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.
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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.
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Luis Felipe Maya Duque is formerly affiliated with the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center. U.S Federal Highway Administration, USA.
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0914-5