Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials

A special issue of Fibers (ISSN 2079-6439).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2025 | Viewed by 13724

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Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: nondestructive evaluation; acoustic emission; ultrasound; reinforced concrete; mortar; building materials; earthquake precursor; concrete aggregates; construction and demolition waste; self-compacting concrete; spalling; flammability; statistical analysis in nondestructive evaluation; neural network in fracture mechanics; structural integrity
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete structures are the cornerstone of modern technical civilization. They mainly support city infrastructure as far as the residential environment and the transportation network. However, since concrete elements undergo continuous loading due to their own weight and dynamic forces such as earthquakes, accidental explosions, spalling after fires, and environmental disintegration, there is a need for a holistic approach concerning the type of reinforcement used to enhance concrete as the most commonly used building material. One widely used method that can successfully improve concrete mechanical properties is the addition of different types of fibers with variations of materials, shape, and volume embedded during the mixture. Moreover, besides concrete, many other building materials can enhance their mechanical properties with the appropriate fiber reinforcement.

This Special Issue of Fibers aims to incorporate recent progress in the general field of fiber reinforcement in concrete as well as in other commonly used building materials, focusing on fracture behavior. The improvement of the final properties is usually measured by mechanical testing, with concurrent monitoring by various kinds of non-destructive methods such as acoustic emission, ultrasound, and verification by digital image processing applications.

Dr. Anastasios C. Mpalaskas
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • fibers
  • concrete
  • mortar
  • acoustic emission
  • ultrasound
  • nondestructive evaluation
  • restoration
  • fracture behavior
  • digital image correlation
  • structural integrity

