On the mechanical behavior of hybrid fiber reinforced strain hardening cementitious composites subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading

This article presents the results of an experimental investigation on the mechanical behavior of hybrid fiber reinforced Strain Hardening Cementitious Composites (SHCC) subjected to monotonic and cyclic loadings. For the study, PVA, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and steel fibers were used in a constant volume fraction of 2.0%. To study the synergetic effects between the fibers, hybrid compositions were also produced by replacing PVA and polyethylene by steel fibers in 0.5% and 1.0% volume fractions. The mechanical response was measured under direct tension tests, four-point bending tests on plates and three-point bending tests on notched specimens while the crack pattern was investigated using optical microscopy. To study the mechanical performance of the materials when subjected to loading/unloading cycles, cyclic three-point bending tests were also carried on. The partial replacement of PVA and polyethylene fibers by steel fibers increased the strength and post-cracking stiffness but reduced the ductility of the composites. The hybrid SHCCs presented a good mechanical performance when subjected to cyclic loadings, since the load bearing capacity and the multiple cracking behavior were maintained even for high crack opening values. The stiffness degradation and the dissipated energy over the loading/unloading cycles varied when different fibers combinations were used.