Static and dynamic compressive properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with hybrid steel fiber reinforcements

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is promising in construction of concrete structures that suffer impact and explosive loads. In order to make UHPC structures more ductile and cost-effective, hybrid fiber reinforcements are often incorporated. In this study, a reference UHPC mixture with no fiber reinforcement and five mixtures with a single type of fiber reinforcement or hybrid fiber reinforcements of 6 and 13 mm in length at a total dosage of 2%, by the volume of concrete, were prepared. Quasi-static compressive and flexural properties of those mixtures were investigated. Split Hopkinson press bar (SHPB) testing was adopted to evaluate their dynamic compressive properties under three impact velocities. Test results indicated that UHPC with 1.5% long fiber reinforcements and 0.5% short fiber reinforcements demonstrated the best static and dynamic mechanical properties. The static compressive and flexural strengths of UHPC with 2% long fiber reinforcements were greater than those with 2% short fiber reinforcements, whereas comparable dynamic compressive properties were observed. Strain rate effect was observed for the dynamic compressive properties, including peak stress, dynamic increase factor, and absorbed energy. The reinforcing mechanisms of hybrid fiber reinforcements in UHPC were eventually discussed.