Factors Affecting the Interfacial Healing Between a Fiber and Cement

The mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs)
significantly depends on the strength of the interface bond between the fibers and the cement matrix.
An important aspect that can affect the properties of the fiber-matrix interface is interfacial healing –
a process wherein the interface undergoes repair after being damaged. In this study, we investigate
the interfacial healing efficiency of mechanically preloaded and then environmentally conditioned
specimens using the single-fiber pullout test. In the experimental setup, single-fiber specimens were
subjected to preloading to induce damage, followed by environmental conditioning to promote
interfacial healing. The effectiveness of the healing process was assessed by performing the singlefiber pullout test on the healed specimens. For comparison, specimens that were not preloaded but
subjected to identical environmental conditions were also evaluated. The bond strength and interface
bond recovery of the specimens were quantitatively assessed.