مصطفى RPC

Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Higher Education

and Scientific Research
University of Babylon
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department
The Properties of Reactive Powder

Concrete Reinforced with Random
Distribution Fibers
A Thesis
Submitted to the College of Engineering of the University of
Babylon in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Master of Science in
Civil Engineering / material construction
By
Supervised by
July (2013) Remthan (1435)

‫ﺑﺴﻢ ﺍﷲ ﺍﻟﺮﲪﻦ ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻴﻢ‬
‫ﻗﻞ ﻛﻞ ﻳﻌﻤﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺷﺎﻛﻠﺘﻪ ﻓﺮﺑﻜﻢ ﺍﻋﻠﻢ ﲟﻦ ﻫﻮ‬
‫ﺍﻫﺪﻯ‬
‫ﺳﺒﻴﻼ ‪ ‬ﻭﻳﺴﺄﻟﻮﻧﻚ ﻋﻦ ﺃﻟﺮﻭﺡ ﻗﻞ ﺃﻟﺮﻭﺡ ﻣﻦ‬
‫ﺃﻣﺮ ﺭﺑﻲ ﻭﻣﺎ ﺃﻭﺗﻴﺘﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺃﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﺍﻻ ﻗﻠﻴﻼ‪‬‬
‫ﺳﻮرةاﻻﺳﺮاء )اﻵﯾﺘﺎن ‪ ٨٤‬و ‪(٨٥‬‬ ‫ﺻﺪﻕ ﺍﷲ ﺍﻟﻌﻈﻴﻢ‬

Abstract
ABSTRACT
Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is one of the latest results of
development process in concrete technology. It is also known as an ultra-
high performance concrete which is characterized by dense mix, high cement
content, very high mechanical strength, high durability and contains in most
cases steel fibers to decrease its brittleness.
The most important components of the RPC are the high range water
reducing admixture (HRWRA), the highly active pozzolanic materials such
as silica fume or other pozzolanic materials which can produce more
hydrates to enhance the microstructure of the RPC, the very fine sand as
aggregate and steel fibers to improve its flexural strength and toughness.
During the first hours after casting, the fresh RPC is saved in a wetting
room in order to reduce dry shrinkage and moister content, and then the RPC
is treated by steam curing for a specified period.
The present research is devoted to study the mechanical properties of

RPC as a material as well as studying the fracture behavior of RPC under
bending. The experimental program includes investigating the effect of steel
fiber volumetric ratio (Vf) and shape of fiber (crimped & straight) on some
important mechanical properties of RPC such as compressive strength,
splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture, static modules of elasticity,
impact strengths and density. Additional experimental tests are also
conducted to study the fracture mechanics of RPC in terms of (stress
intensity factor KIc, J-integral JIc, fracture energy GF, energy release rate GIc
and toughness index T.I) of simply supported fiber reinforcements reactive
powder concrete (FR-RPC) beam having dimensions of 100× 100× 400 mm
under symmetrical two point load.
Page | II
Abstract
It was found from the experimental test results that increasing the steel
fibers volume fraction Vf from 0% to 2% using two types of fiber crimped
and straight fibers increasing the cube compressive strength by 20.63% and
20.19%, splitting tensile strength by 176.98% and 150.8%, flexural tensile
strength by 39.17% and 175.87%, static modules of elasticity by 20.16% and
17.92% and impact strength by 118.67% and 106.67% respectively.
Using ACI equation to predicted mechanical properties of RPC does

not give result acceptable with experimental and has over estimation because
the effect of hydration, curing, testing need more research on this approach.
Fracture toughness of FR-RPC is the most important properties of

fiber reinforcement's concrete, which is exhibited by the post-first crack
load-deflection curve of notch specimens, using LEFM theory and simple
maximum load failure criterion. There are inherent difficulties in various
methods of determining the fracture properties of FR-RPC, also the test
agreements make the marching of first crack and peak point of RPC beams
so difficult and need special technics from loading rate to the testing
machine.
Generally, there is a good agreement between these results which

describe the fracture characteristics of steel fiber reactive powder concrete
(SF-RPC). The fiber content varies between 0% and 2% by volume with
random orientation to load application were adopted in this study. Increasing
the fiber content leads to increased KIc, JIc, GF, GIc and T.I in general with
notes the straight fiber gives higher result than crimped fiber due to the
effect of bonding, pullout mechanism of fibers and casting testing condition.
The enhancement of cracking strength, ultimate strength and fracture
properties for the previous fiber content and type are reported.
Page | III
Abstract
Toughness index measured for notch and un-notched specimen by

taking the first and last theories of measuring it. The result shows that ASTM
C-1018 gives the less coefficients of variation (CV %) and representing the
energy absorbed very well and this result agreement with the statically
model which giver higher R2 compared with the others method.
Page | IV
List of Contents
Subject Page
Acknowledgements I
Abstract II
List of Contents V
List of Tables VIII
List of Plates X
List of Figures XI
List of Abbreviations XII
List of Notations XIII
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Research Significance 2
1.3 Objective of The Present Study 3
1.4 Application of RPC 4
1.5 Disadvantages 6
1.6 Thesis Organization 7
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction 8
2.2 Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete 9
2.2.1 Workability 12
2.3 Mechanical Properties 15
2.3.1 Strength and Toughness 15
2.3.2 Impact Strength 20
2.3.4 Modulus of Elasticity 23
2.4 Curing Effect on RPC 25
2.5 Fracture Mechanics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete 27
2.5.1 Basic of Fracture Mechanics 28
2.6 J-Integral 30
2.7 Toughness Indices 32
2.7.2 Various Definition of Toughness Index 34
2.8 Concluding Remarks 43
CHAPTER THREE: EXPERIMENTAL WORK
3.1 General 44
3.2 Materials 44
3.2.1 Cement 44
3.2.2 Fine Aggregate 45
3.2.3 Silica Fume 46
Page | V
List of Contents
Subject Page
3.2.4 High-Range Water Reducing Admixture (Superplasticizer) 49
3.2.5 Steel Fiber 51
3.2.6 Water Mix 51
3.3 Concrete Mixing 51
3.4 Mixing Procom 55
3.5 Casting Procedure 58
3.6 Curing of Specimens 59
3.7 Fresh Concrete Tests 60
3.7.1 Determination of the Workability 60
3.7.2 Percent of Water Reduction 61
3.8 Trial Mixing Result 62
3.8.1 Effect of Material Selection 62
3.8.2 Effect of Superplasticizer Type on Compressive Strength 62
3.8.3 Effect of Cement Type on Compressive Strength 64
3.8.4 Effect of Silica Fume Percent on Compressive Strength 65
3.9 Hardened Concrete Tests 66
3.9.1 Compressive Strength 66
3.9.2 Splitting Tensile strength 67
3.9.3 Static Modulus of Elasticity 68
3.9.4 Flexural Strength 68
3.10 Modification of the curve 71
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULT & DESCOUTION
4.1 Introduction 75
4.2 Effect of Steel Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of RPC 75
4.3.1 Compressive Strength 75
4.3.2 Splitting Tensile Strength 78
4.3.3 Flexural Strength 80
4.3.4 Static Modulus of Elasticity 80
4.4 Relationship 86
4.4.1 The Relationship between Splitting Strength, Modulus of
86
Rupture and Compressive Strength
4.3.2 Brittleness Factor 89
4.3.3 The relationship between impact strength and comp. strength 90
4.4 Fracture Strength 91
4.4.1 Effective Flexural Strength 96
Page | VI
List of Contents
Subject Page
4.4.2 Stress Intensity Factor 96
4.4.3 Energy Release Rate 99
4.4.4 Fracture Energy 99
4.4.5 Critical J-Integral 101
4.5 Toughness Index 102
4.6 Numerical Models 105
4.7 Failure Modes of RPC Specimens 108
CHAPTER FIVE: RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusions 111
5.2 Recommendations for Future Studies 113
REFERENCE 114
APPENDIX
Appendix A AI
Appendix B BI
Appendix C CI
Appendix D DI
Page | VII
List of Tables
Table No. Table Title Page
3-1 Chemical composition and main compound for cement 61
3-2 Physical properties of the two cement types 46
3-3 Chemical and physical properties of used sand 42
3-4 Grading of Al-Ekhaider natural sand 47
3-5 Grading of separated sand 47
3-6 Chemical analysis of silica fume 49
3-7 Physical properties of silica fume 49
3-8 Properties of the used steel fibers 51
3-9 RPC mixes used in the present research 57
3-10 Compressive Strength at 7,28 and 56 days for trial mix 63
4-1 Comp. Strength with different Fiber Vol. at 28 day 76
4-2 Compressive Strength for FR-RPC 76
4-3 Predicted compressive strength for FR-RPC 78
4-4 Splitting tensile strength results of RPC 79
Flexural Strength Results for FR-RPC reinforced with
4-5 80
different shape and contents of steel fibers
Modulus of Elasticity for different vol. fraction and
4-6 81
shape for FR-RPC
Impact Resistance of RPC with different shape and
4-7 83
volume of fiber
4-8 a Impact energy for straight steel fiber 85
4-8 b Impact energy for crimped steel fiber 86
4-9 a Comparison of Observed Vs. Predicted fr of RPC 88
4-9 b Comparison of Observed Vs. predicted fsp of RPC 88
4-10 Relationship between comp. and splitting strength 90
4-11 Effective flexural strength for FR-RPC 96
4-12 Stress intensity factor according ASTM eq. (A) 97
4-13 Stress intensity factor according to eq. (B) 97
4-14 Energy Release Rate GIc 99
4-15 Fracture Energy for Crimped Fiber 100
4-16 Fracture Energy for Straight Fiber 100
4-17 critical j-integral value for notch FR-RPC beam eq.(1) 101
4-18 critical j-integral value for notch FR-RPC beam, eq.(2) 102
4-19 a&b Toughness index according ASTM C 1018 103
4-20 a Average Toughness index for Straight Notched Beam 104
4-20 b Average Toughness index for Straight Un-notch Beam 105
4-21 a Average Toughness Index for Crimped Notched Beam 105
Page | VIII
List of Tables
Table No. Table Title Page
4-21 b Ave. Toughness Index for Crimped Un-notch beam 105
4-22 Possible models from the stepwise regression analysis 108
4-23 Values of Model Coefficients 109
Page | IX
List of Plates
Plate No. Plate Title Page
1-1 Sherbrooke Bridge, Quebec, Canada 5
1-2 Footbridge of Peace, Seoul 5
1-3 a The bus shelters in Tucson, USA 7
1-3 b The Martel tree in Boulogne, Bullecourt, France 7
2-1 Beam Cross-Section Comparisons 11
2-2 RPC structure in France 11
3-1 Steel fiber crimping machine 52
3-2 The steel fibers after cutting and crimping 53
3-3 Tensile test result of steel fiber 53
3-4 Mixer machine 56
3-5 Casting of RRC 58
3-6 wetting room with molding 58
3-7 water bath and curing tank 59
3-8 Flow table device for workability test 60
3-9 Third point-loading tests 70
3-10 Introducing the notch 70
3-11 Impact test 72
3-12 load-deflection curve for the tester machine 72
3-13 Load-Deflection Curve after Modification 73
3-14 Area under Curve by Graph Program 73
4-1 Failure Mode of Plain and FRPC 86
4-2 Cracked specimen of FR-RPC 95
4-3 Mod of RPC Specimen 110
Page | X
List of Figures
Fig No. Plate Figures Page
2-1 Typical load-def. response of a quasi-brittle material 29
2-2 Experimental decision of JIc 32
2-3 ACI definition for toughness index 34
2-4 toughness index according Barr 35
2-5 Toughness index according Johnston 37
2-6 Toughness index according Barr and Hasso 38
2-7 Toughness index according Lim et al 39
2-8 Definition of ASTM C 1018 Toughness Parameters 40
2-9 Parameters Calculated for ASTM C1609 42
2-10 China bending toughness 42
3-1 Grading curve for Al-Ekhaider natural 48
3-2 Grading curve for separated sand 48
3-3 Optimum dosage of HRWRA 62
3-4 Effect of HRWR on compressive strength 64
3-5 Effect of cement type on compressive strength 65
3-6 % of increase in comp. strength with respect to 7 day 66
3-7 Effect of silica fume content on compressive strength 67
3-8 Flexural arrangement 69
4-1 Effect of Steel Fiber on Compressive Strength 77
Effect of vol. fraction and type of steel fibers on the
4-2 79
splitting tensile strength of RPC
4-3 Effect of steel fibers on the Flexural strength 81
4-4 Percent of increase with respect to non-fiber of RPC 82
Effect of volume fraction and type of steel fibers on
4-5 84
the Impact strength
4-6 First crack impact energy 87
4-7 Comparison of Observed Vs. Predicted fr at 28 days 88
4-8 Comparison of Observed V. Predicted fsp at 28 days 89
4-9 Brittleness Factor with Different Fiber Shape &Vol. 90
4-10 Impact-Compressive Strength Relationship 91
4-11 load-deflection curves for crimped fiber 93
4-12 load-deflection curves for straight fiber 94
4-13 The relation between KIc and fiber type by eq. (A) 98
4-14 The relation between KIc and fiber type by eq. (B) 98
4-15 J-integral fiber vol. relationship according eq. (1) 101
4-16 J-integral fiber volume relationship according eq. (2) 103
Page | XI
List of Abbreviations
Symbol Description
ACI American Concrete Institute
UHSC Ultra High Strength Concrete
UHPFRC Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete
UHPC Ultra High Performance Concrete
SFRC Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
SF Silica fume
sf Steel fiber
SD Standard Deviation
SCUHPC Self-Compacting Ultra-High Performance Concrete
S.A.I Strength Activity Index
RPC Reactive Powder Concrete
RH Relative Humidity
MRPC Modified Reactive Powder Concrete
lf/df Aspect Ratio of Fiber
L.S.F Lime Saturation Factor
LEFM Liner-Elastic Fracture Mechanics
L.O.I Loss on Ignition
JSCE Japanese Society for Civil Engineers
IQS Iraqi Standards
HSC High Strength Concrete
HRWRA High Rang Water Reducer Admixture
hr. Hour
HPC High Performance Concrete
G54 Glenium 54
FR-RPC Fiber Reinforced Reactive Powder Concrete
FRC Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Ductal® Commercial Name of Ultra-High Performance Concrete
CV % Coefficient of variation
B.S. British Standards Institution
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
/
/ ratio Compressive Tensile Strength Ratio
(p- ) curve Load-Deflection curve
(a/D) ratio Shear-Span Depth Ratio
(w/b)r water/cementitious materials ratio of the reference mix
(w/b)t water/cementitious materials ratio of the testing mix
Page | XII
List of Notations
Symbols used are defined where they first appear and are also listed below:
Symbol Description Unit

