Tensile characteristics of ultra-high-performance concrete

Abstract

In this study, the tensile properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with a large number of short steel fibres were investigated. In addition, the effects of fibre length, mono and hybrid fibres were studied in order to compare the performance of different UHPCs. Direct tensile tests of six groups containing steel fibres of 0–5% in volume content and three groups with the same fibre content of 2% were performed. Test results showed that short steel fibres were more effective in increasing compressive strength, tensile strength, ductility on a material level and energy absorption capacity without workability problems; the 13 mm long steel fibre was more effective in increasing compressive strength; UHPC with hybrid fibres had the highest ductility both on material and structural levels. The test results will be valuable for the application of UHPC.