The toughness property of high performance concretes

Ill ABSTRACT High compressive strength characteristics of "high performance concretes" is not the only criteria to define this relatively new material. The superior values of other mechanical properties and long lasting durability are the main characteristics of the "high performance concrete". However, their deformation and energy absorption capacities are not well defined and maybe lower than conventional concretes. Fracture energy is one of the important material parameters of concrete, along with its mechanical properties. Conventional concrete is a fragile material. While the amount of absorbed energy by traditional concrete has a limited value in failure, fiber reinforced concrete provides large ductility, especially after the appearance of first crack. In this research, energy absorption capacities and deformation properties of fiber reinforced high performance concrete have been investigated. The stress-strain behavior of various concrete samples with different maximum aggregate sizes, different fiber geometries and different fiber dosages have been investigated within a comprehensive experimental program.