Skip to main content
Log in

Fiber orientation distribution and tensile mechanical response in UHPFRC

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Materials and Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, the crucial effect of the fiber orientation distribution on the tensile mechanical response of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) is discussed. A direct tension test method was used to characterize the tensile response of a UHPFRC material as well as to assess the actual tensile response along the principal directions in a real-scale UHPFRC structural element. Moreover, the actual fiber orientation distribution was evaluated in representative sections through an image analysis technique. The experimental results validated the anisotropy in the fiber orientation distribution and, consequently, in the tensile mechanical properties as a consequence of the casting process and the flow pattern. The concept of the fiber orientation factor was discussed as well as the approaches currently adopted to implement robust and reliable safety factors accounting for the fiber orientation distribution impact on the design methodologies for UHPFRC. Finally, the need of a comprehensive design framework for UHPFRC structures was highlighted in order to allow for fully exploitation of the material properties.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. AFGC (2013) Bétons fibrés ultra-hautes performances: recommandations. Association Francaise de Génie Civil, Paris

  2. Richard P, Cheyrezy M (1995) Composition of reactive powders concretes. Cem Concr Res 25(7):1501–1511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Naaman AE, Reinhardt HW (1996) Characterization of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites. In: Naaman AE, Reinhardt HW (eds) Proceedings of 2nd international workshop on HPFRCC, E & FN Spon, London, pp 1–24

  4. Graybeal B, Baby F (2013) Development of a direct tension test method for ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete. ACI Struct J 110(2):177–186

    Google Scholar 

  5. de Larrard F, Sedran T (1994) Optimization of ultra-high performance concrete by the use of packing model. Cem Concr Res 24(6):997–1009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Martinie L, Rossi P, Roussel N (2011) Rheology of fiber-reinforcement cementitious materials: basic concepts and applications to UHPFRC, Ch. 39. In: Toutlemonde F, Resplendino J (eds) Designing and building with UHPFRC. Wiley, Hoboken

    Google Scholar 

  7. Wille K, Naaman AE, Parra-Montesinos GJ (2011) Ultra-high performance concerete with compresive strength exceeding 150 MPa (22 ksi): a simpler way. ACI Mater J 108:46–54

    Google Scholar 

  8. Yu R, Spiesz P, Brouwers HJH (2014) Mix design and properties of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Cem Concr Res 56:29–39

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Ferrara L, Ozyurt N, Prisco MD (2011) High mechanical performance of fiber reinforced cementitious composites: the role of “casting-flow induced” fibre orientation. Mater Struct 74:109–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Martinie L, Roussel N (2011) Simply tools for fiber orientation prediction in industrial practice. Cem Concr Res 41:993–1000

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Oesterlee C (2010) Structural response of reinforced UHPFRC and RC composite members, Doctoral Dissertation. EPFL, Lausanne

  12. Wille K, Tue NV, Parra-Montesinos GJ (2014) Fiber distribution and orientation in UHP-FRC beams and their effect on backward analysis. Mater Struct 47(11):1825–1838

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Kang ST, Lee BY, Kim J, Kim YY (2011) The effect of fiber distribution characteristics on the flexural strength of steel fibre-reinforced ultra high strength concrete. Constr Build Mater 25:2450–2457

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Xia J, Mackie K (2014) Axisymmetric fiber orientation distribution of short straight fiber in fiber-reinforced concrete. ACI Struct J 111(2):133–142

    Google Scholar 

  15. Lataste JF, Behloul M, Breysse D (2008) Characterisation of fibres distribution in a steel fibre reinforced concrete with electrical resistivity measurements. NDT E Int 41(8):638–647

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Martinie L, Lataste JF (2015) Fiber orientation during casting of UHPFRC: electrical resistivity measurements, image analysis and numerical simulation. Mater Struct 48:947–957

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Ozyurt N, Mason TN, Shah SP (2006) Non-destructive monitoring of fiber orientation using AC-IS: an industrial scale application. Cem Concr Res 36(9):1653–1660

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ozyurt N, Woo LY, Mason TN, Shah SP (2006) Monitoring fiber dispersion in fiber-reinforced cementitious materials: comparison of AC-impedance spectroscopy and image analysis. ACI Mater J 103(5):340–347

    Google Scholar 

  19. Dupont D, Vandewalle L (2005) Distribution of steel fibres in rectangular sections. Cem Concr Comp 27:391–398

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Naaman A (1972) A statistical theory of strength for fiber reinforced concrete, PhD dissertation. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge

  21. Kang S, Kim J (2012) Numerical simulation of the variation of fiber orientation distribution during flow molding of Ultra High Performance Cementitious Composites (UHPCC). Cem Concr Compos 34:208–217

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  22. Karihaloo BL, Kulasegaram S (2015) Determination of fibre orientation factor in high and ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced self compacting concrete. In: Workshop on high performance fiber reinforced cement composites (HPFRCC7), Stuttgart, pp 137-144. 1–3 June 2015

