Title:
Prepublished: Multiscale Nanofiber Reinforced Concrete for Enhancing Intrinsic Tensile Strength
Author(s):
S.H. Chu
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
fiber-reinforced concrete; intrinsic; microfiber; nanofiber; synergy; tensile
DOI:
10.14359/51746710
Date:
3/24/2025
Abstract:
The weakness of concrete in tension can be mitigated by developing fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) to induce pseudo-ductility. However, enhancing the intrinsic tensile strength of the matrix in FRC has received little attention. In this regard, nanofibers, which can improve the intrinsic tensile properties of the matrix, were used in conjunction with microfibers to enhance intrinsic tensile strength. Different volumes of nanofibers (0.0–0.6%) and microfibers (0.0–2.0%) were tested, and various fresh and hardened properties were analyzed. Test results show that the superplasticizer dosage increased with both nanofiber and microfiber volume and that strength increased with microfiber volume, reaching an optimum point at a certain nanofiber dosage. Moreover, incorporating nanofibers and microfibers to develop multiscale FRC (MSFRC) significantly improved direct tensile strength and energy absorption. The synergy between nanofibers and microfibers was revealed both qualitatively and quantitatively, contributing to the advancement of FRC.