The effect of metakaolin and end type of steel fiber on fiber-SIFCON matrix bond characteristics

Abstract

SIFCON (Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete) can be described as a special type of cement based composite produced with fiber volume fraction values between 5 to 30%. As a result of superior mechanical properties such as compressive, tensile, shear and flexural strengths with extraordinary toughness values, SIFCON can be used in in industrial floors, repair and reinforcement works and military applications such as anti-missile hangers. Mechanical properties of fiber reinforced cement based composites are dramatically influenced by steel fiber–matrix bond characteristics. Many parameters such as fiber type and geometry, matrix strength, curing conditions and properties of fiber-matrix interface affect the fiber-matrix bond characteristics. The density of this zone can be increased with supplementary cementitious materials such as metakaolin. In this study the effect of metakaolin and end type of steel fiber on bond characteristics has been investigated. The fiber-matrix bond characteristics were determined by applying single-fiber pull-out test. Utilization of metakaolin has improved the compressive strength and fiber-matrix bond characteristics. In addition, hooked-end fiber has a better performance compared to the smooth fiber.

Keywords

• SIFCON, cement based composite, steel fiber-matrix bond characteristics

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