Deformation Capacity and Shear Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composite Flexural Members Subjected to Displacement Reversals

The behavior of fiber-reinforced cement composite (FRCC) flexural members under large displacement reversals was experimentally evaluated. Emphasis was placed on estimating the displacement capacity and shear strength of members constructed with strainhardening FRCC materials. Two types of fibers were used: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers and steel hooked fibers in volume fractions ranging between 1.0 and 2.0%. The primary experimental variables were: (1) fiber type and volume fraction; (2) type of cement-based matrix (concrete or mortar); (3) average shear stress demand at flexural yielding; and (4) shear resistance provided through hoops versus total shear demand. All specimens constructed with a strain-hardening FRCC, with or without web reinforcement, exhibited drift capacities of at least 4.0%. A shear stress level of 0.30((squar root)fʹc) [MPa] represented a lower bound for which no shear failure occurred in the strain-hardening FRCC test specimens, regardless of the member inelastic rotation demand. In addition, buckling of longitudinal reinforcement in the strain-hardening FRCC members without web reinforcement was not observed up to plastic hinge rotations of 4.0%.