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4149 KiB  
Article
Upper and Lower Bounds to Pull-Out Loading of Inclined Hooked End Steel Fibres Embedded in Concrete
by David W. A. Rees and Sadoon Abdallah
Fibers 2024, 12(8), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12080065 - 5 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1062
Abstract
Steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) consists of short, hooked steel fibres that are randomly distributed and oriented within the cementitious matrix. This paper presents a new analytical load-bounding approach that captures the tensile response of misaligned fibres embedded in the matrix. The contribution of [...] Read more.
Steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) consists of short, hooked steel fibres that are randomly distributed and oriented within the cementitious matrix. This paper presents a new analytical load-bounding approach that captures the tensile response of misaligned fibres embedded in the matrix. The contribution of fibres in bridging cracks to provide the required stress transfer relies on the orientation of the fibres in the concrete. Bridging fibres aligned with a crack are less effective than those inclined to it. Therefore, understanding the pull-out behaviour of misaligned fibres is a key factor in quantifying and optimising the design of SFRC in structural applications. In the laboratory, a single-oriented fibre embedded in a solid cylinder of concrete was subjected to a pull-out test, where the axis of the tensile force is aligned with the axis of the cylinder. Based on the observed behaviour, this paper presents a new analytical bounding approach to capture the pull-out response of misaligned hooked-end steel fibres embedded in a concrete matrix. The analysis was based on a transversely isotropic failure criterion assumed for the plasticity that occurs in the cold-drawn fibre. Lower and upper bounds to the loading failure were derived from fibre pull-out and fibre fracture, respectively. The division between bounds depended upon the fibre orientation, fibre diameter and the combined strengths of the steel and concrete. Bounding predictions were drawn from ratios between a fibre’s shear strength and its transverse and axial uniaxial strengths, as found from a novel testing proposal. The two bounds were compared with new data and other experimental results published in the literature. The results showed that the region between the bounds captured the failure loads of embedded fibres with effective load-bearing orientations. A critical orientation was observed at maximum strength. The present interpretation of the plasticity occurring within off-axis, hooked-end steel fibres suggests that it is possible to optimise the strength of concrete using this method of reinforcement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials)
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13 pages, 8594 KiB  
Article
Flexural Properties of Thin-Walled Specimens with Square Hollow Sections 3D Printed from ABS Reinforced with Aramid Fibers
by Jerzy Bochnia, Tomasz Kozior and Mateusz Musialek
Fibers 2023, 11(9), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib11090077 - 17 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
This article studies the flexural behavior of thin-walled specimens with square hollow sections fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The specimens were 3D printed from an ABS filament reinforced with aramid fibers. Four wall thicknesses were analyzed. The strength data were collected during [...] Read more.
This article studies the flexural behavior of thin-walled specimens with square hollow sections fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The specimens were 3D printed from an ABS filament reinforced with aramid fibers. Four wall thicknesses were analyzed. The strength data were collected during three-point flexural tests. There are visible, clear differences in the flexural properties between the X- or Y-oriented specimens and those printed in the Z direction, and they vary up to 70%. It was also found that the flexural strength was dependent on the G-codes controlling the print head’s motion, path, and position. For specimens with a thickness up to 1.4 mm, the infill pattern was linear, whereas 1.8 mm and 2 mm specimens needed a stitch, which had some negative effects on the strength properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials)
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19 pages, 4569 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of HEDP.4Na and Different Induced Pouring Angles on Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Slag Composites
by Jingjie Wei, Jianwei Liu, Kamal H. Khayat and Wu-Jian Long
Fibers 2023, 11(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib11030023 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
The poor flexural and damping properties of building materials damages concrete structures and affects their service life when concrete structures are subjected to dynamic loads. Three different dosages (i.e., 0%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) of organic phosphonates (HEDP.4Na) and different pouring methods (i.e., conventional [...] Read more.
The poor flexural and damping properties of building materials damages concrete structures and affects their service life when concrete structures are subjected to dynamic loads. Three different dosages (i.e., 0%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) of organic phosphonates (HEDP.4Na) and different pouring methods (i.e., conventional pouring method, 90°-induced pouring method, and 150°-induced pouring method) were designed to improve the flexural and damping performance of fiber-reinforced alkali-activated slag composites (FR-AASC). The enhanced mechanism of HEDP.4Na was revealed by phase analysis (X-ray diffraction, XRD), pore structure analysis (Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry, MIP), the heat of hydration, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The results showed that 0.3% HEDP.4Na combined with the 150°-induced pouring angle can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the FR-AASC sample compared with the reference group. The sample with 0.3% HEDP.4Na cast by the 150°-induced pouring angle increased compressive and flexural strength, damping energy consumption and storage modulus by 20%, 60%, 78%, and 30%, respectively, compared with the reference sample cast by the conventional pouring methodology. HEDP.4Na reduced the early hydration heat and total porosity of the FR-AASC matrix, modified the fiber–matrix interface transition zone, and increased the frictional energy consumption of steel fibers. Overall, the synergistic effect of HEDP.4Na and the induced pouring methodology significantly improved the flexural and damping properties of FR-AASC. This study can provide a guidance for improving the flexural and damping capacity of FR-AASC and promote the application of FR-AASC in construction engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials)
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13 pages, 3525 KiB  
Article
The Feasibility of Producing Particleboards with Waste Wood from Civil Construction and Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oils
by Washington Moreira Cavalcanti, Leandro Soares de Oliveira, Rômulo Maziero and Juan Carlos Campos Rubio
Fibers 2022, 10(8), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib10080062 - 25 Jul 2022
Viewed by 2374
Abstract
The feasibility of using epoxidized waste cooking oils as a partial replacement for synthetic resins in the manufacture of lignocellulosic composites where the reinforcement is comprised of mechanically ground wood from civil construction waste wood (CCWW) was investigated. For this study, the wood-epoxy [...] Read more.
The feasibility of using epoxidized waste cooking oils as a partial replacement for synthetic resins in the manufacture of lignocellulosic composites where the reinforcement is comprised of mechanically ground wood from civil construction waste wood (CCWW) was investigated. For this study, the wood-epoxy composite was prepared using the thermo-curing technique, and wood particle contents of 20 and 30% (m/m) were studied with a matrix comprised of 50% epoxidized vegetable oil and 50% petroleum-based epoxy resin. The specific mass of the composites was in the range of 1130 to 1380 kg/m3, with the lowest value for the highest content of wood particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was successfully used to monitor the epoxidation of the vegetable oils and the subsequent curing of the epoxy resins and particleboards. Thermal stability of the composite was dictated by its lignocellulosic content, and significant mass losses occurred at temperatures higher than 300 °C, regardless of the wood particles content. The introduction of CCWW particles into the polymeric matrices did not promote the desired effect of improving the mechanical properties in regard to those of the cured blend of epoxy resins. However, the produced particleboards still met the standards of the American National Standards for general purpose boards in regard to their physical and mechanical properties (e.g., density, tensile strength). Hence, the use of wood waste and waste cooking oil to produce particleboards was deemed justified within the framework of a cascading lifecycle-extended service for both wastes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials)
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Review

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29 pages, 5536 KiB  
Review
Natural Fiber-Reinforced Mycelium Composite for Innovative and Sustainable Construction Materials
by Maristella E. Voutetaki and Anastasios C. Mpalaskas
Fibers 2024, 12(7), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib12070057 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4353
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like [...] Read more.
Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical properties. This combination results in a composite that boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability. Natural FRM composites offer sustainability through the utilization of agricultural waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction materials. Additionally, the lightweight yet strong nature of the resulting material makes it versatile for various construction applications, while its inherent insulation properties contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Developing and adopting natural FRM composites showcases a promising step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and the construction industry will likely lead to further improvements and expanded applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of natural FRM composites for innovative and sustainable construction materials. Additionally, the paper reviews the mechanical properties and potential impacts of these natural FRM composites in the context of sustainable architectural construction practices. Recently, the applicability of mycelium-based materials has extended beyond their original domains of biology and mycology to architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fracture Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Building Materials)
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