/
Concrete Compressive Strength MPa
a Depth of Notch mm
a/D Notch Depth Ratio --
B Width of Beam (or Prism) Cross Section mm
Co Centigrade Degree Temperature degree
D Depth of the prism mm
dc Diameter of Cylinder mm
df Diameter of Fiber mm
Dflow Average Diameter of Spread Concrete in Flow Test mm
E Young Modules GPa
Es Static Modulus of Elasticity GPa
fcu Concrete Compressive Strength (100 mm) cube MPa
FJSCE Flexural Toughness Factor N/mm2
fr Modulus Of Rupture MPa
fsp splitting tensile strength MPa
g Accelerating velocity m/s2
Gc Critical Energy Release Rate
h The Height of Hammer Drops mm
Kc Critical Stress Intensity Factor
lc Length of Cylinder mm
Lf Length of Fiber mm
lf Length of steel fiber mm
m Weight of Hammer kg
P Maximum Applied Load kN
Pcr First Crack Load kN
Pr Maximum Load of flexure test kN
Ps Applied Load in Splitting Test kN
S Span Length of Prism mm
v Poisson Ratio --
Vf Volumetric Steel Fibers Ratio %
w impact energy J
w/b Water Cementious or binder Ratio --
δcr Deflection at First Crack mm
Deflection Measured at Center of Beam mm
Page | XIII
Chapter One ----------------------------------------------------------------------Introduction
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Structural designers continually seek new approaches and ideas
that will make their structures more aesthetically pleasing, functionally
effective, and cost efficient. Historically, the improvement of structures
depends strongly upon the characteristics of engineering materials. A new
kind of material with excellent properties usually results in a revolution in
structures, and a new formulation approach by using ultra-fines materials
supported by strong development of new admixtures open the way over
the last twenty years to amazing processes in concrete technology. The
range of performances and characteristics that are today covered by
concrete have been expanded in various directions from ordinary concrete
up to ultra-high performance concrete or self-compacting concrete, etc.
High strength concrete, however, remains basically a brittle material
requiring the use of passive reinforcement. A technological breakthrough
took place at the turn of the 90s with the development of the said
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), offering compressive strength
exceeding 200 MPa and flexure strength over 40 MPa, showing some
ductility Weeren (2008) (1).
Reactive Powder Concrete is a high strength ductile material

formulated from a special combination of constituent materials. These
materials include Portland cement, silica fume, quartz flour, fine silica
sand, high-range water-reducer, water, and steel or organic fibers. The
technology of the material is covered by one of many patents in a range
known as Ultra High Performance Concretes (UHPC) under the
trademark-Ductal®.
Page | 1
The mechanical properties like Compressive strength in excess of

120 MPa, flexural strength of between 20 and 50 MPa, and young’s
modulus of elasticity in the range of 45-65 GPa can be attained. This is
generally achieved by microstructural engineering approach, including
elimination of the coarse aggregates, reduction of the water to
cementitious material, lowering of the CaO/SiO2 ratio by introducing the
silica components, and incorporation of steel fiber reinforcement
Bonneau et al (2000) (2).
1.2 Research Significance

The improved tensile strength and high toughness of RPC can be
pointed out as its most advantageous features. RPC has been shown to
exhibit significantly improved tensile strength, both before and after
cracking. This tensile strength of RPC is achieved as a result of the
interaction of the randomly oriented steel fibers acting as reinforcement
on a micro level which increases tensile strength, ductility, energy
absorption, and crack control characteristics of plain RPC. After cracking
has occurred, the steel fibers are capable of sustaining additional tensile
loads until the fibers are pulled from the matrix and the section severs
Lubna (2012) (3).
Reactive Powder Concrete has a great mechanical properties and

fracture parameter is one of little branch search on it. For that the
evaluation of mechanical properties of RPC is necessary during many
trial mixes to get higher mechanical properties with good workability and
control condition.
Fracture strength is defined as the ability of element to absorbed

energy up to failure or post-crack strength in case using fiber. Several
techniques used to measure fracture strength depending often on behavior
Page | 2
of load-deflection curve under static, quass-static and dynamic of center

or three point bending test in case of using beam with take in consider
the absence of notch for measure stress intensity factor, energy release
rate, etc.
As the concrete is brittle material, the research start using of fiber

to work as bridge of crack propagation and increased the tensile strength
of concrete with increase of volume fraction with stand on very well
workable mix, with make a stoical model give the best degree of
confidence with experimental result for the last theory to measure fracture
parameters and pointed to the condition and behavior of methods that are
using.
1.3 Objectives of the Present Study

Although RPC has passed from the research stage to the industrial
and field application as in military buildings, bridges and structures
subjected to impact and earthquakes, but still, there are no systematic
standards or specifications followed in design yet.
So, the present study aims to accomplish the following objectives:
 Investigate the effect of HRWRA, silica fume content and cement

type on compressive strength with notice the effect of ages on
developing strength.
 Performing experimental tests and analyzing the results to study
the influence of steel fibers volumetric ratio and type on some
essential properties of RPC such as compressive strength, splitting
tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, modulus of elasticity,
impact strength, density and fracture parameter strength.
Page | 3
 Investigate experimentally the flexural behavior of plan and fiber

RPC including the full range of load-deflection response, flexural
strength and ductility.
 Measure fracture parameter for notch and un-notch prism with
different fiber volume fraction and type.
 Statistical modeling of the toughness index of RPC based on the
experimental results.
 Study the effect of using low tensile; recycle iron wire modified to
crimped and straight shape as a replacement of standard steel fiber.
For the purpose of this investigation, compressive strength was

conducted on 170 cubes of side edge (100) mm. Splitting tensile strength
was performed on 55 cylinders (100x200) mm. Flexural strength and
flexural toughness were carried out on 75 prisms notch and un-notch
(100x100x400) mm. Static modulus of elasticity was performed on 30
cylinders (100 x200) mm. Impact resistance was conducted on 30 discs
(65x150) mm.
1.4 Application of RPC
It can be summarized according to Hannawayya, S. PH. Y. (2010)

(5)
as follows:
1. In Canada, the Sherbrooke pedestrian/bikeway bridge erected

in July 1997, is the world's first major structure to be built
with RPC. Sherbrok pedestrian/bikeway bridge encompasses
several other innovations-confinement of concrete, the total
absence of steel bar reinforcement, and pioneering practices in
the design and detailing of precast /prestressed concrete. The
bridge superstructure is a post-tensioned open-web space truss.
RPC, with a compressive strength of 200 MPa, was used in the
Page | 4
deck and top and bottom chord element of the truss. The
footbridge's effective thickness is 150mm. A comparative study
showed that the same structure made by high performance concrete
(HPC) would have required a thickness of 375 mm Plate (1-1)
Graybeal, B. and Hartman, J (2002) (58).
Plate (1-1): Sherbrooke Bridge, Quebec, Canada (58)

2. In Korea, a pedestrian bridge with 120 m arch has been constructed
on Han River near Seoul. It is a post-tensioned segmental bridge
consisting of 6 segments, each 20 m in length, with a walkway
thickness of 30 mm, Plate (1-2) Aitkin, P.C. (2000) (59).
Plate (1-2): Footbridge of Peace, Seoul (59)
Page | 5
3. In China, a kind of high-durability panel entirely made of RPC is

going to be used for railway bridge walkways in Qinghai-Tibet
railway.
4. In Croatia, the largest arch bridge designed of RPC 200 is
discussed and investigated.
5. Australia has committed to RPC use in a vehicular bridge.
And there many structural application of RPC in the world
designed or building with new field application like architectural
applications while use of a concrete material have almost unlimited
possibilities of appearance, texture and color has excited the
architects by giving them access to unexpected new world of shapes
and volumes. RPC was used in several architecturally oriented
applications like the bus shelters in Tucson, USA, and the Martel tree in
Boulogne-Billancourt, France، as shown in Plate (1-3) a & b.
(a) (b)
Plate (1-3): (a) The bus shelters in Tucson, USA, (b) The Martel tree in
Boulogne, Billancourt, France (9)
1.5 Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of using RPC in today’s market is the
initial cost. With RPC being relatively new to the industry, there have
Page | 6
been only a limited number of applications. The design and use of the
material has not yet been optimized or streamlined and as a result,
the cost is still significantly higher than that of conventional concrete.
The producers expect that as RPC becomes more common in practice,
the cost of use will decrease and they suggest that savings will be
achieved over the life cycle when compared to conventional solutions.
Another difficulty with the use of RPC in design is that it is more
suited for use in a precasting facility rather than an onsite application.
1.6 Thesis Organization

The thesis organization follows the path of the progression of the
research project. The thesis contains five chapters which can be
summarized as follows:
 Chapter One: is the introductory chapter.

 Chapter Two: presents a review of the existing research works which
deal with the study and analysis of RPC characteristics and physical
properties. In addition the chapter also gives a review of the existing
methods for measure fracture parameter of different types of concrete
in bending.
 Chapter Three: describes the experimental program of the present
research. A full detailing of the material used, equipment and
procedure of tests are carefully presented and described.
 Chapter Four: presents the results of the experimental tests together
with their comprehensive analysis and discussion.
 Chapter Five: summarizes the main conclusions to be drawn from the
present research and also gives some recommendations for future
researches.
Page | 7
Chapter Two---------------------------------------------------------------Literature Review
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
The concrete strength development demands become more

effective with development of building construction. This strength rise up
from normal concrete (20 to 40 MPa) to ultra-high performance concrete
(UHPC) (100 MPa and more) by using new material add or replace from
conventional concrete content named as admixture.
These demands lead to find new concrete coined by two French

(4)
scientists Richard, P. and Cheyrezy, M. in (1994) under the name
(5)
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC). Hannawayya, S. PH. Y (2010)
define reactive powder concrete is a result of developing process in
concrete technology. It is a new type of composite material satisfying the
increasing demands for high strength, high durability, offering superior
ductility and workability. Although RPC contains no coarse aggregate –
so its composition similar to cement mortars – but its uses are like
concretes so that it is called "concrete not mortar". The potential
applications of RPC include pre-stressed structures without passive
reinforcement, pressure precast pipes, impermeable containers for
hazardous fluids or nuclear wastes Silvia et al (1999) (6).
Reactive powder concrete becomes new choose in field application

of the building market under the brand name Ductal®, which consider
special branch of Ultra High Performance Concrete, and was patented by
three French companies based on more than 10 years of research on
UHPC. The companies are LAFARGE, a construction material
manufacturer, BOUYGUES, an industrial and structural contractor, and
RHODIA, a chemical company.
Page | 8
Previous studies concerned on the mechanical properties of RPC,

whereas the present research can be categorized into two sections.
Category one deals with the historical background and developing of
RPC and its mechanical properties while category two deals with fracture
behavior studies for this composite by using local material.
2.2 Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is composed of very fine

powders (cement, fine sand and pozzolanic material), metallic or organic
fibers (optional) and high performance superplasticizer. Each one of these
material have special properties and performance give RPC his name.
The basic formulation of RPC is (1:1.1:0.25) volume percent

(OPC, silica fume, sand) with w/b (water to cementious ratio) equal 0.18
in general. Some formulations contain crushed quartz ( 40% by
weight of cement) or steel fibers (approximately 2% in volume). RPC
mix design for cubic meter as 1000 kg/m3 cement, 1000 kg/m3 sand, 1-3
% by volume fiber, 5-30 % pozzolanic materials by weight of cement as
addition or replacement and high-range water reducing admixtures
(HRWRA) according to the percent which gives minimum w/b ratio.
(4)
Richard, P. and Cheyrezy, M. (1994) published their first
paper about RPC during their work in the scientific division at Bouygues
company, France. According to this paper they found the superior
mechanical properties exhibited by RPC result from the principles used in
their development. These principles fall into four key areas of
improvement Lee, N. and Chisholm, D. (2005) (7):
1. Enhancement of homogeneity by the elimination of coarse

aggregates.
Page | 9
2. Enhancement of the compacted density by optimizing the granular

mixture and optionally applying pressure before and during setting.
3. Enhancement of the microstructure by heat treatment after
hardening.
4. Improved ductility through the incorporation of micro steel fibers.
Application of the first three principles produces a matrix with very

high compressive strength, but with ductility no better than that of
conventional mortar. The inclusion of fibers improves tensile strength,
and also makes it possible to obtain the required level of ductility
Richard, P. and Cheyrezy, M. (1994) (4) and Lee, N. and Chisholm, D.
(7)
(2005) by maintaining mixing and casting procedures as close as
possible to existing concrete industry practice.
This leads to have extraordinary mechanical properties (high

compressive and tensile strength, high modulus of elasticity) and has
excellent durability properties (low permeability against liquids and
gases, thus high resistance against the penetration of ions, very good
freeze-thaw resistance) Dirk, W. and Jianxin, M. (2003) (8).
RPC is more expansive and need special equipment and condition

control for production than regular concrete but have isotropic nature and
greater ductility make it competitive with other structure member, over
which it has a significant cost advantage, for many structural applications.
RPC beams improved seismic performance by reducing inertia

loads. So, it can be designed with an equal moment capacity to steel
beams at comparable mass and cross-sectional dimensions and allows the
designer to use smaller & lighter sections, providing higher energy
absorption and improved confinement. Resulting finally on use of less
material, to yield the same capacity as illustrated in Pate (2-1).
Page | 10
Plate (2-1): Beam Cross-Section Comparisons (5)
Basically, the reactive powder concrete is used in structures

needing light and thin components, things like roofs for stadiums, long
spans bridge, and anything that needs extra safety or security such as
blast resistant structures. Plate (2-2) show some of structure built from
RPC.
(A) (B)
Plate (2-2): RPC structure in France (A) Beams and girders at Cattenom electric
power station cooling tower (B) Flying carpet at the Tomi Ungerer National
Illustration Center in Strasbourg (9)
Page | 11
(10)
Graybeal B. and Tanesi J. (2007) , summarize the main
benefit of RPC as follow:-
- RPC is a better alternative to high performance concrete (HPC) and

has the potential to structurally compete with steel.
- Its superior strength combined with higher shear capacity results in
significant dead load reduction and limitless structural member
shape.
- With its ductile tensile failure mechanism, RPC can be used to
resist not but direct primary tensile stresses. This may eliminate the
needs for supplemental shear and other auxiliary reinforcing steel.
- RPC provides improved seismic performance by reducing inertia
loads with lighter members, allowing larger deflections with
reduced cross section and providing higher energy absorption.
- Its low and non-interconnected porosity diminishes mass transfer
making penetration of liquid/gas or radioactive elements nearly
non-existent.
2.2.1 Workability
In practice, insufficient vibration or consolidation of

concrete usually leads to poor material quality that eventually deteriorates
the durability of concrete structures. Therefore, the need for high
workability concrete has been recognized as a means to improve the
quality and reliability of constructed facilities.
Normal plain reactive powder concrete processing adopts the same

