Flexural post-cracking performance of macro synthetic fiber reinforced super workable concrete influenced by shrinkage-reducing admixture

Abstract

Most literature has focused on the effect of shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) in shrinkage mitigation resistance of concrete. This study aims to examine the impact of SRA on the efficiency of macro synthetic fibers (MSF) in enhancing the flexural post-cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced super workable concrete (FR-SWC). A comparative analysis of the influence of fiber combinations on the flexural post-cracking behavior of beams is also included. Results showed that a higher dosage of SRA, particularly at 5 % by mass of binder, had a noticeable negative impact on flexural post-cracking performance of beams while exhibiting positive effect on workability and shrinkage reduction. However, incorporating low dosages of SRA (1.25 % by mass of binder) did not have a significant impact on the ability of MSF. This was attributed to the reduction of the MSF-matrix bond strength caused by a significant delay in cement hydration. The characteristics of selected MSF type, including length and surface roughness had a positive effect on the post-cracking performance of FR-SWC, regardless of SRA dosage. The notched beams made with 100 % MSF_A outperformed those made with fiber combination of 25 % MSFA and 75 % MSF_B. Beams made with 100 % MSF_A showed 55 % higher residual flexural tensile strength, 49 % higher equivalent flexural tensile strength, 50 % higher fracture energy, and 35 % higher equivalent flexural strength ratio compared to beams made with fiber combination of 25 % MSF_A and 75 % MSF_B. Therefore, the negative effect of SRA on the flexural-post cracking behavior can be partial compensated by adjusting MSF content and combinations.