Articles

Proposal of an Engineering Design Approach for Non-metallic Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Through experimental Study and Numerical Modelling on UHPFRC

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Abstract

Without change there is no innovation, creativity, or incentive for improvement, while our future economic growth relies on innovation and competitiveness. Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) clearly appears today as a promising mechanical and economical alternative to the conventional reinforcement steel mesh. However there is still a lack of a unified design philosophy adapted to this material. Model Code 2010 is one of the most widespread designing guidelines but established on the basis of steel FRC. Based on the Model Code guidelines, the current Eurocodes are also being revised and for the first time Eurocode 2 will be extended with a harmonized annex covering FRC with metallic fibers but not taking in consideration non-metallic fibers. Non-metallic fibers are taking some of the market share from steel FRC and this is due to their non-negligible performance and ductility in a concrete matrix, their resistance to alkali attack, and their relatively low cost. It therefore becomes essential to be able to rely on design guidelines adapted to these types of fibers because this absence significantly limits their use. In this study, the Model Code recommendations are adapted to the case of non-metallic fibers to provide engineers with simplified tools. A new adapted multi-linear stress-crack opening relationship was proposed, based on experimental studies and non-linear finite element modelling. The Model Code minimum ductility requirements for FRC use in structural applications have also been adapted to the case of non-metallic fibers following Hillerborg's concept of fracture energy and a new proposal of ductility classification was made.

Keywords: non-metallic fibers, finite element, design, PVA, polyproplynene, glass, aramid

How to Cite:

Nana, S., Starostina, D., Zhou, F., Herbe, S., Rivoal, J., Bonnet, E. & Trucy, L., (2023) “Proposal of an Engineering Design Approach for Non-metallic Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Through experimental Study and Numerical Modelling on UHPFRC”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 3(1): 141. doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.16741

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