The effect of elevated temperatures on the tensile properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete by means of double edge wedge splitting (DEWS) test: Preliminary results

The definition of the post-fire properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is a current technological challenge. A study conducted using the Barcelona test (BCN) show that the puncture caused by the test may result in crushing of the porous matrix and induced frictional interaction. This influence may result in misleading conclusions regarding the properties and the behavior of the composite, which denotes that an inadequate test methodology may significantly affect results of SFRC after temperature exposure. In this context, the Double Edge Wedge Splitting (DEWS) test is a promising methodology for this type of application since a mode I fracture type is induced in the specimen, diminishing any compressive or puncture interactions with the porous matrix. Therefore, this work aims to present the results obtained for SFRC exposed to temperatures of 25 °C and 600 °C by means of DEWS test. Results show that the tensile strength of the cement matrix and the residual tensile strength at the service limit state and ultimate limit state are significantly affected. Additionally, no visible damage was caused by the interaction between the roller and the SFRC for specimens exposed to 600 °C. The present study contributes to the absent literature on the residual tensile strength of SFRC after temperature exposure, and suggests an alternative test method to be employed.