High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites for Crack Control

About the project:

This research project will determine whether high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) are effective in controlling the width of cracks that occur in the beams, pier caps and decks of concrete structures.  The narrow cracks that do appear are not expected to allow water or other solutions to move through the concrete.  Previous research (Shah, et al.) has shown that cracks less than 100 microstrain do not adversely impact this particular concrete’s permeability.  Mixtures used in the lab will contain a pozzolan to reduce the infiltration of chlorides through the concrete. The mortar mixtures for this project will be tested for air content and also at a hardened state for compressive and flexural strength.  The relationship between load and deflection will also be determined in the flexural test.

Project Team

Principal Investigators