journal article·2026-02-18Open access

Full Time-Domain Investigation of the Cracking Behavior of PVA Fiber-Reinforced High-Titanium Slag Concrete Using DIC Technology: Material Optimization, Performance Assessment, and Mechanism Analysis

Jian Fu, Zilin Wang, Xuewei Li, Liangliang Yu, Qiang Luo, Wei Wang

Abstract

The incorporation of high-titanium slag may reduce the crack resistance of concrete. To promote the recycling of industrial solid waste while maintaining structural integrity, this study investigates the use of high-titanium slag as a replacement aggregate in concrete, supplemented with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to enhance toughness, crack resistance, and flexural and tensile properties. Semicircular bending (SCB) specimens were subjected to loading, and their strain and displacement fields were monitored in the full time domain using digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Multiple indicators were proposed to evaluate the crack resistance provided by the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the micromorphology of the fibers and the cementitious matrix, revealing the mechanisms underlying the enhanced crack resistance. Results demonstrate that with 0.5% vol. PVA fiber addition, the peak load capacity increased by 17.2%, total fracture work improved by 52.6%, and the failure duration extended by 1.30 s. Quantitative DIC analysis revealed that fiber reinforcement reduced maximum strain concentration by 83.8% (from 5.204 to 0.843%) and decreased lateral displacement difference across cracks by 46% (from 0.35 to 0.19 mm). The enhanced performance is applicable within the tested fiber content range (0–0.5% vol.) and is particularly effective for concrete mixtures where high-titanium slag replacement exceeds 50% of total aggregate volume. However, the crack resistance improvement may be constrained by fiber dispersion quality and interfacial bonding strength. This study not only facilitates the high-value utilization of industrial solid waste, but also significantly improves the crack resistance of concrete, offering broader potential for the application of high-titanium slag in construction materials.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Microbial Applications in Construction Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

References (47)