casting method for conventional cementitious materials that generally
requires high-frequency vibration to place the fresh mix into molds. The
incorporation of fibers in reactive powder concrete has made the placing
of this concrete more challenging task than the plain mix. The efficiency
Page | 12
of fibers can significantly reduce if fibers are not uniformly distributed

due to the low workability of reactive powder concrete mix. Thus,
development of a reactive powder concrete that can flow into molds of
complex figure under gravity or minimum vibration work to
consolidation is highly desirable. The reactive powder concrete can be
even more important especially when heavy reinforcement details are
encountered Mahdi, B.S (2009) (11).
To achieve workable mix, the fresh reactive powder concrete

mixes should be easily deformable and should have sufficient segregation
resistance. This objective may be imposed on the rheological
characteristics of fresh mix, which are affected by inter-particle
microstructure, fiber properties, and interfacial zone between the matrix
(12)
and fibers. Lu Shanshan and Zheng Wenzhong (2010) included the
following specific requirements for a workable concrete:
 The fresh matrix should have optimal viscosity and low yield
stress to provide good deformability, while preventing phase
separation.
 During the casting process, the suspension should maintain its
initial flowability by effective stabilization of the system.
 The flow properties of fiber-free mix should be minimally
disturbed upon fiber addition to prevent poor fiber dispersion
due to high fiber aspect ratio and/or high fiber volume fraction.
 The fiber surface should have optimal wettability with the fresh
cementitious mix so that the fresh mix can flow homogeneously
through reinforcements or complex formwork figures without
any phase separation or clogging.
Page | 13
There are three key properties at fresh state which RPC must be
achieved with carefully controlled to ensure satisfactorily performance
for successful classification as field application concrete, that is:
1. Passing ability.
2. Flow ability.
3. Segregation resistance.
These factors have little concern on this type of concrete because

its properties like high compressive strength, low permeability, high
fracture energy and flexural toughness need special technician,
manufacture condition during casting, coining and after built in Wasan I.
Khalil (2012) (13).
There are several factor effects on workability and mechanical

properties of RPC in very clear view, like fiber, high range water
reducing admixture (HRWRA), mix design and degree of service or
condition for field structure.
(34)
Uzawa et al. (2005) mentioned two factors that make the
possibility of getting high flow able RPC with low water/cement ratio
which effect on the workability:
 The proportion of the solid premixed material (that not given by

the researcher) which was established on the basis of the densest
compaction theory.
 The molecular design of the special water reducer which was
determined by giving consideration to particle behavior at the
extremely low water binder ratio so that both the cement and the
ground siliceous material of different chemical properties may be
dispersed effectively.
Page | 14
2.3 Mechanical Properties
2.3.1 Strength and Toughness
Richard and Cherezy (1995) (14) investigate the factor that effect on
compressive strength, which indicated that the silica fume in RPC has
three main functions a) Filling the voids between the next larger class of
particles (cement); (b) Enhancement of rheological characteristics by the
lubrication effect resulting from the perfect sphere of the basic particles;
and (c) Production of secondary hydrates by pozzolanic reaction with the
time resulting from primary hydration. The silica fume is mostly used
with RPC as a micro-silica, its content of SiO2 is usually higher than 90%
and its loss of ignition is lower than 1 %.
(15)
Roux et al (1996) investigated the influence of
pressing process on the compressive strength of RPC. They
tested two RPC with different casting techniques; their results
indicated considerable increase in compressive strength by
35% for pressurized concrete compared to table-vibrated
concrete.
The effect of micro steel fibers on direct tensile strength,
compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of ultra-high performance
fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) was studied by Biolzi et al (1997)
(16)
. His study showed that in direct tension, the addition of micro-fibers
produces a limited strength increase but yields a considerable
contribution to improve the post-peak behavior; the strength is not
particularly influenced by the fiber content whereas a contribution to the
ductility was pronounced.
Page | 15
Cheyrezy et al (1998) (17) stated that the RPC was capable of reach
a flexural strength as high as 48.3 MPa and a toughness of 250 times that
of normal strength concrete.
Silivia et al (1999) (6) investigated the influence of the fiber type on

the performance of RPC. Four different type of fiber were used: brass
plated steel (lf/df =72), deformed steel fiber (lf/df =67) and deformed
galvanized steel fiber (lf/df =48). Results show that the RPC materials
produced with brass plated fibers give mechanical performances
(compressive strength, flexural strength) higher than the RPC containing
other types of fibers. Results also demonstrated that the mechanical
performance of these fiber-reinforced materials appears to be essentially
influenced by two factors: the amount of fibers dispersed inside the
cement matrix and the bond between cement matrix and fibers.
Furthermore this bond depends on the fiber type (size, shape, and surface
treatment).
Soutsos et al (2001) (18) concluded that the addition of steel fibers

to the RPC mixes increase not only the flexural strength and ductility but
also increase the compressive strength.
Jungwirth (2002) (19) stated that the addition of 1.5% steel fibers
with an aspect ratio (lf/df) ≈160, have significant effect; on the properties
of RPC. Where fibers improve the tensile behavior, increase the ductility
of the composite and lead to a better distribution of the micro-cracks.
Also, he found that the application of the heat treatment had a significant
influence on the compressive and flexural strengths when compared with
20Co curing, the 90Co curing caused increased the compressive strength
of reactive powder concrete to rise from 120 to 180 MPa, while the
flexural strength increased from 25 to 35 MPa.
Page | 16
(20)
Voo et al (2003) mention the main variables that affect the
properties of fiber reinforced reactive powder concrete (FR-RPC) with
respect to the fibers addition. They used two types of steel fibers with
2.5% volume fraction, straight fibers with aspect ratio of 65 and hooked
end fibers with aspect ratio of (lf/df =60). They concluded that hooked
end fibers perform better than straight fibers. The results show an
increase in flexural strength by more than 8% for hooked end fibers
compared to straight fibers with respect to their aspect ratio and
geometry.
Orgass and Klug (2004)(21) investigated the influence of short

steel fibers and a fiber cocktail of short and long fibers on the mechanical
properties of different specimen size made from ultra-high performance
concrete (UHPC). They observed that the highest compressive and
flexural strength was obtained on smallest specimens where in vibrated
UHPC, the compressive strength decreases as the specimen slenderness
increases, such phenomena was not observed in self-compacting ultra-
high performance concrete (SCUHPC).
(22)
Stähli and Mier (2004) investigated the relationship between
tensile and ultra-high compressive strength of RPC. They concluded that
the compressive strength could be enhanced for RPC but not necessarily
leads to improvement of the compressive versus tensile strength ratio
/ /
( / ratio). An attempt was made in this research to reduce the /
ratio from 10:1 (which is typical for an ordinary fiber reinforced concrete)
to an ideal ratio of 1:1. Results of tested beams made of this mixture
containing three types of fibers were more efficient in their flexural
behavior than beams made from mixtures with two or even one type of
fibers only.
Page | 17
(23)
Al-Wahili (2005) was the first pioneer researchers in Iraq that
studied the RPC. The main objective of his work was to investigate the
mechanical properties of RPC incorporating rice husk ash. The concrete
was compressed during the setting stage and subjected to different levels
of thermal curing. In this investigation he stated it is possible to fabricate
a concrete with compressive strength up to 132 MPa, flexural strength up
to 19.1 MPa, dynamic modulus up to 48600 MPa using local pozzolanic
material.
Flexural resistance of 200 MPa RPC beams with several usual

contents of steel fiber was investigated by Mingbo et al (2006) (24) Based
on the load-deflection curves acquired, the working mechanics of steel
fibers in the tested beam is analyzed and compared with other
conventional concrete. The flexural strength and the flexural toughness
index of RPC200 are calculated and compared with the steel fiber
reinforced high-strength concrete. At last, the flexural elasticity modulus
is calculated. Compared with conventional high strength concrete (HSC)
and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), RPC200 has higher strength
and more toughness after cracking. On the other hand, there are
approximately linear relationships between the content of steel fibers and
flexural strength and flexural elasticity modulus.
(25)
Bonneau, O., et al (2006) were conducted to find fracture
energy of fiber toughened high-performance concrete subjected to high
temperatures (200-800)Co using steel fiber, polypropylene fiber, and
hybrid fiber (polypropylene fiber and steel fiber). The result show
decrease in residual mechanical strength when exposure to temperature
over 400Co but fracture energy higher than before heating confirming the
toughening effect of fiber on concrete reported by other research on plan
concrete.
Page | 18
(26)
In 2008, Ibrahim tried in her work to establish a complete
stress-strain relationship of RPC under the variation of pozzolanic
material type (metakaolin, micro silica fume, and silica fume whose
content were 150 kg/m3, 150 kg/m3 and 100 kg/m3 respectively) and two
types of fibers (steel fibers and polypropylene fibers in three volume
ratios that were used, 0.75 %, 1 % and 1.5 %). The experimental results
indicated that RPC mixes with silica fume gave the highest values of
compressive strength and density and lowest value of absorption in
comparison with RPC using micro silica or metakaolin.
(27)
Yang et al. (2010) examined the flexural behavior of UHPC
with steel rebar ratios less than 0.02 % by vol. and straight steel fibers
with a volumetric ratio of 2% and aspect ratio of (lf/df =65). The UHPC
was placed using two methods (placing UHPC in one end of the form and
allowed to flow to the other end to complete the filling process or placing
UHPC in midspan and allowed to flow to both ends of the form).
It was observed that the flexural capacity was affected by the

placing method of the UHPC with regard to the arrangement and
orientation of the steel fibers even for identical cross sections and rebar
ratios. Placing the UHPC at the end of the beam provides better structural
performance than placing at midspan. Ultra high performance steel fiber
reinforced UHPSFRC exhibited effective ductile behavior due to the
yielding of the rebar until flexural failure for the UHPC beam with low
rebar ratios.
(13)
Wasan I. Khalil (2012) investigate mechanical properties of
modified RPC with crushed graded natural aggregate (maximum size
12.5mm), High compressive strength of 150 MPa can be achieved by
using crushed coarse aggregate; this result is in contrast with the model
Page | 19
proposed to relate the high compressive strength level of RPC to the

absence of coarse aggregate. Modified RPC reinforced with different
types (crimped and hooked end) and volume fractions (0%, 0.5%, and
1%) of steel fibers has a good performance in terms of high strength
(Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture,
impact strength and static modulus of elasticity).also the effect of hot
water curing for more than 3 day has effect slightly on properties when
compared with long period (reach 27 day).
Yinghua YE et al (2012) (28) measure fracture energy standing on

CECS standards by using different hybrid shape of steel fiber on UHPC
with compressive strength reach (139 MPa) for (2%: Long ultra-fine
fiber; 0%: Long hooked-end fiber). The result obtained show the largest
fracture energy and bending toughness index was obtained with hybrid-
fibers, where the volume ratio of long ultra-fine fiber was 1.5%, and the
ratio of long hooked-end fiber was 0.5%.
2.3.2 Impact Strength
The resistance to impact and similar suddenly applied load and the
capacity to absorbed large amount of energy period to failure are
recognized to be important characteristics of fiber cement composite.
Although there has been intensive research work in this area, there appear
to be quite large variations in the result reported when using same test
method. In particular, reliable and reproducible data has not always been
obtained in the past.
Considerable effort has been made to try on evaluate improved

impact resistance of fiber reinforced materials, e.g., ACI committee
544.2R (29) suggested the use of a repeated drop hammer test to evaluate
Page | 20
the impact resistance of concrete. The only requirement for this test is a
rigid foundation such as a concrete floor, and that the people performing
the test stand with both feet on the base plate. The energy absorbed by the
support system will therefor vary in different laboratories Hibbert, A.P.
(30)
and Hannant, D.J. (1982) . Therefore such suggestions have not
readily been accepted and a great deal of research has been carried out to
improve or develop alternative test for investigating impact resistance.
The alternative test developed include:-
1. Free fall drop-weight test.

2. Charpy or lzod impact test.
3. Explosive test.
4. Projectile impact test.
(31)
Suans and Shah (19) tested reinforced concrete beam in a
drop-weight instrumented impact testing machine at different strain rate.
They concluded that the energy absorbed by long and short straight fibers
(between 0.625 mm and 25 mm), polypropylene fibers and often steel
fibers in concrete subjected to impact loading was approximately 100, 14,
31 and 7 times that for un-reinforced specimen respectively. They also
observed that matrix cracking was a major proven responsible for strain
rate sensitivity.
(32)
Minclen and Vordan (19) studied the effect of fibrillated
polypropylene fibers on the performance of ordinary concrete under
impact loading; they concluded that increasing the fiber volume increased
the impact resistance. This conclusion is similar to the observation of
(33)
Glinicki and Radomoki (19) on steel fiber concrete slabs resistance.
The second impact testing machine which has gained popularity is the
Izod-Charpy impact machine.
Page | 21
Hibbert and Hannant (1982) (30) instrumented the tug (or striking
part of the pendulum) to obtain meaningful date on the impact resistance.
They observed that the load time curve obtained from steel fiber concrete
is similar except that the second peak load is generally smaller and occurs
after a great time interval.
(35)
Al-Ne’aime (2006) studied the impact properties of RPC
containing local reactive powder (silica sand powder) instead of classic
powder (silica fume). The results showed that RPC made with silica fume
had greater impact resistance than that made with silica sand powder.
Also the impact resistance increased with increase fiber volume and
curing age.
(36)
Kazunori et al (2008) examine the impact response of a RPC
beam and develop an analytical model to represent its impact response
using a drop hammer impact test was performed to investigate the
influence of drop height of the hammer on the impact response of the
RPC beam.
The result show RPC beams when subjected to impact loading, the
type of ductile flexural tension failure will be with numerous fine cracks
when no shear reinforcement is provided to the RPC beams and the two
degrees of freedom mass-spring-damper system model was developed to
represent the response of the RPC beam subjected to a drop hammer
impact loading. The analytical results are in good agreement with the
experimental results when high damping for the local response at the
contact point is assumed.
(37)
Marios N. Soutsos, et al (2008) investigating the impact load
resistance of RPC in order to determine its suitability for use in the
construction of security enclosures and more specifically safes. The slab
Page | 22
was tested for impact using a seven-pound sledge hammer. The result
show after 70 blows the concrete at the top was powdering under the
blows but there was no indication of tensile cracking. Once the slab
thickness was reduced then cracking on the underside of the slab was
detected and further blows caused a cone of concrete to shear off from the
underside of the slab. A small hole was created, enough for a person to
push his hand through, and this was considered to be the failure point for
the concrete slab.
2.3.4 Modulus of Elasticity
The modulus of elasticity is a material dependent property which is

