ABSTRACT
Abstract Plain, unreinforced cementitious composites in general, and concrete in particular, are characterized by low tensile strengths, and low tensile strain capacities; that is, they are brittle. Much importance has been given in the recent years to overcome the brittleness of cement matrix and also improvement of its durability. The tensile strain capacity of cement-based materials can be dramatically improved by the addition of fibers. While small amount of fibers (<1%) have been successfully used in bulk concrete construction to overcome brittleness of cement, new processing techniques have helped in the manufacture of thin-sheet products with as high as 15% volume of continuous and discontinuous fibers. Fibers in such large quantities fundamentally alter the nature of the cement-based matrix, and the inherent tensile strength and strain capacity of the matrix itself are greatly enhanced. New processing technologies, reduced water-cement ratio and incorporation of organic and inorganic materials have resulted in less porous materials with improved performance. Such improvements have lead to a new breed of cementbased materials. This paper presents the recent advancements in processing technologies, mechanical behavior, toughening mechanisms, interface properties and applications of fiber reinforced cement-based composites. Keywords: Cement, Composite, Concrete, Extrusion, Fibers, Fracture, Toughness, Strength
1 Introduction Cement-based materials are characterized by low tensile strengths, and low tensile strain capacities. The tensile strain capacity of cement-based materials can be dramatically improved by the addition of fibers. While small amount of fibers (<1%) have been successfully used in bulk concrete construction to overcome brittleness of cement, new processing techniques have helped in the manufacture of thin-sheet products with as high as 15% volume of continuous and discontinuous fibers [1,2]. Considerable advances in improvement of processing technologies and performance have resulted in the emergence of a new breed of cement-based materials. New processing technologies, reduced watercement ratio and incorporation of organic and inorganic materials have resulted in less porous materials with improved performance.