Show source-provided references
1. Al-Qadi, I. L., Said, I. M., Ali, U. M., & Kaddo, J. R. (2022). Cracking prediction of asphalt concrete using fracture and strength tests. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 23, 3333–3345.10.1080/10298436.2021.1892108 ↗
2. Behnia, B., Askarinejad, P., & LaRussa-Trott, N. (2024). Investigating low-temperature cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete materials. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 17, 815–826.10.1007/s42947-022-00271-x ↗
3. Cho, H. H., Strezov, V., & Evans, T. J. (2023). A review on global warming potential, challenges and opportunities of renewable hydrogen production technologies. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 35, e00567.10.1016/j.susmat.2023.e00567 ↗
4. Dery, B., & Zaixiang, L. (2023). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as an effective tool for determining the morphology and mechanism of action of functional ingredients. Food Reviews International, 39, 2007–2026.10.1080/87559129.2021.1939368 ↗
5. Dolatshahi, K. M., & Beyer, K. (2022). Stiffness and strength estimation of damaged unreinforced masonry walls using crack pattern. Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 26, 837–856.10.1080/13632469.2019.1693446 ↗
6. Gadsby, A., Tsai, J., & Watkins, K. (2022). Understanding the influence of pavement conditions on cyclists’ perception of safety and comfort using surveys and eye tracking. Transportation Research Record, 2676, 112–126.10.1177/03611981221090936 ↗
7. Gao, S., Li, J., Nishiwaki, T., Ding, Y., & Wang, J. (2024). Structural implementation of recycled lump prepared from waste concrete after elevated temperatures: Mechanical and environmental performances. Structures. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2024.10697010.1016/j.istruc.2024.106970 ↗
8. Gao, S., Li, J., Wang, W., Zhang, M., & Rong, C. (2023). A comparative study of mechanical and environmental properties of concrete using jujube nucleus as a coarse aggregate. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 18, e02013.10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02013 ↗
9. Golewski, G. L. (2023). The phenomenon of cracking in cement concretes and reinforced concrete structures: The mechanism of cracks formation, causes of their initiation, types and places of occurrence, and methods of detection—a review. Buildings, 13, 765.10.3390/buildings13030765 ↗
10. Hou, N., Guo, Q., Zaïri, F., & Ding, N. (2025). Mode I crack propagation in polydimethylsiloxane-short carbon fiber composites. Composite Structures, 352, 118682.10.1016/j.compstruct.2024.118682 ↗
11. Hoyos LR, Ordoñez CA, Puppala AJ, Hossain MS. Engineering characterization of cement-fiber treated RAP aggregates. In: GeoCongress 2008: Characterization, Monitoring, and Modeling of GeoSystems. 2008; 613–621.10.1061/40972(311)77 ↗
12. Iqbal, M. A. (2022). The ballistic evaluation of plain, reinforced and reinforced–prestressed concrete. Thin-Walled Structures, 179, 109707.10.1016/j.tws.2022.109707 ↗
13. Jiang, D., Li, X., Lv, Y., Li, C., Zhang, T., He, C., Leng, D., & Wu, K. (2022). Early-age hydration process and autogenous shrinkage evolution of high performance cement pastes. Journal of Building Engineering, 45, 103436.10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103436 ↗
14. Kong, L., Ren, D., Zhou, S., He, Z., Ai, C., & Yan, C. (2023). Evaluating the evolution of fiber-reinforced emulsified asphalt cold-recycled mixture damage using digital image correlation. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 24, 2176495.10.1080/10298436.2023.2176495 ↗
15. Kong, L., Xu, J., Yang, H., Wu, P., Li, X., Ma, D., Wang, Z., Ren, D., & Ai, C. (2025a). Enhancing crack resistance in basalt fiber asphalt mixtures: A full-field time-domain investigation of stress distribution and pore structure optimisation. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 26, 2460746.10.1080/10298436.2025.2460746 ↗
16. Kong, L., Yang, H., Xu, J., Wu, P., Gan, G., Chen, G., Zhang, A. A., Ai, C., & Ren, D. (2025b). Quantitative mapping of internal structural parameters to mechanical properties of asphalt concrete using principal component analysis. International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 26, 2513458.10.1080/10298436.2025.2513458 ↗
17. Li, C., Zhang, W., Sun, G., Li, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2023b). Research on damping properties and microscopic mechanism of polyurethane cement-based composites. Construction and Building Materials, 365, 130137.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.130137 ↗
18. Li, J., Jia, M., Gao, S., & Yuan, J. (2023a). Uniaxial compressive stress–strain model of jujube nucleus concrete following exposure to elevated temperatures. Materials, 16, 1037.10.3390/ma16031037 ↗
19. Lian, H., Sun, X., Yu, Z., Yang, T., Zhang, J., Li, G., Guan, Z., & Diao, M. (2022). Research on the fracture mechanical performance of basalt fiber nano-CaCO3 concrete based on DIC technology. Construction and Building Materials, 329, 127193.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.127193 ↗
20. Lin, C., Kanstad, T., Jacobsen, S., & Ji, G. (2023). Bonding property between fiber and cementitious matrix: A critical review. Construction & Building Materials, 378, 131169.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131169 ↗
21. Liu, F., Xu, K., Ding, W., Qiao, Y., & Wang, L. (2021b). Microstructural characteristics and their impact on mechanical properties of steel-PVA fiber reinforced concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites, 123, 104196.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104196 ↗
22. Liu, J., Shen, F., & Zhang, J. (2023). Economic and environmental effects of mineral resource exploitation: Evidence from China. Resources Policy, 86, 104063.10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.104063 ↗
23. Liu, N., Wang, Y., Bai, Q., Liu, Y., Wang, P. S., Xue, S., Yu, Q., & Li, Q. (2022). Road life-cycle carbon dioxide emissions and emission reduction technologies: A review. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition), 9, 532–555.10.1016/j.jtte.2022.06.001 ↗
