Tensile Characteristics Evaluation Method for Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites

This paper presents a brief overview of the tensile test methods for concrete and cementitious composites. Comparisons of uniaxial tension test results for a round robin test conducted as part of a project of the Japan Concrete Institute Technical Committee (JCI-TC) for Ductile Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites (DFRCC) are introduced. Four types of tensile test methods for four types of DFRCC were used in this round robin test. The results differ according to the testing method and compacting direction of DFRCC. The relationships between the tensile test results and tensile characteristics calculated from bending test results are discussed.The possibility of establishing a standard test method for the evaluation of the tensile characteristics of DFRCC has been discussed by the Japan Concrete Institute Standard Committee. This discussion was based on the report of the JCI-TC and the results of the round robin test. Items that were discussed in further detail were (a) difficulties of uniaxial tension test as a standard test method, (b) treatment of DFRCC that does not have a strain hardening branch in tension, (c) adaptability of strain-based evaluation for cracked materials, and (d) relationship between uniaxial tensile characteristics and bending characteristics. The Standard Committee proposed the standard test method using the 4-point bending test to obtain bending moment-curvature curves. An evaluation method for the tensile strength and ultimate strain of DFRCC was added as an appendix of non-mandatory information. This method is considered to be one of the evaluation methods for the tensile characteristics of DFRCC.