Mechanical properties and self-sensing ability of amorphous metallic fiber-reinforced concrete

The aim of this research work is to develop a corrosion resistant fiber-reinforced concrete for radioactive waste disposal structures. In the case of precast concrete, the use of fibers is a solution to reduce the amount of steel reinforcement while maintaining high mechanical performance and durability. Concrete has a low strain capacity and a limited tensile strength. Generally, reinforcing bars are used to ensure tensile strength. A fiber reinforcement can also help to overcome such a mechanical weakness. For this purpose, an amorphous metallic fiber (AMF), corrosion-resistant and suitable for application in severe environment conditions are used. The fresh and hardened properties of the self-compacting fiber reinforced concrete (SCFRC) are studied with volume fractions of AMF of 0% and 0.28% and with three different aspect ratios (82, 114 and 123). Flexural tensile tests according to European standard EN 14651 are conducted to quantify the contribution of the fiber reinforcement on the residual flexural tensile strength. Since these fibers are electrically conductive, they are also tested to design a smart concrete. For this purpose, electrical resistance of specimens submitted to cyclic flexural loadings are monitored using a Wheatstone bridge.