New Test for the Characterization of the Tensile Constitutive Behaviour of FRC

Abstract

Recently published fib Model Code 2010 has been an important step towards the use of fibre reinforced concretes (FRC) in structural applications. This guide has selected a beam test (EN 14651) for the characterization of tensile constitutive behaviour of RFC. One drawback of the EN test is that, because of their shape, it almost impossible to apply the test to specimens extracted from an in-situ existing element. Some new compact tests (with small size specimens) that overcome this difficulty have been recently proposed, like the wedge splitting test (WST), the Barcelona test, or the Double Edge Wedge Splitting (DEWS) Test. Despite the advances, issues are still present in the new tests. In this work, preliminary results of a research where presented focusing a new test for the determination of residual strength parameters. The test is based in the WST, but changes are made over the load device and the specimen, aiming to achieve simplifications that allow it to be used in routine quality verification. A more simple, fast, and economic test was obtained, which can be performed in a simple displacement controlled testing machine (with no need of close-loop control). In this paper, the test is introduced, and the friction coefficient assessed. It was shown that a stable friction coefficient (μ = 0.06) is obtained. This is a key aspect of the test, as the effective opening force applied to the sample is influenced by this value. Results suggest that this test is a potentially attractive, and should be explored to be used in routine control of the FRC.