often described as a mathematical relationship between stress and strain.
Typically when the value is given for concrete, it is referencing the elastic
portion of the compressive stress-strain curve up to 40% of the ultimate
/
compressive strength (0.4 ) as specified in ASTM C 469 (38). The slope
of the elastic portion of the stress-strain curve is the modulus of elasticity.
The modulus of elasticity is used in design calculations of predict
deflection behavior of the element so the design can often satisfy the
specified limit states. Because testing the modulus of elasticity is time
consuming and requires additional jigs and software to determine; efforts
have been undertaken to develop a relationship between modulus of
elasticity and compressive strength.
Because of modulus of elasticity is generally related to the

compressive strength of concrete. This relationship depends on the
aggregate type, mix proportion, curing condition, rate of loading and
method of measurement.
(39)
Warnock (2005) studied the static modulus of elasticity of
RPC. He indicated that the average 28 days modulus of elasticity ranged
Page | 23
between (41-46.9) GPa depending on compressive strength which lies

between (140-176) MPa. The values of modulus of elasticity are lower
(4)
than those reported by Richard and Cheyrezy (1994) . This may be
attributed to the lower compressive strength of RPC when compared to
(43)
RPC from Richard and Cheyrezy (1994) . The general trend of
increased compressive strength leading to increased modulus of elasticity
(40)
Neville (1995) is clear in the result of this investigation. The lowest
compressive strength 140MPa has the lowest modulus of elasticity
41GPa, whereas the highest compressive strength 176MPa has the
greatest modulus of elasticity 46.9GPa.
Voo et al(2003) (41) investigated the modulus of elasticity from
stress-strain tests on 200mm height by 100mm diameter cylinders with
strains measured between the platen of the testing machine (i.e. over a
200 mm gauge length). The results indicated that with w/b ratio between
(0.15-0.18) the modulus of elasticity rise from 40GPa to 49GPa.
The modulus of elasticity of RPC for cylinder specimens with
60 or 120 mm in diameter and with height/diameter ratio equal 2 was
(42)
measured by Collepardi et al . They indicated that the modulus of
elasticity of about 40GPa was obtained and this value appeared to be
lower than that recorded by Richard and Cheyrezy (1994) (43) 54-60GPa
for RPC with a compressive strength of 200MPa.
The elastic properties of the RPC were studied by Washer et al
(44)
(2003) . They calculate the modulus of elasticity by ultrasonic pulse
velocity test. Their ultrasonic results were compared with traditional
destructive method. They reported that the RPC appears to have linear-
elastic, isotropic properties within some limits, and there was close
correlation with statically measured properties in the very small number
of tested specimens.
Page | 24
The modulus of elasticity obtained by ultrasonic pulse velocity

test was 58.17GPa for RPC with steel fibers and 55.02GPa for RPC
without steel fibers. On the other hand, the modulus of elasticity obtained
by ASTM C469 (38) test "Static Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio
of Concrete in Compression" was 57.27GPa for RPC with steel fibers and
54.96GPa for RPC without steel fibers. The correlation is quite close as
shown in results.
2.4 Curing Effect on RPC
(7)
Lee and Chisholm (2005) evaluate the effect of curing type on
strength of reactive powder concrete. Four methods were used (21ºC،
65ºC, 90ºC water curing and 160ºC steam curing). Compressive strength,
splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were investigated. The
results indicated that the specimens cured at 160 ºC showed a significant
improvement in properties of RPC compared to the specimens cured at
other curing methods. RPC specimens cured at 90ºC in water
demonstrated a considerable increase in mechanical properties compared
to specimens cured at 21ºC and 65ºC in water.
(23)
Al-Wahili (2005) show in his work when investigate the
mechanical properties of RPC incorporating rice husk ash. The concrete
was compressed during the setting stage and subjected to different levels
of thermal curing. In this investigation he stated it is possible to fabricate
a concrete with compressive strength up to 132 MPa, flexural strength up
to 19.1 MPa, dynamic modulus up to 48600 MPa using local pozzolanic
material.
(35)
Al-Ne’aime (2006) show the heat treatment improves the
properties of the RPC and modified reactive powder concrete (MRPC)
considerably where steam-curing at 90Co gave a better performance of
Page | 25
RPC and MRPC – in terms of higher strength -than the curing at room
temperature 20Co.
Cwirzen A. (2007) (45) study the influence of the curing regime on

the mechanical properties and microstructure of ultra-high-strength
mortar. Nine different curing procedures were applied in which the start
and duration of the heat treatment were varied. The studied mortars had a
water-binder ratio of (w/b) 0.17 and additions of amorphous silica fume
and fine quartz filler.
The microstructure and microchemistry were investigated by

electron scanning microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The
results revealed that longer heating times increased the degree of
hydration, refined the microstructure and resulted in higher ultimate
compressive strength. Very late and very early application of the heat
treatment caused a lower degree of hydration and a smaller long-term
increase of compressive strength.
(13)
Wasan I. Khalil (2012) investigate mechanical properties of
modified RPC with crushed graded natural aggregate (maximum size
12.5 mm), High compressive strength of 150 MPa can be achieved by
using crushed coarse aggregate; this result is in contrast with the model
proposed to relate the high compressive strength level of RPC to the
absence of coarse aggregate. Modified RPC reinforced with different
types (crimped and hooked end) and volume fractions (0%, 0.5%, and
1%) of steel fibers has a good performance in terms of high strength
(Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture,
impact strength and static modulus of elasticity). Also the effect of hot
water curing for more than 3 day has effect slightly on properties when
compared with long period (reach 27 day).
Page | 26
2.5 Fracture Mechanics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Fiber reinforced cements and concretes have been studied

intensively for nearly 50 years. The first aim of their use was to enhance
tensile strength of concrete and to develop or improve the resistance of
crack propagation, i.e. toughness. Knowing that the function of fibers was
to provide a crack arrest mechanism, the early investigators attempted to
apply fracture mechanics theory to such materials. Fiber reinforced
cement materials are not linearly elastic and show post-elastic
deformations. Which encouraged the investigators to apply non-liner
fracture mechanics concepts to fiber reinforcement concrete (FRC)
instead of applying linear elastic fracture criteria.
Fracture mechanics has now been established as a fundamental
approach to describe crack propagation and subsequent failure of
concrete structures. Many Detailed articles published in conferences
proceedings show clearly that fracture is a fundamental approach which
could explain certain non-linear aspects of concrete behavior, help in not
making a catastrophic failures of structures, and be an important aid in
materials engineering Surendra P. Shah et al (1992) (46).
The non-linearity of concrete behavior which illustrated in Fig (2-

(47)
1) from Karihaloo (1995) which idealized the load-deflection curve
corresponding to uniaxial tension, with four different stages; the first
consists of a linear response (O-A part); the second stage is non-linear
leading to the peak load (A-B part). The third (B-C part) and fourth stages
(C-D part) are characterized by an increase in the deformation with a
decrease in the stresses. Such response is called strain softening in
tension, or simply tension softening to distinguish it from the strain
softening in compression.
Page | 27
2.5.1 Basic of Fracture Mechanics
Fracture mechanics deals with the force associated with the rupture
of a solid body and in particular, with the balance of energies involved
with the propagation of cracks. It describes the inter relationship between
stress, energy and crack length and thus is a useful tool to estimate
quantitatively the propagation of a crack in a given system. If crack
propagation is indeed the cause of failure of concrete then it should be
possible to develop some insight into the mode of fracture of concrete by
applying facture mechanics concept.
Liner-elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) is a study of the stress

and displacement fields near the tip of crack in an ideal homogenous
elastic material at the onset of fracture. It concepts are most applicable to
brittle materials in which the inelastic region near the crack tip is small
compared to the specimen and crack dimension, so that elastic strain
equation provide a good approximation Naus, Dj. & Lott, J. (1969) (48).
The stress and displacement field can be expressed in terms of a

stress intensity factor, K, which is a function of load and geometry only.
At the onset of rapid unstable crack growth, the stress intensity factor is
evaluated as a critical value, Kc, which is assumed to be a material
property, fracture toughness with regards to mode of failure, mode I, II,
and III respectively.
The stress and displacement field can be expressed in terms of a
stress intensity factor, K, which is a function of load and geometry only.
At the onset of rapid unstable crack growth, the stress intensity factor is
evaluated as a critical value, Kc, which is assumed to be a material
property, fracture toughness with regards to mode of failure, mode I,II,
and III respectively.
Page | 28
Fig (2-1): Typical load-deformation response of a quasi-brittle material in

tension. Points, A, B and C show the transition points in the material behavior
(49)
In 1920 Griffth suggested that crack propagation in a brittle
material occurs when the rate of release of strain energy is equal to the
rate of increase in free surface energy due to the formation of new crack
surface area.
(50)
Irwin 1957 introduce the concept of the stress intensity factor,
K, and the strain energy release rate, G, at the onset of unstable crack
propagation in referred to as the critical energy release rate, Gc, or
(50)
fracture toughness, Kc. Irwin 1957 showed that the stress intensity
factor is related to the strain energy release rate by the following
equation:

G = ----For plane stress
And

G = (1 − ) ----For plain strain
Where E: young modules and v: Poisson ratio
Page | 29
The more widely used relationship (reported by ASTM-STP 381

(51)
in 1965) does not include the factor( ).
Then:
G = -----For plane stress
G= K ------ For plan strain
Classical fracture mechanics assume an infinitely large stress when

the distance measured from the tip of the crack approaches zero. To
(50)
eliminate this singularity Irwin (1957) introduced the concept of the
stress intensity factor, Kc, this factor depends upon the loading and
geometry parameters of the body but is not dependent on the material.
The magnitude of the stresses depends on the shape, size and load
condition of the body, and the stress intensity factor, K, therefor defined
to quantify the stress at the crack tip Arvnaa M. (2003) (52).
If the size of the non-linear zone is negligible compared to the size
of the body, then LEFM applies. Therefor the shape of the stress
distribution in the vicinity of the crack-tip is independent of the shape,
size and loading condition on the body Bazant and Kazemi (1990) (53).
2.6 J-Integral
Many parameters have recently proposed to evaluate fracture

properties of FRC depending on load-deflection curve of notch beam for
evaluate elastic energy absorbed or J-integrals.
J-integral is used for lower strength materials exhibiting small
amount of plastic deformation before failure. J-integral is more
comprehensive approach to fracture mechanics of lower strength ductile
materials.
Page | 30
(54)
In the mid-1960s Rice J. R. independently developed a new
toughness measure to describe the case where there is sufficient crack-tip
deformation that the part no longer obeys the linear-elastic
approximation. Rice's analysis, which assumes non-linear elastic (or
monotonic deformation-theory plastic) deformation ahead of the crack
tip, is designated the J-integral. This analysis is limited to situations
where plastic deformation at the crack tip does not extend to the furthest
edge of the loaded part. It also demands that the assumed non-linear
elastic behavior of the material is a reasonable approximation in shape
and magnitude to the real material's load response.
The elastic-plastic failure parameter is designated JIc and is
conventionally converted to KIc. Also note that the J-integral approach
reduces to the Griffith theory for linear-elastic behavior.
(55)
Measuring this parameter's Rice et al (1973) proposed a non-
analytical method, of which the fracture energy is mainly based on the
load-deflection curve and cross section of the specimen. In other words,
when the flexural deformation is dominant case, the area of load-
deflection curve up to initial crack must computed to reflect the value of
J-integrals at the starting point of the stable growth of the crack.
Halvorson, T. G. (1980) (56) use Rice equation for three-point load

FRC depending on the area under load deflection curve for an identically
un-notched beam loaded to the same load level sustained by the notched
(57)
beam where Okada et al (1979) mentioned that the major crack in
regular concrete started at peaking load and for that the values of J Ic could
be quantified at the point of maximum load. For this reason Sin-Ho Choi
(94)
et al (2006) simplified Rice equation to only one load-deflection
curve experiments as Fig (2-2).
Page | 31
Fig (2-2): Experimental decision of JIc (94)

Rice equation and the simplified as below:
J= ∫ P. dδ
( )
= ( )
(A − A )
J= A
( )
Where,
B: width of specimen
δ : Maximum displacement at the loading point
(D-a): length of the ligament
AC: area under curve up to a particular load for notch beam
AU: area under curve for un-notched beam loaded to the same load
level sustained by notched beam.
2.7 Toughness Indices

One of the most important properties of fiber reinforced concrete is
it toughness performance, which is exhibited by the post-first-crack load-
deflection curve. Toughness index was first introduced in the literature by
(60), (61)
Zollo (1975) who proposed it as a measure of the energy
Page | 32
absorption capability of fiber reinforced concrete. Since that time a

number of researches have proposed test methods to evaluate this index.
The ACI Committee 544 (29) proposed that the index be calculated
as the area under the load-deflection curve out to 1.905 mm (which is
about 15 times the deflection at first crack) divided by the area under the
load-deflection (p- ) curve of the fibrous beam up to the first crack
strength, Fig (2-3), i.e.
( ) .
Toughness Index = ( )

The ACI Committee 544 recommended test has been discussed by

Zollo (19) (62). He argued that the toughness index does not appear to be a
viable measure of material performance. The index is sensitive to shear-
span depth ratio (a/D) and fiber type used in testing which means that
both the (a/D) ratio and fiber type must be considered jointly as having a
significant effect on this toughness index.
(63)
The main advantages given by Henager (1978) for using the
ACI toughness index are that: (a) it is readily obtained from a standard
specimen and does not require new test geometry or new testing
equipment, (b) it gives a numerical value to toughness and, (c) it
distinguishes between high and low energy absorbing fibers and mixes.
He also pointed out that there are some shortcomings with this
index and it can be misleading if other data, such as first crack strength,
are ignored. The main disadvantage of the ACI toughness index is that it
is defined in terms of deflection which relates to particular specimen
Page | 33
geometry, i.e.: the result are reproducible only if the same specimen and
testing machines are used.
Fig (2-3): ACI definition for toughness index (63)
2.7.2 Various Definition of Toughness Index
(64)
Johnston, C. D. (1982) conclude that "there is a need for a
definition of toughness that accommodates changes in specimen cross-
section, span and rate of loading and takes account of changes in matrix
properties, and influence of deflection. It should not be based on
arbitrarily chosen levels of load or deflection. Finally, the variability of
any toughness parameter complying with these requirements should be
reasonably low".
(65),
A toughness index has been proposed by Barr et al (1982)
which have a long towards satisfying these requirements. The index is
similar to the ACI toughness index but has the added advantages of being
independent of specimen type and prescribed deflections. The fracture
test specimens used here loaded until the load-deflection graphs extended
Page | 34
to twice the deflection at first crack. The toughness index is defined as

shown in Fig (2-4) and is given by the ratio of the area under load-
deflection curve to the area defined by two times the area under (p- )
curve at the point of first crack, i.e.
Toughnee Index = =
∗ ∗
This definition of toughness index differs from the ACI definition

in three ways:
1. There is no restriction on specimen type.
2. Prescribed deflection is not necessary.
3. The toughness index results are presented on simple scale ranging
from 0.25 to unity passing through 0.75 for an elastic-plastic
material.
Fig (2-4): Toughness index according Barr (66)
Page | 35
(66)
Barr and Noor (1985) presented toughness index results
obtained from three notched test specimen geometries: compact
compression, notched beam and compact tension test specimen. The
results for toughness were independent of both geometry and notch depth.
The toughness index proposed by Johnston (1982) (64) looks at the

influence of various multiples of first crack (up to a deflection of 16 times
that which occurs at first crack) as shown in Fig (2-5). The first definition
is given by the ratio of total area (to any multiple of first crack) to the
area up to the point of first crack, Fig (2-5a). This gives a minimum
toughness of unity and is referred to as the base-unity system. The second
definition is given by the ratio of the total post-first crack area (to any
multiple of first crack) to the area up to the point of first crack, Fig (2-
5b). This definition is referred to as the base-zero system, because in this
case the minimum toughness value is zero.
For the base-unity system the toughness index (corresponding to

