Quantitative and Qualitative Aspects of Composite Action of Concrete and Dispersion-Reinforcing Fiber

Abstract

The interest in using polymer-dispersed reinforcement in the construction industry in the context of sustainability has led to significant research on this scientific problem. The article is devoted to studying the processes of fiber interaction depending on its dispersion and the concrete matrix, and their combined contact work during the formation of a concrete structure, work under stresses arising in a concrete body, and during a collapse. The physical and mechanical processes of deformation and destruction of the “matrix–fiber” system were studied using high-precision microscopic equipment, and the nature of the work and deformation of fibers in concrete were revealed. The work aimed to establish and characterize the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the concrete matrix and dispersion-reinforcing fiber combined work. It was established that the best values of the adhesion index were observed at a volume content of fiber in the amount of 2% by weight of cement, regardless of the type of dispersion-reinforcing fiber. It was shown that the microstructure of polydispersion-reinforced fiber-cement specimens was denser, and microcracks formed during fracture in polydispersion-reinforced specimens had a smaller opening width. It was established that polydispersion-reinforced concrete had higher values of strength (up to 126%) and deformation (up to 296%) characteristics compared to monodispersion fiber-reinforced concrete.