Deformation Capacity and Shear Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite Flexural Members Subjected to Displacement Reversals

• Published in: Journal of structural engineering (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 133; no. 3; pp. 421 - 431
• Main Authors: Parra-Montesinos, Gustavo J, Chompreda, Praveen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Civil Engineers 01.03.2007
• Subjects: TECHNICAL PAPERS
• ISSN: 0733-9445; 1943-541X
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2007)133:3(421)

The behavior of fiber-reinforced cement composite (FRCC) flexural members under large displacement reversals was experimentally evaluated. Emphasis was placed on estimating the displacement capacity and shear strength of members constructed with strain-hardening FRCC materials. Two types of fibers were used: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers and steel hooked fibers in volume fractions ranging between 1.0 and 2.0%. The primary experimental variables were: (1) fiber type and volume fraction; (2) type of cement-based matrix (concrete or mortar); (3) average shear stress demand at flexural yielding; and (4) shear resistance provided through hoops versus total shear demand. All specimens constructed with a strain-hardening FRCC, with or without web reinforcement, exhibited drift capacities of at least 4.0%. A shear stress level of 0.30√ fc′ [MPa] represented a lower bound for which no shear failure occurred in the strain-hardening FRCC test specimens, regardless of the member inelastic rotation demand. In addition, buckling of longitudinal reinforcement in the strain-hardening FRCC members without web reinforcement was not observed up to plastic hinge rotations of 4.0%.