3 ) is given by:-

Toughness Index =

And the corresponding toughness index for the base-zero system

(corresponding to 3.5 ) is given by:-

Toughness Index =

Johnston concluded that the use of multiples of first-crack

deflection (rather than the fixed deflection recommended by ACI
Page | 36
Committee 544) reduced the coefficient of variation for the toughness

index. Hover, the variability of the toughness index increase with an
increase in the value of the multiple of the first-crack deflection that is
used to define toughness.
Fig (2-5): Toughness index according Johnston (a) Base-unity system (b) Base-
zero system (64)
(67)
Barr and Hasso (1985) investigated various multiples of first
crack deflection, the residual load at first crack, and prescribed
deflections (as define by the ACI Committee 544), using polypropylene
fiber concrete beams. They concluded that the toughness index based on
the ratio of area up to twice the deflection given by the first crack
deflection showed good results, and it increased with increasing fiber
content over the range of fiber volume used.
(67)
Barr and Hasso (1985) have proposed a second toughness
index based on load-deflection graphs obtained up to twice the deflection
given at the point of first cracking, as shown in Fig (2-6).the index is
given by the ratio of two areas under the load-deflection curve and is
expressed as a percentage which varies from zero for plain concrete to a
theoretical maximum value of 100% for an extremely tough material, and
67% for an elastic-plastic material, and is expressed as follows:-
Page | 37

Toughness Index =
∗
The above definition is similar to the base-zero definition proposed

by Johnston (1982) (64). This index is also independent of the notch depth
used in the beam tested, and has a large range which should make it easy
to distinguish between various types and amounts of fiber.
Fig (2-6): Toughness index according Barr and Hasso (67)
Fanella and Naaman (19) (68) defined their toughness index as the
ratio of the toughness of the fiber reinforced matrix to that of the
unreinforced control matrix. Such a definition depends upon the
deflection values and can lead to uncertain values of toughness index,
especially when the specimen is un-able to sustain loads.
Lim, et al (1986) (69), in their analytical and experiential studies on

fiber reinforced concrete beams in flexural, proposed a new expression
(70)
for the indices of Barr, Liu and Dowers (1982) And Johnston
(64)
(1982) in terms of load-deflection behavior, Fig (2-7). For beams
Page | 38
where Mu < Mcr (the ultimate moment and cracking moment

respectively), the index of Barr et al reduces to:-
I = + ( )
i.e.: index of Johnston in this case are given by:
I =1+2 ( )
Where is a constant that depends on the numerical value of the

subscript of (a). For I5, I10 and I30 (the choice of the index depends on the
level of ductility required in a given application), =2, 4.5 and 14.5
respectively.
Fig (2-7): Toughness index according Lim et al (69)
ASTM C 1018 (1997) (71) approved other definition of toughness

index (T.I) by measure it in several point (3δ), (5.5 δ), (10.5 δ) and
(15.5δ) where (δ) is the point of first crack deflection which means the
curve becomes non-linear. Figure (2-8) state the definition of this method
and T.I is representing in terms of I5, I10 and I30, where toughness index
Page | 39
obtained by dividing the area up to a specified deflection (i.e. (3δ) or

(5.5 δ) or (15.5δ)) by the area up to first crack deflection (additional
information show in chapter three) as terms definition below:-
Area OAJ = toughness corresponding to a deflection of δ, (Tδ)

Area OABCI = toughness corresponding to a deflection of 3δ, (T3δ)
Area OABDH = toughness corresponding to a deflection of 5.5δ, (T5.5δ)
Area OABEG = toughness corresponding to a deflection of 15.5δ, (T15.5δ)
The terms of toughness index (In) are also calculated as equation

below.
I5 = area OABCI /area OAJ
I10 = area OABDH /area OAJ
I30 = area OABEG / area OAB
Fig (2-8): Definition of ASTM C 1018 Toughness Parameters (71)
The strength remaining in the material is characterized by the

residual strength factors (R) calculated from the toughness indices
definition of ASTM C1018 (1997) which expressed in general terms RM,
N, the residual strength factor between Indexes IM and IN, where (N > M)
is expressed as Shaikh T. I (2012) (72):-
Page | 40
R , = C ∗ {I – I }
Where constant C = 100/(N – M) were chosen such that for an

ideally elasto-plastic material, the residual strength factors assume a value
equal to the stress at which the elastic-to-plastic transition takes place.
Plain concrete, with its ideally brittle response, therefore, has residual
strength factors equal to zero.
Both toughness indexes and the residual strength factors provided

information on the shape of the load-deflection plot and are assumed
independent of the specimen size and other testing variables. Notice that
an accurate assessment of the energy at first crack is of critical
importance, since its use was made in the determination of all
performance parameters. Equally important was an exact determination
of the beam deflections both before and after the first crack.
(72)
Shaikh T. I (2012) mention the ASTM C1018 was withdrawn
in 2006 and has been replaced by ASTM C1609 (2005) (73). This test uses
the same procedures as ASTM C1018 for obtaining the load vs.
deflection curve, but the resulting curve is analyzed in a totally different
way.
Instead of the Toughness Indexes of ASTM C1018, the residual
strengths are determined directly from the load vs. deflection curve. In
addition, a toughness parameter is calculated as the area under the load
vs. deflection curve out to any specified deflection see Fig (2-9). This test
appears to be more sensitive to different fiber types and volumes than was
ASTM C1018.
Page | 41
(74)
While Yinghua YE et al (2012) explained the CECS
(89)
standards for calculate fracture energy and toughness index which
similar to ASTM definition on dividing the area under curve to several
part at 3.0, 5.5 and 15.5 times of the first crack deflection. Fig (2-10)
preview toughness index and calculate T.I as the ratio between the area
under curve at (3 , 5.5 and 15.5 ) to the area of first cracking
deflection.
Fig (2-8): Parameters Calculated for ASTM C1609 (73)
Fig (2-9): China (CECS 13：89) bending toughness (74)

Page | 42
2.8 Concluding Remarks
From the foregoing review, it can be noticed that there is a

considerable amount of local and foreign researches that deal with
normal vibrated Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) through development
the mechanical properties of RPC. However, with RPC being a relatively
new material to industry, there is very limited number of foreign and
local researches on fracture mechanics of RPC. The present study tries to
fulfill this shortage of knowledge concerning RPC by studying the
fracture behavior of RPC as well as studying some mechanical properties
of RPC composite with the effect of use low tensile strength crimp and
straight steel fibers with different volumetric ratio, and superplasticizer
type.
Page | 43
Chapter Three --------------------------------------------------------------Experimental Work
CHAPTER THREE
Experimental Work
3.1 General:-
This chapter presents a description of the experimental work carried

out in this study to investigate the fracture behavior and the mechanical
properties of reactive powder concrete. This chapter also includes a
description of the materials used, design of the different RPC mixes used in
the present study, mixing and casting procedures, curing of specimens, as
well as the procedures followed for testing the properties of the fresh and
hardened RPC specimens.
3.2 Materials
3.2.1 Cement
Due to the very high cement content in RPC, the choice of cement is
an important factor in the performance of RPC. Based on published practice,
the ideal cement has a high C3S and C2S and very little C3A content. For this
reason we use two type of cement, sulfate resisting Portland cement is
usually used in RPC because it contains low C3A content. For that two types
of cement used, first on is sulfate resisting Portland cement, Type V, from
west region and the other type of cement is ordinary Portland cement Type Ι
from north of Iraq. They were stored in airtight plastic containers to avoid
exposure to humidity atmospheric conditions and to maintain uniform
quality.
Chemical composition and physical properties of cement used

throughout this research are shown in Tables (3-1) and (3-2) respectively.
Page | 44
Test results indicated that these adopted cements satisfy the requirements of
the Iraqi specification IQS No.5/1984 (75).
These types used to study the effect of cement compounds on the

strength development and get the required compressive strength which
considered the standard mix in this work.
Table (3-1): Chemical Composition & Main Compound for the Two Cements Type*
Compound Chemical Al-KAEEM KERSTA IQS

Composition simple content % content % No.5/1984
Lime CaO 61.79 62.23 -
Silica SiO2 21.39 20.1 -
Alumina Al2O3 4.28 4.66 -
Iron Oxide Fe2O3 5.52 3.68 -
Magnesia MgO 1.97 2.44 < 5.0
Sulfate SO3 1.86 2.9 < 2.80
Loss on ignition L.O.I. 1.46 3.95 < 4.00
Insoluble residue I.R. 0.47 0.98 < 1.5
Lime saturation factor L.S.F. 0.88 0.94 0.66-1.02
Main compounds (Bogie's equation)
Tricalcium Silicate C3S 46.96 55.24 -
Dicalcium Silicate C2S 26.17 14.7 -
Tricalcium Aluminates C3A 2.01 6.53 >5.00
Tetra-calcium aluminoferrite C4AF 16.78 10.46 -
* Chemical tests were conducted by the environmental laboratory in University of Babylon
3.2.2 Fine Aggregate
Al-Ekhaider natural sand was used as fine aggregate. It was tested to

determine the grading and other physical and chemical properties. The
results showed that sand grading and sulfate content were within the
(76)
requirements of the Iraqi specification IQS No.45/1984 and
B.S.882:1992 (77).
For RPC, very fine sand with maximum size 600µm was used. This
sand was separated by sieving, its grading satisfied the fine
Page | 45
grading in accordance with the just mentioned in Iraqi and B.S.

specifications.
Table (3-2): Physical Properties of The Two Cements Types*
AL-KAEEM KERSTA IQS

Physical Properties
cement cement No.5/1984
Fineness using Blaine air 405 310 ≥230
permeability apparatus (m2/kg)
Soundness (Autoclave method),% 0.12 0.35 < 0.8 %
Setting time (Vicat Apparatus)
Initial setting hr.: min 4.25 1:35 ≥45 min
Final setting hr.: min 5.35 3:25 ≤ 10 hr.
Compressive strength 3 days 24.60 24.4 ≥15.00

(MPa) 28 days 28.96 47.2 ≥23.00
* Physical tests were conducted by the constructional materials laboratory in University of Babylon
The chemical and physical properties of the separated fine sand are
mention in Table (3-3). Tables (3-4) and (3-5) illustrate the sieve analysis of
the original and separated fine sand respectively, and Fig (3-1) and (3-2)
show the grading of the original and the separated fine sand respectively.
Table (3-3): Chemical and Physical Properties of Sand*
Limit of Iraqi specification

Properties Test results
No.45/1984 & B.S.882:1992
Specific gravity 2.69 -
Absorption % 0.73 -
Sulfate content as SO3 % 0.25 ≤ 0.5
Materials finer than 75µm % 1.29 ≤5.0
* Physical tests were conducted by the constructional materials laboratory in University of Babylon
3.2.3 Silica Fume
Silica fume is a highly active pozzolanic material and is a by-product

from the manufacture of Silicon or Ferro-silicon metal. It is collected from
the flue gases from electric arc furnaces. Silica fume is an extremely fine
powder, with particles about 100 times smaller than an average cement
Page | 46
grain. It is generally used as a partial replacement of cement for concrete

structure that need high strength or significantly reduced permeability to
water.
Table (3-4): Grading of Al-Ekhaider natural sand*
Cumulative passing %
Cumulative passing
Sieve size Cumulative Limits of B.S.
% Limits of IQS
(mm) Passing % 882:1992
NO.45/1984, zone 3
Overall grading
4.75 92.12 90-100 89-100
2.36 87.31 85-100 60-100
1.18 79.38 75-100 30-100
0.60 68.57 60-79 15-100
0.30 25.2 12-40 5-70
0.15 4.33 0-10 0-15
Table (3-5): Grading of Separated Sand
Cumulative passing %
Cumulative passing
Sieve size Cumulative Limits of B.S.
% Limits of IQS
(mm) Passing % 882:1992
NO.45/1984, zone 3
Overall grading
4.75 100 90-100 89-100
2.36 100 85-100 60-100
1.18 100 75-100 30-100
0.60 100 60-79 15-100
0.30 38 12-40 5-70
0.15 7 0-10 0-15
(78)
Densified Macro silica fume from Leyco Chem LEYDE Iraq
Company in Bagdad under commercial name (LEYCO®-ACC Micro
silica/Grade 85D) has been used as a mineral admixture added to the mixture
of the research. After many trial mixes the replacement of 17 % by weight of
cement by silica fume was considered the best percent to get the target
strength in our research (not addition). Silica fume stored in airtight plastic
Page | 47
containers to avoid exposure to humidity atmospheric conditions and to

maintain uniform quality.
Fig (3-1): Grading curve for Al-Ekhaider natural sand compared with requirements
of B.S. 882:1992
Fig (3-2): Grading Curve for Separated Sand Compared with Requirements of B.S.
882:1992
The chemical composition of silica fume used in this investigation is

shown in Table (3 -6), while the physical requirements are listed in Table (3-
Page | 48
7). The results show that the silica fume used in this investigation conforms
to the chemical and physical requirements of ASTM C-1240 (2003) (79) as
shown in Tables (3-6) and (3-7) respectively.
Table (3-6): Chemical Analysis of Silica Fume*
Oxide composition Oxide content % ASTM C-1240 limitations