  23. Soroushian P, Lee CD (1990) Distribution and orientation of fibers in steel fiber reinforced concrete. ACI Mater J 87(5):433–439

    Google Scholar 

  24. Aveston J, Kelly A (1973) Theory of multiple fracture of fibrous composites. J Mater Sci 8:352–362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Lee S, Cho J, Vecchio F (2011) Diverse embedment model for steel fiber-reinforced concrete in tension: model development. ACI Mater J 108(5):516–525

    Google Scholar 

  26. Stroeven P (2009) Stereological principles of spatial modeling applied to steel fiber-reinforced concrete in tension. ACI Mater J 106(3):213–222

    Google Scholar 

  27. Markovic I (2006) High-performance hybrid-fiber concrete: development and utilization, Ph.D Dissertation. Delft University of Technology

  28. ACI Committee 544 (1996) Designs considerations for steel fiber reinforced concrete, ACI 544-1R-96. American Concrete Institute, ACI, Farmington Hills

  29. CNR-DT 204 (2006) Istruzioni per la Progettazione, l’Esecuzione ed il Controllo di Strutture Fibrorinforzato, Consiglio Nazionale delle Risercje, Italia

  30. fib Model Code 2010 (2010) Comité Euro-International du Beton-Federation Interantional de la Precontrainte. Lausanne

  31. Rilem TC (2003) 162-TDF, Test and design methods for steel fiber reinforced concrete \(\sigma\)-\(\epsilon\) deign method: final recommendations. Mater Struct 36(262):560–567

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Blanco A, Pujadas P, de la Fuente A, Cavalaro S, Aguado A (2013) Application of constitutive models in European codes to RC-FRC. Constr Build Mater 40:246–259

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. JSCE (2008) Recommendations for design and construction of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites with multiple fine cracks. Concrete Engineering Series 82, Japan Society of Civil Engineers, p 112

  34. Rasband WS (2015) ImageJ, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda. http://www.imagej.nih.gov/ij/,1997-2015

  35. Wuest J (2007) Comportement structural des bètons de fibres ultra performants en traction dans des éléments composés. PhD Dissertation. EPFL, Lausanne

  36. Kang ST, Kim J (2011) The relation between fiber orientation and tensile behavior in ultra-high performance fiber reinforced cementitious composites (UPFRCC). Cem Concr Res 41:1001–1014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Yoo D, Kang S, Yoon Y (2014) Effect of fiber length and placement method on flexural behavior, tension-softening curve, and fiber distribution characteristics of UHPFRC. Constr Build Mater 64:67–81

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Laranjeira F, Aguado A, Molins C (2010) Predicting the pullout response of inclined straight fibers. Mater Struct 43(6):875–895

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Leung CKY, Shapiro N (1999) Optimal steel fiber strength for reinforcement of cementitious materials. J Mater Civ Eng 11(2):116–123

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Lee Y, Kang ST, Kim JK (2010) Pullout behavior of inclined steel fiber in an ultra-high strength cementitious matrix. Constr Build Mater 24:2030–2041

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Bay RS, Tucker CL (1992) Stereological measurements and error estimates for three-dimensional fiber orientation. Polym Eng Sci 32:240–253

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Simon A, Corvez D, Marchand P (2013) Feedback of a ten year assessment of fibre distribution using the K factor concept, International Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete, Designing and Building with UHPFRC: from innovation to large-scale realizations UHPFRC 2013. RILEM Publications S.A.R.L, Bagneux

    Google Scholar 

  43. Behloul M, Ricciotti R, Ricciotti RF, Pallot P, Leboeuf J (2008) Ductal Pont du Diable footbridge, France. In: Walraven J, Stoelhorst D (eds) Tailor made concrete structures. CRC Press, London, pp 335–340

    Google Scholar 

  44. Resplendino J (2008) Ultra high performance concretes: recent realizations and research programs on UHPFRC bridges in France. In: Fehling E, Schmidt M, Stürwald S (eds) Proceedings of the second international symposium in ultra high performance concrete. Kassel University Press, Kassel, pp 31–49

  45. Barnett S, Lataste J, Parry T, Millard S, Soutsos M (2010) Assessment of fibre orientation in ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete and its effect on flexural strength. Mater Struct 43:1009–1023

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The research discussed herein could have been not possible without the dedicated effort and support of the federal and contract staff associated with the FHWA Structural Concrete Research Program. Special recognition goes to Corey Hollmann, Brian Nakashoji and Jose Muñoz for their valuable contributions. Likewise, the authors would like to thank the support of the U.S National Research Council through its Postdoctoral Research Associateship Program.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Luis Felipe Maya Duque.

Additional information

Luis Felipe Maya Duque is formerly affiliated with the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center. U.S Federal Highway Administration, USA.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Maya Duque, L.F., Graybeal, B. Fiber orientation distribution and tensile mechanical response in UHPFRC. Mater Struct 50, 55 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0914-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0914-5

Keywords

Navigation