Study of Flexural and Crack Propagation Behavior of Layered Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Mortar Using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) Technique

Abstract

By optimizing the distribution of steel fibers in fiber-reinforced cementitious mortar (FRCM) through the layered structure, the role of fibers can be fully utilized, thus improving the flexural behavior. In this study, the flexural behavior of layered FRCM at different thicknesses (25 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm) of the steel fiber layer was investigated. The evolution of the crack propagation behavior was analyzed using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The results showed that the steel fiber layer thickness of 75 mm has the best flexural behavior. Moreover, the crack propagation path is more tortuous. The maximum value of crack opening displacement (COM) increases with the increase in fiber thickness. In addition, increasing the bottom layer thickness can increase the height of the tensile zone, but the interface inhibits the increase of the tensile zone.