SiO2 87.6 ≥ 85
Al2O3 0.36 -
Fe2O3 1.16 -
Na2O 0.05 -
K2O 0.07 -
CaO 1.25 -
MgO 2.45 -
SO3 0.9 -
L.O.I. 3.8 ≤ 6.0
Moisture content 0.8 ≤ 3.0
* manufacture properties
Table (3-7): Physical Properties of Silica Fume Used*
Limit of specification
Physical properties SF
requirements ASTM C-1240
Percent retained on 45µm
7 ≤ 10
(No.325) sieve, max, %
Accelerated Pozzolanic Strength
Activity Index with Portland
125.6 ≥ 105
cement at 7 days, min. percent of
control
Specific surface, min, (m2/g) 21 ≥ 15
* Physical analysis was conducted by National Center for Construction Laboratories and Researches (NCCLR)
3.2.4 High-Range Water Reducing Admixture (Superplasticizer)
The purpose of using High-Range Water Reducing Admixture

HRWRA is to get mix with minim water content and this admixture has
significant effect on the present work. Several types used have different
effect on RPC by decreasing or increasing compressive strength which is one
of the major properties of this work. These admixtures are as follows:
Page | 49
i. BETONAC®-BVD:-
High range water reducing superplasticizer concrete admixture
based on modified Naphthalene Sulfonate and Melamine condensate,
When added to concrete mixes it acts as a powerful dispersing agent
for the cement particles, for this action it is used to improve
workability to produce "flowing concrete" or to increase strength by
enabling the water content to be substantially reduced. BETONAC®-
BVD complies with ASTM C 494 type A & F (2004) (80). The dosage
for high strength concrete (with water reduction) is range (0.6 to 1.0)
% of cement weight.
ii. Glenium 54 (G54) :-
Is high performance concrete superplasticizer based on
modified polycarboxylic ether complies with ASTM C 494 type A &
(80)
F (2004) , the chemical effect based on unique carboxylic ether
polymer with long literal chains. It is used to get high early and
ultimate strength and according to manufacture properties is suitable
for mixing concrete with micro silica with usual dosage between 0.5-
2.5 L/100kg cement, appear in dark brown liquid with free chloride.
iii. Sika viscocrete®-5930 :-
Is high performance superplasticizer concrete admixture beyond
to third generation group (modified polycarboxylic ether) complies
(80)
with ASTM C 494 type A & F (2004) . It use to get high flow
ability with high water reduction up to 30 % with high early strength,
is suitable for mixing with silica fume and use specially for self-
compaction concrete, appear in turbid liquid with free chloride.
iv. Cemtec 504TP :-
Is high range water reducing and high slump retention and
retarding superplasticizer use specially for high strength concrete and
Page | 50
other type of concrete complies with ASTM C 494 type A & F

(80)
(2004) , it appears in whitish to straw colored liquid with free
chloride.
3.2.5 Steel Fiber
Short discrete iron wire used as alternative of stander fiber which used
at different dosage and shape with aspect ratio approximate (48) percent.
This fiber manufactured by cutting iron wire used for link reinforcement bar
and then changed from straight shape to crimped shape using special
machine manufactured for this purpose.
Fiber used in straight and crimped with same properties to study the
effect of fiber shape on properties of RPC, Plate (3-1), (3-2) show the
machine for producing crimped fiber and the fiber before and after making,
where Table (3-8) state the properties of fiber used, the fiber use confidence
(81)
with ASTM E 882 (2009) , and the tensile test was done in laboratory of
materials at the university of Babylon as shown in Plate (3-3).
Table (3-8): Properties of The Steel Fibers Used
Length 40 mm
Diameter 0.85 mm
Aspect ratio lf/df 48
Ultimate Crimp Tensile Strength 490 MPa
Ultimate straight Tensile Strength 510 MPa
3.2.6 Water Mix
Ordinary tap water was used for mixing and curing all the concrete
specimens used in this research with temperature not excised 25℃.
3.3 Concrete Mixing

The key features of RPC mix design include high Portland cement
content, fine sand with a particle size of between 150 and 600 µm, extremely
Page | 51
low w/c ratio made possible by high dosages of the latest generation of
superplasticizer, with presence of a high reactivity silica fume, and the
incorporation of steel fibers.
Within the above material and according to pervious researches many

mixes proportions were tried in this investigation to get maximum strength
(82)
and flow of (95±5%) according to B.S 1881:part16 (1983) and ASTM
(83)
C-1437 (2001) respectively. For trial mixes, we used electrically mixer
which driven mechanical mixer of the epicycles type, which imparts both a
planetary and a revolving motion to the mixer paddle according ASTM C-
305 (1999) (84). Six cubes were cast to measure compressive strength in 7 and
28 day in steam curing method.
Plate (3-1): Steel Fiber Crimping Machine

RPC mixes were used in the present research are listed in Table (3-9)
to investigate the performance of RPC in the fresh and hardened state. All
mixes shown before had a flow ranging between 90 % and 100% and Group
1, 2 and 3 is only trial mix.
Page | 52
(a) Straight (b) Crimped

Plate (3-2): Steel Fibers a) Straight b) Crimped
(A)
(B)
Plate (3-3): Tensile Test result for A) Straight and B) Crimped fiber
Page | 53
Four variable parameters were considered in the preparation of RPC

mixes. They are listed as follow:-
1. The type of the superplasticizer used in the mixing.

2. The type of cement which either normal or sulfate with using same
material for both mix.
3. The steel fibers volume fraction (as ratio of the mix volume). Five
ratios were used (0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 % and 2 %).
4. Effects of shape were also study in four percent as point 3.
To enable a close study of the effect of each variable parameter on the

mechanical properties of RPC, the first two parameters must be kept
constant. Accordingly the following five different groups of mixes were
designed and explain blow.
Group 1:-
In this group the type of HRWRA were investigated by using four

types of superplasticizer during workability test and compressive hardening
test. The simple that explain these types are (B: BETONAC®-BVD, G:
Glenium 54, S: Sika viscocrete®-5930, and C: Cemtec 504TP). In this group,
the cement used was type I, silica fume content was 17% by weight of
cement as replacements and the steel fibers volumetric ratio [Vf= 2 %].
Group 2:-
This group states the effect of cement type on compressive strength by

using the best superplasticizer (Sika viscocrete®-5930) and the steel fibers
volumetric ratio [Vf= 2 %], Silica fume content 17% by weight of cement.
Two type of cements used ordinary and sulfate Portland cement by testing
Page | 54
compressive strength at 7, 28 and 56 day using steam curing for 72 hr. the
details of this mix in Table (3-9).
Group 3:-
Reactive powder concrete has higher compressive strength this depend

strongly on the type and dosage of pozzolanic material (here we used micro
silica fume only) for this reason two percentage (10 & 17) % used to
compare the result with the reference mix (MSF 0 %). the superplasticizer
that use in this group was Sika viscocrete®-5930 and the steel fibers
volumetric ratio was [Vf= 2 %] of mix volume using cement type I.
Group 4:-
When the concrete strength increased the material will become more
brittle therefor using fiber will increased tensile strength and other
properties, four volume of crimped steel fiber fraction are used (0.5, 1, 1.5
and 2)% to investigate the effect of fiber percent on mechanical properties of
FR-RPC and compared with no fiber RPC. The mixes are detailed in Table
(3-9).
Group 5:-
This group is similar to group four but the type of steel fiber is straight
not crimped to study the behavior of fiber type or shape on properties of
RPC with using the mean mix.
3.4 Mixing Procom

Sufficient mixing is necessary to achieve desirable concrete
performance and homogeneity. In RPC mixes, extending mixing time is
necessary both to fully disperse the silica fume, breaking up any
agglomerated particles, and to allow HRWRA to develop its full potential.
Page | 55
All trial mixes were performed in a small rotary mixer of 0.01 m3

(84)
capacity according ASTM C-305 (1999) , while the mixes of RPC
specimens were performed in a rotary mixer of 0.09 m3 for RPC concrete,
Plate (3-4) a & b.
(a) (b)
Plate (3-4): Mixer machine (a) Trial mixes (b) Working mixes
The materials mixed in dry state for 5 min. to disperse the silica fume
particles throughout the cement particles and getting humongous mixture by
using small mixer then the dry material stored in nylon bags to the time on
mixing.
Half HRWRA dosage is dissolved in water and adding in three steps

with combination with water as 1/3 percent in each step separated and till
mix for 3 min. before any step The mixer was stopped and mixing was
continued manually especially for the portions not reached by the blades of
the mixer to get humongous mix.
Page | 56
The mixer then operated for 5 minutes to attain reasonable fluidity by

adding the other half of HRWRA gradually to the mix. Fibers were
uniformly distributed into the mix in 3 minutes by sieving and the mixing
process continued for additional 5 minutes. The mixing of one batch requires
approximately 20 minutes from adding water to the mix.
Table (3-9): RPC mixes used in the Present Research in kg/m3
Steel fiber** %
Silica fume*%
HRWRA%***
Silica fume
Steel fiber
Fine sand
w/b ratio
cement
Group
Mix HRWRA
symbol type
TSP-B 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 7.2 BETONAC

TSP-G 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 5 G54
1
TSP-S 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 6.3 Sika V5930
TSP-C 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 9 Cemtec504
TMS+ 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.2 6.3 Sika V5930
2 TKS 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.2 7 Sika V5930
TSF 0 % 1050 1050 0 0 2 156 0.18 4 Sika V5930
3 TSF 10 % 945 1050 10 90 2 156 0.2 4.7 Sika V5930
TSF17%+ 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.19 6.2 Sika V5930
Ref. MK 0 % 900 1050 17 160 0 0 0.18 3.7 Sika V5930
MKC 0.5 % 900 1050 17 160 0.5 39 0.18 4 Sika V5930
MKC 1 % 900 1050 17 160 1 78 0.18 4.5 Sika V5930
4
MKC 1.5 % 900 1050 17 160 1.5 117 0.18 5 Sika V5930
MKC 2 %+ 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 6.3 Sika V5930
MKS 0.5 % 900 1050 17 160 0.5 39 0.18 4 Sika V5930
MKS 1 % 900 1050 17 160 1 78 0.18 4.4 Sika V5930
5 MKS 1.5 % 900 1050 17 160 1.5 117 0.18 5.3 Sika V5930
MKS 2 % 900 1050 17 160 2 156 0.18 6 Sika V5930
+ is the major mix in this work, * Percent by weight of cement, ** Percent of mix volume, *** Percent of
cementitious materials (cement + silica fume) weight.
T: trial mix, M: mix symbol, SP: superplasticizer, B: BETONAC®-BVD, G: Glenium 54, S: Sika
viscocrete®-5930 and C: Cemtec 504TP.
M: KERSTA cement type Ι, K: AL-KAEEM cement type V, SF: silica fume content, C: crimp steel fibers
and S: straight steel fibers.
Page | 57
3.5 Casting Procedure

Before casting, all molds were well cleaned and their internal surfaces
were lightly oiled to avoid the adhesion of hardened concrete to them. All
molds were filled with the concrete mix in layers. Each layer was compacted
by tamping rod to minimize the air voids and to get well compacted
concrete. The top surface of the molds was leveled, and the specimens were
covered with polythene sheets to prevent loss of moisture and put in wetting
room to minimize shrinkage as shown in Plate (3-5), then put in wetting
room to minimize moisture lose and shrinkage effect as shown in Plate (3-6)
after 24 hours, the specimens were demolded marked and then cured in
steam curing tank.
Plate (3-5): Casting of RRC
Plate (3-6): Wetting Room
Page | 58
3.6 Curing of Specimens

The specimens were steam cured at about (85±5 Cº) for 72 hours in a
water bath. After that they were left to be cooled at room temperature for 24
hr., and then they placed in normal water tank (23±5 Cº) until the day of test,
as shown in Plate (3-7) stated the water bath and curing tank.
The tank was covered by glass cotton to reduce the loss of steam as we
can all time of steam curing.
Plate (3-7): Steam Curing Tank
Page | 59
3.7 Fresh Concrete Tests
The following parameters were used to measure fresh properties of RPC:
3.7.1 Determination of the Workability
The flowability was tested by the flow table test in accordance with
(83)
ASTM C-1437 (2001) . Plate (3-8) show flow table device and
workability test.
The flow is the resulting increase in average base diameter of the

mortar mass, expressed as a percentage of the original base diameter of flow
table cone (100 mm), i.e.:
flow, = ∗ 100
Where:
D: Average diameter of the spread mix measured in four directions, (mm).
Plate (3-8): Flow table Device for Workability Test
Page | 60
Tables (3-1) illustrate the workability result for the range of steel fiber
concrete obtained by flow table apparatus.
Table (3-1): Workability of FR-RPC
Fiber content % Flow of crimp fiber % Flow of straight fiber %

0.5 95 97
1 96.7 94.8
1.5 94.8 91.74
2 98.2 95.4
3.7.2 Percent of Water Reduction
The optimum dosage of HRWRA was obtained by increasing the dosage of

the admixture gradually, adjusting the w/c or w/b ratio to yield flow of
(95±5mm) and evaluating the corresponding water reduction at each stage by
the following equation:
( ⁄ ) ( ⁄ )
water reduction % = ( ⁄ )
∗ 100
Where:
(w/b)r: water/cementitious materials ratio of the reference mix
(w/b)t: water/cementitious materials ratio of the testing mix
At the optimum dosage of superplasticizer, the water reduction

reached its maximum value beyond which there was no further reduction in
water content (reached a saturation point) and starting effect in opposite way
from reduction setting time, hardened strength, etc., Fig (3-1) show the effect
of HRWRA dosage on water reduction of FR-RPC with Vf=2% crimped
steel fiber.
Page | 61
3.8 Trial Mixing Result

The main objective of the experimental work reported in this section
was to investigate the effect of HRWRA type, cement type, silica fume, and
steel fiber type with different volume fraction where explained and discussed
with notce the effect of age on devloping compresssive strength.
Fig (3-1): Optimom Dosage of HRWRA
3.8.1 Effect of Material Selection

Over one year of search using different HRWRA, silica fume type and
curing condition were conducted to get higher compressive strength with
best workability. The qualities of materials and curing system have
important effect on early compressive strength.
Appendix (A) reports these trial mixes design and compressive
strength at 7 & 28 days.
3.8.2 Effect of Superplasticizer Type on Compressive Strength

The influence of superplasticizer type on the reactive powder concrete
performance–in term of flow and compressive strength is investigated with
constant water Cementious ratio (w/b).
Page | 62
Four types of superplasticizer, Glenium-54 (G54), Sika viscocrete®-

5930 (Sika V-5930), Cemtec-504TP and BETONAC®-BVD in liquid form
were tried to get best workability and higher compressive strength.
Table (3-10) shows the result where the flow of mix in the presence of
SIKA V-5930 was much higher than that with CEMTIC 504 or BETONIC-
BVD superplasticizer while Glenium 54 gives good flow but lower
compressive strength because the conventional superplasticizer, such as
those based on sulphonated naphthalene, melamine and naphthalene
formaldehyde condensates, at the time of mixing become absorbed into the
surface of cement particles. This absorption takes place at a very early stage
in the hydration process. The sulphonic groups of the polymer chains
increase the negative charge on the surface of the cement particle and
dispersion of the cement occurs by electrostatic repulsion.
Table (3-10): Compressive Strength at 7, 28 and 56 Days
Compressive strength
% of
Group
Mix simple Flow Target (MPa)

