Flexural failure of ultra-high performance concrete subjected to the alternating cryogenic and elevated temperature via acoustic emission characterization

This paper aims to reveal the mechanical evolution and potential mechanism of Ultra-high Performance Concrete (UHPC) exposed to a complex temperature-variation environment typical of Liquefied Natural Gas storage tank. Herein, the effect of steel fiber geometries (straight and hooked-end) on flexural failure of UHPCs in the range of −170 °C ∼ 200 °C was studied, and dynamic fracture evolution during the loading process was tracked using acoustic emission (AE) test. Results indicated that the flexural strength of concrete specimen enhanced at −170 °C but diminished at 200 °C in the first cycle. For multiple cycles, its improved strength subsisted until the third cycle, after which gradually decreased. Moreover, the hooked-end fiber generally had superior strengthening and toughening effects than straight fiber, except for cryogenic temperature and third cycles tests. At cryogenic temperature , the freezing of pore moisture inside specimen enhanced the matrix strength and the interfacial bonding between the matrix and fibers. At elevated temperature, the thawing, diffusion and evaporation of moisture in concrete could induce matrix dehydration and weaken the bonding effect between interfaces. In varying exposure environments, the moisture migration would also undergo secondary hydration reactions with unreacted cement particles. Finally, using AE parameters to effectively record damage progression in UHPCs exposed to extreme temperatures was also highlighted.