Advances in concrete construction

Techno-Press (테크노프레스)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Prediction of fiber orientation components of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete

  • Su-Tae Kang (Department of Architecture Engineering, Daegu University) ;
  • Nilam Adsul (Department of Civil Engineering, Daegu University)
  • Received : 2024.07.29
  • Accepted : 2025.02.22
  • Published : 2025.02.25
⟨ Previous Next ⟩

Abstract

Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is characterized by its exceptional flowability, achieved through the absence of coarse aggregate. However, this characteristic causes the fibers in UHPFRC to change direction depending on the initial pouring direction or structure shape, making it anisotropic and influencing its mechanical performance. This study adopts an innovative approach for predicting fiber orientation based on tensor analysis by simulating the casting process of cementitious materials. Understanding these changes can help optimize the structural performance of UHPFRC by leveraging its anisotropy and minimizing performance variability caused by uncontrolled fiber orientation. To generate the steady simple shear flow, fresh UHPFRC was poured from one end of the mould, allowing it to flow and distribute evenly. Different dosages of Water-Reducing Agent (WRA) were used to study their effects on fiber orientation and mechanical properties. The UHPFRC mixes were prepared with 2% steel fiber by volume of concrete (% vol.) and varying WRA dosages (1.2% to 3% of binder mass). The results revealed that optimal compressive and flexural tensile strengths were achieved at 1.2% and 1.8% WRA, while higher dosages (2.4% and 3%) led to a reduction in strength. Fiber orientation distribution was examined through image analysis at four distinct sections (35 mm, 110 mm, 220 mm, and 270 mm) from the flow-generating end. Additionally, an analytical modelling framework was developed using MATLAB to quantify fiber orientation through orientation tensors, fiber spacing (ac), and interaction coefficient (Cl) by selecting suitable values for the proportionality constant (K1). A strong correlation was observed between experimental and analytical results, with K1 values ranging from 0.013 to 0.015 and Cl values between 0.107 and 0.123, demonstrating the model's predictive accuracy. Overall, this research establishes a quantitative framework for fiber orientation prediction, enabling performance optimization through controlled casting techniques.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Daegu University Research Grant No. 2024-0423.