% add.*
7 day 28 day 56 day
TSP-B 90 7.2 77.3 83.4 80.63
TSP-G 98 5 Type of the 88.47 98. 6 110.3

1
TSP-S* 100 6.3 HRWR 135.6 143.8 145.5
TSP-C 93 9 70.3 73.64 72.65
TMS* 94 6 Cement 137.24 145.3 145.0

2
TKS 93 7.2 type 106.36 120.2 122.3
TSF 0 % 95 4 Dosage of 55.4 60.35 60.7
3 TSF 10 % 94.12 4.5 micro silica 85.74 93.65 95.3
TSF 17 %* 94 4.3 fume 136.41 144.32 145.4
* % by weight of cementious materials, + the major mix
Page | 63
Fig (3-4) shows that the compressive strength is very high when use
Sika V-5930 competes with other type this beyond as a reason to the
compliance between superplasticizer and the pozzolanic material which
leads to increase the hydration and built the concrete particles with right
direction and reduces the effect of shrinkage which may lead to decrease the
compressive strength.
3.8.3 Effect of Cement Type on Compressive Strength

Two type of cement used normal (type I) and sulfate (type V) Iraqi
Portland cement were used with same mix design. The result conform the
fact that normal cement gives high early compressive strength and steady
increase after that as shown in Fig (3-5).
The sulfate Portland cement show low early compressive strength and
then the compressive increased with rate less than normal cement and the
time of setting more than normal concrete due to the effect of hydration
progress but the effect of C3A is clear in normal concrete for that we using
wetting room to minimize this factor as possible.
Fig (3-4): Effect of HRWR on Compressive Strength
Page | 64
Fig (3-6) illustrates the increase in compressive for normal cement is

more high where for sulfate cement is less, this due the effect of hydration
development and chemical gel reaction and this behavior not effected with
steam curing progress.
Fig (3-5): Effect of Cement Type on Compressive Strength
3.8.4 Effect of Silica Fume Percent on Compressive Strength
Fig (3-7) show that increasing silica fume content (SF) from 0% to
10% and 17% caused a considerable increase in compressive strength by
55.18% and 139.14% respectively with respect to 0% silica fume content at
28 day.
The positive effect of increasing silica fume on compressive strength
is natural and this is due to two reasons according to Silica Fume User's
Manual (1) particle packing or micro filling as silica fume particles fill
spaces between cement grains, (2) chemical contribution of silica fume as it
reacts with Ca(OH)2 to form additional binder material called calcium
silicate hydrate, which is very similar to the calcium silicate hydrate from
Portland cement hydration.
Page | 65
(90)
The work of Edward et al (2001) and Stephanie and Bernard
(91)
(2002) using silica fume with HRWRA have confirmed a significant
improvement in compressive strength of concrete incorporating these
material.
Fig (3-6): % of Increase in Compressive Strength with respect to 7 day
Moreover the pozzolanic reaction can either eliminate or reduce the

size of capillary voids and dense crystals of calcium hydroxide are replaced
by additional calcium silicate hydrates of lower density. Accordingly to this
process they have the effect of reducing the micro cracking and
strengthening the transition-zone of cement paste with increasing the gel
chemical hydration and the content chemical reaction this behavior confined
with other research which used different dosage of silica fume or micro silica
fume.
3.9 Hardened Concrete Tests

3.9.1 Compressive Strength
The compressive strength test was carried out according to B.S: 1881:
part 116 (1983) (82). Cube specimens (100 mm) were used to determine the
Page | 66
compressive strength of RPC using a digital testing machine of 2000 KN

capacity. The specimens were tested at the age of 7, 28 and 56 days; the
average of three specimens was adopted for each mix. The test results are
illustrated in Table (4-1) and discussed in chapter four.
Fig (3-7): Effect of Silica Fume Content on Compressive Strength
3.9.2 Splitting Tensile strength
The splitting tensile strength test was performed on 100*200 mm

cylinders according to ASTM C496/C496M (2004) (85) using a digital testing
machine of 2000 KN capacity.
The average of 28 days splitting tensile strength of three cylinders was

adopted for each mix, and these results are shown in Table (4-3). The
splitting tensile strength was calculated by using the following equation:
f =
Page | 67
Where:
f : splitting tensile strength, (MPa)
ps: applied load in splitting test, (N)
dc: diameter of cylinder, (mm), lc: length of cylinder, (mm)
3.9.3 Static Modulus of Elasticity
This test was carried out on 100×200 mm cylindrical specimens. The

40% of ultimate compressive strength of concrete specimen was applied on
the concrete cylinders to perform the elastic modulus test as specified by
ASTM C-469 (2002) (38).
The specimens were tested at age 28 days and the average of three
specimens was adopted, and the results are shown in Table (4-5). Static
modulus of elasticity is calculated by the following equation:-
Es =
.
Es : Static modulus of elasticity, (MPa).
S2: stress corresponding to 40% of ultimate load, (MPa).
S1: stress corresponding to a longitudinal strain (0.00005), (MPa).
e2: longitudinal strain produced by stress S2.
3.9.4 Flexural Strength
The flexural tensile strength of concrete was performed on

(100*100*400) mm prisms using a digital testing machine of 2000 kN
capacity. The flexural strength of the RPC prisms was measured according to
(86)
ASTM C-78 (2002) for notch and un-notch beam as shown in Fig (3-3)
Page | 68
where each prism was tested as a simple beam of span length 300 mm under
third-point loading. The test was conducted at age of 28 days for notch and
un-notch beam.
(A)
(B)
Fig (3-9): Flexural Arrangement for A) Un-notch B) Notched prism
A computer control electronic universal testing machine (model

WDW-200 with max. load 180 kN) in material strength laboratory of
material engineering collage was used to test notch and un-notch prism to get
load-displacement curve as an additional result during the test and the load
rate was 0.1 mm/min. for all specimen the continue until the deflection reach
to desired amount to calculate area under curve exactly, see Plate (3-9).
Page | 69
The notch was introduced by means of diamond circular disc saw

(thickness 1.6 mm) after 28 days as shown in Plate (3-10). The notch width
approximately 3 mm with a depth not less than 30 mm for all specimen after
making the notch the prism paint and left to dry. If the test late the specimen
covered by wet jot to maintain moister required to the time of testing.
Plate (3-9): Third Point-Loading Tests
Plate (3-10): Introducing The Notch
Page | 70
The point of first crack marked by instrument directly and the average
flexural tensile strength (often referred to as modulus of rupture) of three
prisms for each mix was recorded as follows:
f = P S⁄B D
Where:
fr: Modulus of rupture, (MPa).
Pr: maximum load, (kN). S: span length, (mm).
B: width of specimen, (mm). D: depth of specimen, (mm).
the impact resistance (dynamic energy absorption as well as strength)

is one of the important attributes of RPC and there are several method to find
impact resistance, the test done according ACI 544.2R (1999) (93) using drop-
weight test which is modified according CBR hummer test in road laboratory
in collage of engineering using three sample (150 mm diameter * 65 mm
height) at 28 days age. Plate (3-11) stated the device and specimen tested.
The test measure the impact resistance depending on number of blows
necessary to cause prescribed levels of distress in the test specimen.
The hammer is dropped repeatedly, and the numbers of blow cause

first visible crack on the top and cause ultimate failure are both records.
3.10 Modification of the curve

Plate (3-12) and (3-13) represents the load-deflection curve obtained
from the machine. To measure the area under curve most method stated the
elastic exciding part of curve must be linear for LEFM can be applied with
respect to research theory and measure fracture parameters for that the curve
data copy to AUTO CAD program versions 2007 for modification, by
drawing trend line to the descending part then the new curve considered the
ideal curve, see appendix B.
Page | 71
The area under curve calculates by using graph program show in Plate
(3-14) to measure facture parameters depending on the method chose the
point of deflection start and point of end.
This program is ready software download from internet and gives area
under curve accurate as auto cad program with error less 0.0005.
Plate (3-11): Impact Test
Page | 72
Fig.(3-12): Load-Deflection Curve form The tester Mechine
Fig.(3-13): Load-Deflection Curve after Modification
Fig.(3-14): Area under Curve by Graph Program
Page | 73
Chapter Four-------------------------------------------------------------Results and Discussion
CHAPTER FOUR
Results and Discussion
4.1 Introduction
A detailed investigation into the properties of fiber reinforced reactive
powder concrete (FR-RPC) was conducted. The results are presented and
discussed in this chapter.
The effect of fiber type and percentage of volume fraction were
investigate by using four percent of fiber (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) % by Vol. of mix
and two shape (straight and crimped) and regard with the RPC mix without
fiber as a reference mix. These mixes subjected to same curing condition for
72 hr. under steam curing with temperature range between (80Co -90Co).
The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, static modulus of
elasticity, and modulus of rupture, fracture toughness and impact strength of
FR-RPC were investigated.
4.2 Effect of Steel Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of RPC:

4.3.1 Compressive Strength
Straight and crimped steel fibers with different volume fractions of

0.5%, 1 % and 1.5 % and 2 % were added to the selected mix (MKS, MKC).
The results shown in Table (4-1) indicate that the compressive strength of
(100 mm cube) is only slightly affected by the addition of the two shapes of
steel fibers, The maximum increase in compressive strength is about 20.63%
for RPC containing 2% crimped steel fibers, while straight fiber has also the
same effect where the maximum increase in compressive strength is about
20.19% at same volume fraction, i.e.: 2% steel fiber. This is attributing to the
fact that adding steel fibers to concrete increases its strain ability in
compression failure and the effect of steel fibers on compressive strength
(21)
was also observed by others like Orgass and Klug (2009) and Lee and
Page | 75
(7)
Chisholm (2005) According to the latter the improved compressive
strength does likely reflect the contribution of steel fibers to the tensile
capacity of RPC.
Table (4-1): Compressive Strength with different Fiber Vol. at 28 day
Straight fiber (MKS) Crimp fiber (MKC)
Vf Compressive Increase in Compressive Increase in
CV CV
% strength Compressive strength Compressive
% %
(MPa) strength (%) (MPa) strength (%)
0 119.48 0.69 0 119.48 0.69 0
0.5 125.53 0.79 5.06 126.87 0.6 6.19
1 129.67 0.72 8.53 130.87 0.51 9.53
1.5 134.57 0.27 12.40 133.38 0.48 11.63
2 143.2 0.6 20.19 144.13 0.73 20.63
The development of FR-RPC compressive strength with age at 7, 28

and 56 days for crimped and straight fiber is illustrated in Table (4-2) and
Fig (4-1).
Table (4-2): Compressive Strength for FR-RPC
Crimp fiber (MKC) Straight fiber (MKS)
Vf %
7 day 28 day 56 day 7 day 28 day 56 day
0.5 120.3 126.87 127.3 121.6 125.53 126.2
1 125.45 130.87 131.2 124.2 129.67 131.4
1.5 129.74 133.38 134.0 127.4 134.3 135.6
2 136.41 144.13 145.4 137.4 143.6 144.6
The extreme fineness of silica fume that it acts as filler uses to fill the
voids, and provides a greater densification and continuity to the cement paste
in concrete. The pozzolanic reaction between the amorphous silica in silica
Page | 76
fume and calcium hydroxide produced by the hydration of Portland cement

improves the strength of concrete Yang et al (2010) (27).
Lee and Chisholm (2005) (7) conformed the result which they state the
addition of steel fiber is primarily to increase poor tensile strength of
concrete and increased compressive strength where the improved
compressive strength likely reflects the contribution of the steel fiber to the
tensile capacity of the RPC, which given the accepted view that concrete
under a uniaxial compressive load fails because of lateral strain induced by
poison's ratio effects.
Fig (4-1): Effect of Steel Fiber on Compressive Strength
(92)
ACI Committee 209 (1992) recommends the following
expressions to predict the compressive strength (fc) of Normal Strength
Concrete (NSC) with strengths up to 41 MPa at any time or higher as
Mahmoud K. (2009) which use the same equation with high degree of
confidence reach 96.3, the as blow:-
(f ) = (f )
Page | 77
Where a = 4 (cement type I), β = 0.85 (moist curing), (fc)28 = 28 days

compressive strength and t is the age of concrete. The calculated values of
predicted compressive strength at different ages of concrete (fc)t to the
compressive strength at 28 days of concrete (fc)28 for RPC using Equation of
ACI are given in Table (4-3) which listed the predict and experimental
compressive strength for 7 and 56 day with respect to 28 day compressive
strength for crimped and straight fiber.
All predicted values are overestimated for 56 day and very lower
estimated for 7 day, this may affected by degree of hydration and gel growth
for reactive powder concrete which differs than normal concrete also the
effect of steam curing at early ages there for this equation not conformed and
not take in considered in other work.
Table (4-3): Predicted compressive strength for FR-RPC
Crimped fiber Straight fiber
Vf %
7 day pred. 28 day 56 day pred. 7 day pred. 28 day 56 day pred.
0.5 89.26 126.87 137.65 88.37 125.53 136.2
1 92.13 130.87 142 91.29 129.67 140.69
1.5 93.9 133.38 144.72 94.55 134.3 145.72
2 101.47 144.13 156.35 101.09 143.6 155.81
4.3.2 Splitting Tensile Strength

(85)
Splitting tensile strength (tested according to ASTM C496-2004 )
results of RPC with different types and contents of steel fibers are shown in
Table (4-4) and Fig (4-2).
It can be concluded that the inclusion of steel fibers in concrete mix
cause a considerable increase in splitting tensile strength relative to reference
mix (without fibers). Splitting tensile strength increases as the fiber volume
fraction increases. The percentage increase in splitting tensile strength is
about 150% and 177% for concrete mix containing 2% straight and crimped
Page | 78
steel fibers respectively. It can be observed that all mixes with crimp steel
fibers have slightly higher splitting tensile strength than those containing
straight steel fibers; this may be due to the excellent mechanical anchorage
of crimped steel fibers at their surface which leads to high bond strength
between the fibers and the matrix.
Table (4-4): Splitting Tensile Strength Results of FR-RPC
Straight fiber (MKS) Crimped fiber (MKC)
Vf Splitting % Increase Splitting % Increase
CV CV
% tensile in splitting tensile in splitting
% %
strength(MPa) strength strength(MPa) strength
0 6.3 1.96 0 6.3 1.96 0
0.5 9.16 8.1 45.4 10.3 3.63 63.49
1 11.3 3.34 79.37 13.46 2.5 113.65
1.5 14.63 4.33 131.75 15.3 2.45 142.85
2 15.83 4.39 150.8 17.47 3.32 176.98
Cimped fiber Straight fiber

splitting tensile strength (Mpa)
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
p 0.5% p 1% p 1.5% p 2%
fiber volume fraction %
Fig (4-2): Effect of volume fraction and type of steel fibers on the splitting tensile
strength of RPC
Page | 79
4.3.3 Flexural Strength (Modulus of Rupture)

