Processes of Cracking and Crushing in Hybrid Fibre Reinforced High-Performance Concrete Slabs

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results obtained with the non-contact three-dimensional deformation measuring system–ARAMIS and finite element analysis performed using ANSYS of three slabs made of high-performance concrete (HPC) and hybrid (steel/ST and polypropylene/PP) fibre reinforced high-performance concrete (FRHPC). The research was performed on reinforced concrete (RC) slabs with a web mesh of ϕ8 mm bars. All the slabs had an identical amount of steel bars and differed by the fibre volume content. The main objective of the research was to determine the impact of adding polypropylene and steel fibres on the carrying capacity and ductility of HPC slabs. Analysis of the results was conducted based on load–deflection curves, crack distribution, vertical displacements and strains. The research findings indicate that fibres may improve peak strength. The presence of PP and ST hybrid fibres in HPC restricted the propagation of cracks. The energy absorption capacity as well as the ductility index of HPC can be raised by adding hybrid fibres. A comparison of the experimental test results with the nonlinear finite element analysis is made. The numerical results concurred well with the experimental data. The research results indicate that non-contact measurement of deformation is an effective tool for monitoring crushing in FRHPC slabs.