References

  1. Abbas, S., Soliman, A.M. and Nehdi, M.L. (2015), "Exploring mechanical and durability properties of ultra-high performance concrete incorporating various steel fiber lengths and dosages", Constr. Build. Mater., 75, 429-441. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.11.017
  2. Advani, S.G. and Tucker, C.L. (1987), "The use of tensors to describe and predict fiber orientation in short fiber composites", J. Rheol., 31(8), 751-784. https://doi.org/10.1122/1.549945
  3. Advani, S.G. and Tucker, C.L. (1990), "Closure approximations for three‐dimensional structure tensors", J. Rheol., 34(3), 367-386. https://doi.org/10.1122/1.550133
  4. Afroughsabet, V., Biolzi, L. and Ozbakkaloglu, T. (2016), "High-performance fiber-reinforced concrete: a review", J. Mater. Sci., 51(14), 6517-6551. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-016-9917-4
  5. Akbar, S. and Altan, M.C. (1992), "On the solution of fiber orientation in two‐dimensional homogeneous flows", Polym. Eng. Sci., 32(12), 810-822. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.760321208
  6. Akeed, M.H., Qaidi, S., Ahmed, H.U., Faraj, R.H., Mohammed, A.S., Emad, W., Tayeh, B.A. and Azevedo, A.R.G. (2022a), "Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete. Part II: Hydration and microstructure", Case Stud. Constr. Mater., 17, e01289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01289
  7. Akeed, M.H., Qaidi, S., Ahmed, H.U., Faraj, R.H., Mohammed, A.S., Emad, W., Tayeh, B.A. and Azevedo, A.R.G. (2022b), "Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete. Part IV: Durability properties, cost assessment, applications, and challenges", Case Stud. Constr. Mater., 17, e01271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2022.e01271
  8. Anas, M., Khan, M., Bilal, H., Jadoon, S. and Khan, M.N. (2022), "Fiber reinforced concrete: a review", Eng. Proc., 22(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2022022003
  9. Azmee, N.M. and Shafiq, N. (2018), "Ultra-high performance concrete: From fundamental to applications", Case Stud. Constr. Mater., 9, e00197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2018.e00197
  10. Bandara, S., Wijesundara, K. and Rajeev, P. (2023), "Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete for rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete structures: A suitability assessment", Buildings, 13(3), 614. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030614
  11. Bao, C., Bi, J.H., Guan, J. and Cheng, W.X. (2020), "Numerical simulation of the distribution and orientation of steel fibres in SCC", Magaz. Concrete Res., 72(21), 1102-1111. https://doi.org/10.1680/jmacr.18.00432
  12. Bay, R.S. and Tucker, C.L. (1992a), "Fiber orientation in simple injection moldings. Part I: Theory and numerical methods", Polym. Compos., 13(4), 317-331. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.750130409
  13. Bay, R.S. and Tucker, C.L. (1992b), "Fiber orientation in simple injection moldings. Part II: Experimental results", Polym. Compos., 13(4), 332-341. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.750130410
  14. Chung, D.-H. and Kwon, T.-H. (2002), "Fiber orientation in the processing of polymer composites", Korea-Australia Rheol. J., 14(4), 175-188.
  15. Du, W., Yu, F., Qiu, L., Guo, Y., Wang, J. and Han, B. (2024), "Effect of steel fibers on tensile properties of ultra-high-performance concrete: a review", Materials, 17(5), 1108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17051108
  16. Folgar, F. and Tucker, C.L. (1984), "Orientation behavior of fibers in concentrated suspensions", J. Reinf. Plast. Compos., 3(2), 98-119. https://doi.org/10.1177/073168448400300201
  17. Gerland, F., Vaupel, T., Schomberg, T. and Wunsch, O. (2024), "Analysing the Influence of Fibers on Fresh Concrete Rheometry by the Use of Numerical Simulation", Constr. Mater., 4(1), 128-153. https://doi.org/10.3390/constrmater4010008
  18. Gong, J., Ma, Y., Fu, J., Hu, J., Ouyang, X., Zhang, Z. and Wang, H. (2022), "Utilization of fibers in ultra-high performance concrete: A review", Compos. Part B: Eng., 241, 109995. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2022.109995
  19. Han, K.H. (2000), "Enhancement of Accuracy in calculating fiber orientation distribution in Fiber Reinforced Injection Modeling", Ph.D. Thesis; Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Korea.
  20. Huang, H., Gao, X., Li, L. and Wang, H. (2018), "Improvement effect of steel fiber orientation control on mechanical performance of UHPC", Constr. Build. Mater., 188, 709-721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.146
  21. Islam, M.M. and Zhang, Q. (2023), "An evaluation of the placement and fiber orientation factors based on existing UHPC codes and standards", In: Third International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete, Iowa State University Digital Press. https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.16686
  22. JCI-S-002-2003 (2003), Method of test for load-displacement curve of fiber reinforced concrete by use of notched beam, Japan Concrete Institute Standard.
  23. Kang, S.T. (2018), "The Effect of the Amount of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer on the Properties of Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (폴리칼본산계 고성능감수제 사용량이 초고성능 섬유보강 콘크리트의 성질에 미치는 영향)", J. Korean Soc. Civil Engr., 38(1), 11-18. https://doi.org/10.12652/Ksce.2018.38.1.0011
  24. Kang, S.-T. and Kim, J.-K. (2012), "Numerical simulation of the variation of fiber orientation distribution during flow molding of Ultra High Performance Cementitious Composites (UHPCC)", Cement Concrete Compos., 34(2), 208-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2011.09.015
  25. Kang, S.-T., Kim, J.H. and Lee, B.Y. (2018), "Effects of water reducing admixture on rheological properties, fiber distribution, and mechanical behavior of UHPFRC", Appl. Sci., 9(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9010029
  26. Kugler, S.K., Kech, A., Cruz, C. and Osswald, T. (2020), "Fiber orientation predictions—a review of existing models", J. Compos. Sci., 4(2), 69. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs4020069
  27. Labib, W.A. (2018), "Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites", In: Cement Based Materials, Tech Open. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75102
  28. Lee, B., Kang, S.-T., Yun, H.-B. and Kim, Y.-Y. (2016), "Improved sectional image analysis technique for evaluating fiber orientations in fiber-reinforced cement-based materials", Materials, 9(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma9010042
  29. Markovic, I. (2006), "High-performance hybrid-fibre concrete: Development and Utilisation", Technische Universiteit Delft.
  30. Marvila, M.T., Rocha, H.A., de Azevedo, A.R.G., Colorado, H.A., Zapata, J.F. and Vieira, C.M.F. (2021), "Use of natural vegetable fibers in cementitious composites: concepts and applications", Innov. Infrastr. Solut., 6(3), 180. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-021-00551-8
  31. Meng, W. and Khayat, K.H. (2018), "Effect of hybrid fibers on fresh properties, mechanical properties, and autogenous shrinkage of cost-effective UHPC", J. Mater. Civil Eng., 30(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002212
  32. Mukharromah, N.I. and Moon, D.Y. (2024), "Steel Fiber Orientation Efficiency Factor Model for a Magnetically Treated Cement-Based Composite", Int. J. Concrete Struct. Mater., 18(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40069-023-00641-0
  33. Ranganathan, S. and Advani, S.G. (1990), "Characterization of orientation clustering in short‐fiber composites", J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys., 28(13), 2651-2672. https://doi.org/10.1002/polb.1990.090281312
  34. Ranganathan, S. and Advani, S.G. (1991), "Fiber–fiber interactions in homogeneous flows of nondilute suspensions", J. Rheol., 35(8), 1499-1522. https://doi.org/10.1122/1.550244
  35. Régnier, G., Dray, D., Jourdain, E., Le Roux, S. and Schmidt, F.M. (2008), "A simplified method to determine the 3D orientation of an injection molded fiber‐filled polymer", Polym. Eng. Sci., 48(11), 2159-2168. https://doi.org/10.1002/pen.21161
  36. Richard, P. and Cheyrezy, M. (1995), "Composition of reactive powder concretes", Cement Concrete Res., 25(7), 1501-1511. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-8846(95)00144-2
  37. Teng, L., Huang, H., Du, J. and Khayat, K.H. (2021), "Prediction of fiber orientation and flexural performance of UHPC based on suspending mortar rheology and casting method", Cement Concrete Compos., 122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104142
  38. Valverde-Burneo, D., Trancoso, N.G., Segura, I., Laborda, M.G., Santillan, N., Sanchez, L. and Franco, V. (2025), "Experimental and theoretical analysis of auxetic cementitious composite: A comparative study with recycled and virgin steel fibers", J. Build. Eng., 101, 111822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2025.111822
  39. Yoo, D.-Y., Shin, H.O., Yang, J.-M. and Yoon, Y.-S. (2014a), "Material and bond properties of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete with micro steel fibers", Compos. Part B: Eng., 58, 122-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.10.081
  40. Yoo, D.-Y., Kang, S.-T. and Yoon, Y.-S. (2014b), "Effect of fiber length and placement method on flexural behavior, tension-softening curve, and fiber distribution characteristics of UHPFRC", Constr. Build. Mater., 64, 67-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.04.007