Title:
Enhancing Fracture Toughness of High-Performance Carbon Fiber Cement Composites
Author(s):
Mahmoud M. Reda Taha and Nigel G. Shrive
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
98
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
168-178
Keywords:
bond; carbon; concrete; fibers; fracture mechanics; high-performance concrete; microstructure.
DOI:
10.14359/10200
Date:
3/1/2001
Abstract:
The development of a nonmetallic anchorage for post-tensioned fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tendons required the production of high toughness cement composites. Therefore, the fracture toughness of high-performance carbon fiber cement composites was examined with the intention of maximizing this property within practical limits. The experimental program described herein included trials to enhance the fracture toughness of two different high-performance concrete mixtures by incorporating chopped carbon fibers. In these experiments, different fracture toughness parameters were determined for these mixtures. Statistical analysis of the test results revealed that changing the fiber length has a significant effect on the fracture toughness of fiber-reinforced high-performance cement composites. GIC and JIC were found to be the most sensitive measures of fracture toughness for these materials.