Damage mechanics applied to concrete reinforced with amorphous cast iron fibers, concrete subjected to compression

The evolution of damage in compression, due to microcracking, is investigated in concrete reinforced by amorphous cast iron fibers and compared to damage in non reinforced concrete whose workability and strength were similar. As microcracking is anisotropic, two damage variables are defined, d 1 in the orientation of compression and d 2 in a perpendicular orientation. Damage values are calculated as a function of the loss of stiffness measured during loading-unloading cycles. Since the fiber arrangement is 2D (isotropic transverse), it is shown that damage is delayed in a reinforced concrete stressed in an orientation perpendicular to the fibers. On the other hand, due to fiber/concrete debonding, damage is greater when the compression is applied in an orientation parallel to the fibers. The damage behavior of the non reinforced concrete is intermediate.