Mesoscale modelling of dynamic tensile behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete with spiral fibres

This paper performs numerical simulations of dynamic splitting tensile tests to study the dynamic properties of FRC materials. A two-dimensional mesoscale model is developed with consideration of the fibres, aggregates, and cement mortar. The FRC models with hooked-end fibres and newly developed spiral fibres are developed to investigate the effect of fibre shape on the dynamic properties of FRC material, such as the dynamic increase factor (DIF), the energy absorption capacity and the crack opening velocity. Accuracy of the numerical models for two types of FRC materials with 1% fibre content is verified with the experimental results. The effect of fibre content on the dynamic properties of the two FRC materials is also investigated. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed mesoscale model can reliably simulate the dynamic splitting tests of FRC materials. They also demonstrate the effectiveness of the spiral FRC in resisting the dynamic tensile loads as compared to the conventional hooked-end FRC.