Dynamic Properties of Strain-Hardening Cementitious Composite Reinforced with Basalt and Steel Fibers

Abstract Strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs) reinforced with both basalt and steel fibers are expected to possess the advantages of both fiber materials and exhibit desirable mechanical properties. In this study, we experimentally investigated the dynamic mechanical properties of an SHCC reinforced with inorganic fibers of basalt and steel for different strain rates (101 to 102 s−1) using a 50-mm-diameter Split-Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of the strain rate on the dynamic compressive strength and dynamic splitting strength as well as the dynamic increase factor and energy absorption characteristics of the SHCC were analyzed. The results showed that all the mechanical indices increased with an increase in the strain rate. The dynamic increase factors of the compressive strength and splitting strength increased linearly with the decimal logarithm of the strain rate. Further, the addition of the basalt and steel fibers resulted in a significant increase in the strain-rate sensitivity of the dynamic mechanical behavior of the SHCC, with the effect of the steel fibers being more pronounced than that of the basalt fibers. Although the basalt and steel fibers had varying effects on the strain-rate sensitivity of the dynamic mechanical behavior of the SHCC based on the fiber content, there were significant positive correlations between the type and content of the fibers used and the strain-rate sensitivity.