interfacial-bond strength accurately. The efficacy of these models in predicting bond strength is examined using an extensive database of 969 experimental samples. Compared to the BES-ANN and dFDB-MRFO models, the RUN-ANN model better estimates the interfacial-bond strength. In addition, the SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) approach is used to help interpret the best model and examine how the features influence the model’s outcome. Among the studied hybrid models, the RUN-ANN algorithm is the most accurate model with the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 92%), least mean absolute error (0.078), and least coefficient of variation (18.6%). The RUN-ANN algorithm also outperformed mechanics-based models. Based on SHAP and sensitivity analysis method, the FRP bond length and width contribute more to the final prediction results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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14 pages, 18156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect Steel Fibre Content on the Load-Carrying Capacity of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Expansion Anchor

by Daniel Dudek, Marta Kadela and Marcin Małek

Materials 2021, 14(24), 7757; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14247757 - 15 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The article presents the pull-out strength tests carried out on M10 expansion anchors in non-cracked and cracked concrete with a crack width c_w = 0.30 mm. The breaking loads and the average pull-out strength of anchors in fibre-reinforced concrete substrates were determined. Fibre content ratios of 15, 30 and 50 kg/m³ were used. In addition, two different classes of concrete (C20/25 and C50/60) were tested. The addition of steel fibres caused a decrease in the pull-out strength by 5% for non-cracked concrete of C20/25 class and fibre content up to 30 kg/m³ and a further 7% for the remaining specified dosage. While for concrete of the C50/60 class, it a decrease in the pull-out strength of up to 20% was observed. For cracked concrete class C20/25 with crack initiation c_w = 0.30 mm, the reduction was from 9% to 16% in relation to non-cracked concrete and a maximum of 18% for the fibre content of 50 kg/m³. The difference between the tensile load capacity of C50/60 class cracked and non-cracked concrete was lower than 5% and fell within the measurement error. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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17 pages, 4588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Matrix Optimization of Ultra High Performance Concrete for Improving Strength and Durability

by Julio A. Paredes, Jaime C. Gálvez, Alejandro Enfedaque and Marcos G. Alberti

Materials 2021, 14(22), 6944; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14226944 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

This paper seeks to optimize the mechanical and durability properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). To meet this objective, concrete specimens were manufactured by using 1100 kg/m³ of binder, water/binder ratio 0.20, silica sand and last generation of superplasticizer. Silica fume, metakaolin and two types of nano silica were used for improving the performances of the concrete. Additional mixtures included 13 mm long OL steel fibers. Compressive strength, electrical resistivity, mercury intrusion porosimetry tests, and differential and thermogravimetric thermal analysis were carried out. The binary combination of nano silica and metakaolin, and the ternary combination of nano silica with metakaolin and silica fume, led to the best performances of the UHPC, both mechanical and durable performances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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16 pages, 4852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Thermoplastic Composite Reinforced Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Panels for Impact Resistance

by Reagan Smith-Gillis, Roberto Lopez-Anido, Todd S. Rushing and Eric N. Landis

Materials 2021, 14(10), 2490; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14102490 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2067

Abstract

In order to improve flexural and impact performance, thin panels of steel fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were further reinforced with external layers of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites. CFRTP sheets were bonded to 305 × 305 × 12 mm UHPC panels using two different techniques. First, unidirectional E-glass fiber-reinforced tapes of polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) were arranged in layers and fused to the UHPC panels through thermoforming. Second, E-glass fiber woven fabrics were placed on the panel faces and bonded by vacuum infusion with a methyl methacrylate (MAA) polymer. Specimens were cut into four 150 mm square panels for quasi-static and low-velocity impact testing in which loads were applied at the panel centers. Under quasi-static loading, both types of thermoplastic composite reinforcements led to a 150–180% increase in both peak load capacity and toughness. Impact performance was measured in terms of both residual deformation and change in specimen compliance, and CFRTP additions were reduced both by 80% to 95%, indicating an increase in damage resistance. While both reinforcement fabrication techniques provided added performance, the thermoforming method was preferable due to its simplicity and fewer specialized tool requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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14 pages, 3644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Material Properties of Mortar Reinforced with Glass Fiber: An Experimental Study

by Marcin Małek, Mateusz Jackowski, Waldemar Łasica, Marta Kadela and Marcin Wachowski

Materials 2021, 14(3), 698; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14030698 - 02 Feb 2021

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 4048

Abstract

The progressive increase in the amount of glass waste produced each year in the world made it necessary to start the search for new recycling methods. This work summarizes the experimental results of the study on mortar samples containing dispersed reinforcement in the form of glass fibers, fully made from melted glass waste (bottles). Mortar mixes were prepared according to a new, laboratory-calculated recipe containing glass fibers, granite as aggregate, polycarboxylate-based deflocculant and Portland cement (52.5 MPa). This experimental work involved three different contents (600, 1200, and 1800 g/m³) of recycled glass fibers. After 28 days, the mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength were characterized. Furthermore, the modulus of elasticity and Poisson coefficient were determined. The initial and final setting times, porosity, and pH of the blends were measured. Images of optical microscopy (OM) were taken. The addition of glass fibers improves the properties of mortar. The highest values of mechanical properties were obtained for concrete with the addition of 1800 g/m³ of glass fibers (31.5% increase in compressive strength, 29.9% increase in flexural strength, and 97.6% increase in split tensile strength compared to base sample). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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20 pages, 5259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Behavior of RC-HPFRC Tension Members under Service Loads

by Carlos Zanuy, Pedro Javier Irache and Alejandro García-Sainz

Materials 2021, 14(1), 47; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14010047 - 24 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

A significant increase of the use of high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (HPFRC) to strengthen reinforced concrete structures (RC) has been noted for the past few years, thereby achieving composite RC-HPFRC elements. Such a technique tries to take advantage of the superior material properties of HPFRC in the ultimate and service load regimes. Many of the existing works on RC-HPFRC elements have focused on the strength increase at the ultimate load state and much less effort has been devoted to the serviceability response. The in-service performance of RC structures is governed by the behavior of the tension chord, which determines the crack pattern (crack widths are critical for durability) and deformations. The presence of HPFRC is supposed to improve serviceability due to its strain-hardening and tension-softening capacities. In this paper, the experimental analysis of composite RC-HPFRC tension members is dealt with. Specimens consisting of a RC tie strengthened with two 35 mm thick HPFRC layers have been subjected to loads in the service range so that the deformational and cracking response can be analyzed. The HPFRC has been a cement-based mortar with 3% volumetric amount of short straight steel fibers with a compressive and tensile strength of 144 MPa and 8.5 MPa, respectively. The experiments have shown that RC-HPFRC has higher stiffness, first cracking strength and reduced crack widths and deformations compared to companion unstrengthened RC. To understand the observed behavioral stages, the experimental results are compared with an analytical tension chord model, which is a simplified version of a previous general model by the authors consisting of 4 key points. In addition, the influence of time-dependent shrinkage has been included in the presented approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Developments on High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hybrid Mixes and Combinations with Other Materials)

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