Uniaxial Tensile, Flexural And Fibre-Matrix Pull-Out Behaviour Of Ultra-High-Toughness Cementitious Composites

This paper presents the experimental investigation of uniaxial tensile and flexural properties as well as fibre-matrix pull-out resistance of ultra-high-toughness cementitious composites (UHTCC). Specimens of UHTCC containing high-volume fly ash were fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres and subjected to uniaxial tensile test and four-point bending test at third points. The uniaxial tensile and flexural response demonstrated strain hardening behaviour of the cementitious composites, which exhibited high fracture toughness and resilience. In addition, fibre pull-out tests were conducted with single PVA fibre embedded in the cementitious matrix. Special techniques of the specimen preparation necessary for the test protocol are explained, such that the obtained pull-out response was able to realistically reflect the bond behaviour of fibre.