Behaviour of High-strength and Normal-strength Strain-hardening Cement-based Composites (SHCC) Subjected to Impact Loading

Abstract

The article at hand presents the results of a series of high-speed dynamic experiments on two different types of strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC): a high-strength mixture and a normal-strength one. Spallation tests are performed using a Hopkinson bar at strain rates between 150 and 180 s-1. Additionally, high-speed pullout tests on single fibers are carried out. The results of these tests are compared to the results of corresponding quasi-static uniaxial tension tests and fiber pullout tests. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of the SHCC under different loading rates is related to the conditions of fracture surfaces and of the pulled out fibers as observed in the electron microscope. Finally, the findings on the high-strength SHCC are compared to the related features of the normal-strength SHCC.