24. Liu, T., Liu, G., Chen, P., Chou, N. N., & Ho, S. (2021a). Establishment of a sustainability assessment system for bridges. Sustainability, 13, 4795.10.3390/su13094795 ↗
25. Lu, L., Zhao, D., Fan, J., & Li, G. (2022). A brief review of sealants for cement concrete pavement joints and cracks. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 23, 1467–1491.10.1080/14680629.2021.1898452 ↗
26. Norgate, T., & Haque, N. (2010). Energy and greenhouse gas impacts of mining and mineral processing operations. Journal of Cleaner Production, 18, 266–274.10.1016/j.jclepro.2009.09.020 ↗
27. Ren, D., Wang, Z., Kong, L., Wu, P., Sun, J., Dai, G., & Ai, C. (2025). Full-time domain rust expansion investigation and visual evaluation of reinforced concrete under synergistic protection. Engineering Fracture Mechanics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.11067710.1016/j.engfracmech.2024.110677 ↗
28. Ren, D., Yang, H., Xu, J., Wu, P., Huang, Y., Kong, L., Wang, Z., & Ai, C. (2024). Investigation on fatigue damage of buton rock asphalt mixtures using semi-circular bending (SCB) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. Construction and Building Materials, 451, 14.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.138797 ↗
29. Shen, D., Feng, Z., Zhang, T., Tang, X., & Jiang, G. (2022). Estimating stress relaxation and cracking potential of high-strength concrete reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol fiber at early age. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 34, 4022223.10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0004374 ↗
30. Tan, Y., Zhang, K., Hou, M., & Zhang, L. (2014). Studying the strain field distribution of asphalt mixture with the digital speckle correlation method. Road Materials and Pavement Design. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2013.86315910.1080/14680629.2013.863159 ↗
31. Tao, M., Wang, Y., & Zhao, J. (2023). Internal force redistribution caused by cracking of concrete in composite frame structures under lateral load. Engineering Structures, 283, 115876.10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115876 ↗
32. Tong, Z., Jiankun, H., & Shan, G. (2025). Axial mechanical and environmental properties of CFRP-confined coal gangue sand concrete. Journal of Building Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.11278510.1016/j.jobe.2025.112785 ↗
33. Uribe, C. R. M., Guzmán, J. S., & Moreno, M. A. R. (2024). Experimental study of the semicircular bending test for estimating the flexural strength of concrete mixtures for pavements. Revista Ingenieria De Construccion, 39, 127–139.10.7764/RIC.00108.21 ↗
34. Wang, W., Li, X., Shen, J., Zhu, H., & Wang, J. (2023). Feasibility of high titanium heavy slag used as aggregates for asphalt mixtures. Journal of Cleaner Production, 411, 137332.10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137332 ↗
35. Wei, X., Li, D., Ming, F., Yang, C., Chen, L., & Liu, Y. (2021). Influence of low-temperature curing on the mechanical strength, hydration process, and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag mortar. Construction & Building Materials, 269, 121811.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121811 ↗
36. Wu, K., Lin, S., Xu, C., Chen, C., & Chen, F. (2021). Energy dissipation and debonding mechanism of steel and steel fibre reinforced concrete composite beams. Engineering Structures, 226, 111353.10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.111353 ↗
37. Xiaoying, L., Jun, L., Zhongyuan, L., Li, H., & Jiakun, C. (2020). Preparation and properties of reactive powder concrete by using titanium slag aggregates. Construction and Building Materials, 234, 117342.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117342 ↗
38. Xu, W., Ren, Y., Xiao, S., & Liu, B. (2023). A finite crack growth energy release rate for elastic-plastic fracture. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 181, 105447.10.1016/j.jmps.2023.105447 ↗
39. Yao, J., Ge, Y., Ruan, W., & Meng, J. (2024). Effects of PVA fiber on shrinkage deformation and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 417, 135399.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135399 ↗
40. Yi, S., Abbasi, K. R., Hussain, K., Albaker, A., & Alvarado, R. (2023). Environmental concerns in the United States: Can renewable energy, fossil fuel energy, and natural resources depletion help? Gondwana Research, 117, 41–55.10.1016/j.gr.2022.12.021 ↗
41. Zeng, Y., & Tang, A. (2021). Comparison of effects of basalt and polyacrylonitrile fibers on toughness behaviors of lightweight aggregate concrete. Construction and Building Materials, 282, 122572.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122572 ↗
42. Zhang, S., Duque-Redondo, E., Kostiuchenko, A., Dolado, J. S., & Ye, G. (2021b). Molecular dynamics and experimental study on the adhesion mechanism of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber in alkali-activated slag/fly ash. Cement and Concrete Research, 145, 106452.10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106452 ↗
43. Zhang, S., Han, B., Xie, H., An, M., & Lyu, S. (2021a). Brittleness of concrete under different curing conditions. Materials (Basel), 14, 7865.10.3390/ma14247865 ↗
44. Zhang, T., & Huang, B. (2022). Application of pre-wetted high titanium heavy slag aggregate in cement concrete. Materials (Basel), 15, 831.10.3390/ma15030831 ↗
45. Zhang, T., Wang, H., Tang, J., & Gao, S. (2024). Mechanical and environmental performance of structural concrete with coal gangue fine aggregate. Journal of Building Engineering, 84, 108488.10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108488 ↗
46. Zhang, T., Wen, Q., Gao, S., & Tang, J. (2023). Comparative study on mechanical and environmental properties of coal gangue sand concrete. Construction & Building Materials, 400, 132646.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.132646 ↗
47. Zou, Y., Jiang, J., Yang, J., Zhang, Z., & Guo, J. (2023). Enhancing the toughness of bonding interface in steel-UHPC composite structure through fiber bridging. Cement and Concrete Composites, 137, 104947.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.104947 ↗