Flexural strength test results (tested according to ASTM C78 (2002)
(86)
under four point loading) of RPC reinforced with different shapes and
fiber volume fraction are presented in Table (4-5) and Fig (4-3). The results
demonstrate that using steel fibers causes a considerable increase in flexural
strength in comparison with the plain concrete and the flexural strength
increases with the increase in fiber volume fraction. Generally it can be seen
that the flexural strength of all specimens reinforced with straight steel fiber
have slightly higher flexural strength than that reinforced with crimped steel
fibers because crimped fiber lower tensile strength, more buckling than
straight fibers. It can be noticed from the experimental work that plain
concrete specimen suddenly failed in a brittle manner and separated into two
parts, while fiber concrete specimens have many cracks before the failure.
Table (4-5): Flexural Strength Results for FR-RPC reinforced with different shape
and contents of steel fibers
Straight fiber (MKS) Crimped fiber (MKC)
Vf Flexural % Increase Flexural % Increase
% strength CV % in Flexural strength CV% in Flexural
(MPa) strength (MPa) strength
0 6.3 6.11 0 6.3 6.11 0
0.5 10.04 5.49 59.37 8.3 4.24 31.75
1 12.14 3.48 92.70 10.74 2.82 70.48
1.5 14.94 7.41 137.14 11.62 4.21 84.44
2 17.38 1.5 175.87 12.17 7.97 93.17
4.3.4 Static Modulus of Elasticity

The modulus of elasticity is strongly influenced by the concrete
materials and their proportions. It is a function of modulus of elasticity of
Page | 80
each component and its content ratio in the composite. An increase in the
modulus of elasticity is expected with an increase in compressive strength
since the slope of the ascending branch of the stress-strain diagram becomes
(8)
steeper . The static modulus of elasticity results for FR-RPC mixes are
presented in Table (4-6) and Fig (4-4), which show slight increases in the
static modulus of elasticity with respect to non-fiber reactive powder
concrete (Es=40.7 GPa), the test done according ASTM C 469 (2002) (38).
20
Flexural strength (MPa)
Straight fiber
15 Crimped fiber
10
p 0.5 % p1% p 1.5 % p2%

fiber volume frication (%)
Fig (4-3): Effect of volume fraction and type of steel fibers on the Flexural strength
Table (4-6): Modulus of Elasticity for different vol. fraction and shape for FR-RPC
Crimp fiber Straight fiber
Vf
ES CV % of increase with ES CV % of increase with
%
(GPa) % respect to zero fiber (GPa) % respect to zero fiber
0.5 42.89 4.66 7.04 43.16 4.62 7.71
1 45.01 3.26 12.33 48.8 4.05 16.80
1.5 46.7 3.32 16.55 46.74 5.32 16.65
2 48.15 4.73 20.16 47.25 9.02 17.92
Page | 81
This increase might be first due to the static modulus of elasticity of

the steel fibers (even though their volumetric ratio in the matrix is
low), and secondly due to the transfer of stress from the matrix to the
fibers by interfacial bond between the steel fibers and matrix. The stress is
thus shared by the fibers and matrix, and a higher load could be applied
before the matrix cracks.
25.00
% of increase in Es
20.00 16.80 17.92

16.65
20.16
15.00 16.55
10.00 7.71 12.33
5.00 7.04
0.00
p 0.5% p 1% p 1.5% p 2%
Volume friction of fiber
crimped fiber straight fiber
Fig (4-4): Percent of increase with respect to non-fiber of RPC
Improved impact resistance is one of the important attributes of RPC.

Several types of test have been used to measure the impact resistance of
RPC; the simplest test according to ACI-544.2R (93) is the "repeated impact",
drop weight test. This test yields the number of blows necessary to cause
prescribed levels of distress in the test specimen. This number serves as a
qualitative estimate of the energy absorbed by the specimen at the levels of
distress specified.
The test can be used to compare the relative merits of different fiber
concrete mixtures and to demonstrate the improved performance of FRC
compared to plain concrete (without fibers).
Page | 82
Two types of fibers were tested for impact resistance. Each mix
consisted of twelve specimens for crimped and straight fiber also three
specimen of RPC without fiber tested at same age (28days).
The number of blows required causing first crack and ultimate failure
for reference (without fibers) and RPC reinforced with different types and
percent of volume fraction of steel fiber are summarized in Table (4-7) and
plotted in Fig (4-5).
Table (4-7): Impact Resistance of RPC with Different Shape and Volume of Fiber
Straight fiber Crimped fiber
Vf % No. of Blows up to
First Crack Ultimate Strength First Crack Ultimate Strength
0 61 89 61 89
0.5 74 110 77 112
1 84 136 86 141
1.5 92 151 94 149
2 90 155 100 164
The test results illustrate that the number of blows or the energy
required causing initial crack and ultimate failure for RPC specimens
reinforced with different shapes and volume fraction of steel fibers is higher
than that of reference concrete. It is clear that the impact strength or the
number of blows causing first crack and ultimate failures significantly
increase as the fiber content increases. The percentage of increase in number
of blows causing first crack range from about 37% to 86%; while for
ultimate failure in range 46 % to 119 %. The shape of steel fiber also effects
on the number of blows for both first crack and ultimate failure through the
failure of crimped fiber from the point of first crack to the ultimate failure
the specimen still connected as pieces by fiber only where the specimen from
Page | 83
straight fiber show the same behave but in less deformation and destroyed.
Generally crimped fibers show higher impact strength (No. of blows) at both
first crack and ultimate load, this may be due to the excellent mechanical
anchorage of crimped steel fibers at their surface which cause high bond
strength between the fibers and the matrix Swamy (1974),(1985) (99),(100).
It can be recognized that the failure surfaces of the fiber reinforced

concrete specimens differ clearly from those of the plain concrete through
the specimen of non-fiber reinforced dispread to several pieces in less
number of blow after the first crack appears while FR specimens still almost
together after ultimate failure and displayed different modes of failure, Plate
(4-1).
180
first crack ultimate failure
160
No.of blow up to
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Fig (4-5): Effect of volume fraction and type of steel fibers on the Impact strength
Although the falling weight test is a simple, practical test carried out
under rather arbitrary conditions and can give an indirect assessment of the
impacts resistance of plain and fiber reinforced concretes, some significant
limitations should be taken into account:
Page | 84
- The test specimen is supported by a rigid base. In practice both

supports and boundary conditions of a fiber concrete element may be
quite different from those adopted in the test.
- The manual application of the impact load tends to be tedious and
inconvenient particularly if several hundreds of blows are required to
produce final failure.
Nevertheless the falling weight test method appears to take into

account the properties of the matrix, the nature of the fiber, the nature of
interfacial zone between particles of the matrix as well as between fiber
surface and matrix.
Impact toughness of RPC was measured by No. of blows for first
crack and failure, using the equation blow from ref. (90) as flow:-
Where, w ― impact energy (Joule (J)); n ― impact number; h ― the

height hammer drops (457mm); g ― accelerating velocity (9.81m/s2); m ―
weight of hammer (4.536kg).
Table (4-8) a & b show the result for crimped and straight fiber with
coefficient of variation and Fig (4-6) show the fracture toughness increased
with increased fiber volume. This behavior related to the bond strength
between the crimped fiber and cement paste.
Table (4-8) a: Impact energy for straight steel fiber
Ave. Impact energy (J) for

Vf %
First crack CV% Failure crack CV%
0.5 1484.53 5.91 2236.96 3.71
1 1708.22 4.45 2765.7 9.09
1.5 1870.91 8.2 3070.74 7.01
2 1809.9 10.6 3152.08 9.13
Page | 85
Plate (4-1): Failure Mode of Plain and FRPC
Table (4-8) b: Impact energy for crimped steel fiber
Impact energy (J) for

Vf %
First crack CV% Failure crack CV%
0.5 1568.18 11.82 2281 4.42
1 1748.9 4.35 2867.34 6.04
1.5 1911.58 7.21 3030.06 5.65
2 2033.6 9.81 3335.1 4.25
4.4 Relationship
4.4.1 The Relationship between Splitting Strength, Modulus of Rupture and
Compressive Strength
Compressive strength is the principal material property that is
measured of hardened concrete. The relationship between indirect tensile
Page | 86
strength (splitting cylinder strength, modulus of rupture strength) and

compressive strength is of particular interest.
Impact Energy for fist crack FR-RPC

2100
first crack impact energy (J)
2000
1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
straight fiber
1400
crimp fiber
1300
1200
0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50%
% of fiber volume
Fig (4-6): First crack impact energy
Many researchers have studied the results of the splitting cylinder

strength and modulus of rupture strength and related it to compressive
strength according ACI Committee ACI 363R (1992) (91) and used by
(101)
Mahmoud K. (2009) which recommended that the relation between
splitting cylinder strength (fsp) and modulus of rupture strength (fr) of high
performance concrete with strengths from 41 to 70 MPa with degree of
confidence, as expressed:
(MPa)
(MPa)
The comparison of tested and the calculated values of modulus

of rupture strength (fr) and splitting tensile strength(fsp) using Equations
above are given in Table (4-9) a & b and Fig (4-7) & (4-8).
Page | 87
Table (4-9)a: Comparison of Observed Versus and Predicted fr of RPC at 28 days

Vf %
fcu fr pred. fr exp. fcu fr pred. fr exp.
0.5 126.87 10.59 8.3 125.53 10.53 10.04
1 130.87 10.75 10.74 129.67 10.7 12.14
1.5 133.38 10.86 11.62 134.57 10.9 14.94
2 144.13 11.29 12.17 143.2 11.25 16.38
Table (4-9)b: Comparison of observed versus and predicted fsp of RPC at 28 days
Vf %
fcu fsp pred. fsp exp. fcu fsp pred. fsp exp.
0.5 126.87 6.65 10.3 125.53 6.61 9.16
1 130.87 6.75 13.46 129.67 6.72 11.3
1.5 133.38 6.8 15.3 134.57 6.84 14.63
2 144.13 7.08 17.47 143.2 7.06 15.83
Fig (4-7): Comparison of Observed Versus Predicted fr at 28 days
Page | 88
The result of predicted flexural and splitting tensile strength is lower

than experimental result where 2% fiber has difference reach about 125% for
splitting strength and 45% for flexural strength.
This fact related to the tensile strength of fiber and method of
measuring flexural strength where the loading rate is lower than usual and
for that the result may be in lower limit or the predicted equation of splitting
is not useful to predicted the indirect tensile strength of RPC.
Fig (4-8): Comparison of Observed Versus Predicted fsp at 28 days
4.3.2 Brittleness Factor

Brittleness factor is the ratio between splitting tensile strength to
compressive strength which represent the degree of hardness of fiber
reinforce concrete which increased with the increase of volume fraction
friction of fiber. Crimped fiber gives high result than straight fiber by about
24 % for 0.5 % and decrease to about 10% for Vol. 2% of fiber (Table 4-10).
Page | 89
Table (4-10): Relationship between compressive and splitting strength

compressive brittleness
Vf % CV % splitting strength CV%
strength factor
0.5 126.87 0.6 10.3 3.63 0.081
Crimped fiber
1 130.87 0.51 13.46 2.5 0.102

1.5 133.38 0.48 15.3 2.45 0.115
2 144.13 0.73 17.47 3.32 0.121
0.5 125.53 0.79 9.16 8.1 0.065
Straight fiber
1 129.67 0.72 11.3 3.34 0.087

1.5 134.57 0.27 14.63 4.33 0.109
2 143.5 0.6 15.86 4.4 0.111
Fig (4-9): Brittleness Factor with Different Fiber Shape and Volume
4.3.3 The relationship between impact strength and compressive strength

Fig (4-10) shows the relationship between compressive strength and
number of blow to first crack. The increase fiber volume increases both
Page | 90
compressive and impact strength except for 2 % of crimp fiber which

decrease due to effect of balling fiber and inter-look mechanism.
No. of blow up to first crack 105
100 MKS 2%
95 MKS 1.5 %
MKC 1.5 %
90 MKC 2 %
MKS 1 %
85 MKC 1% crimp
80
straight
MKS 0.5 %
75 MKC 0.5 %
70
120 125 130 135 140 145 150
compressve strength (Mpa)
Fig (4-10): Impact-Compressive Strength Relationship
4.4 Fracture Strength

Fracture mechanics deals with the energy absorbed by concrete during
loading before it collapsed. The effect of steel fiber volume and shape were
investigated and the result stated in several method based on the area under
curve for notched and un-notch beam which called fracture parameter like
effective flexural strength, fracture energy, energy release rate, critical stress
intensity factor, J-integral and toughness index.
The behavior of concrete beam containing steel fibers suffers damage

by gradual development of single or multiple cracks with increasing
deflection, but retains some degree of structural integrity and post-crack
resistance even with considerable deflection. A similar beam without steel
fibers fails suddenly at a small deflection by separation into two pieces.
Page | 91
The areas under the load-deflection curve up to the first crack

deflection and selected multiples of first deflection of reinforced concrete
were calculated by Graph software computer program version 4.4.2.
Fig (4-11) and Fig (4-12) show the load-deflection curve for crimped
and straight steel fiber with respect to fiber volume for notched and un-notch
beam.
The load-displacement behavior and consequently the ductility and
fracture toughness can be improved for RPCs. This can be traced back to the
fact that, the fibers are able to transfer emerging loads by bridging the
cracks. After reaching the maximum load the descending part of the load-
displacement curve doesn’t drop down at once.
It can be seen from Fig (4-11) and Fig (4-12) that, FR-RPC exhibit
linear behavior up to the first cracking (which occurs as a result of the
cementitious matrix cracking). The development in the FR-RPC matrix at
the first cracking; are invisible to the naked eye since the matrix is reinforced
with well distributed steel fibers. The load was increased gradually until
reaching a maximum load (the crack notice very well) after which, the
deflection was increased at a sustained load. After that, the load starts
decreasing without breaking the specimen until the deflection reach to 6 mm
which considered enough in calculate fracture parameters.
The first crack was determined from a small change found on the
curve at a load depends on fiber volume fraction and specified automatically
by the testing machine which consider the point of non-linear and when the
deflection reached 0.88 mm as average, the corresponding load became low
until reach approximate 20% of the maximum load and the steel fibers held
the two cracked parts of specimen together, Plate (4-2).
Page | 92
crimped fiber
50
45
40
35
load (kN)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5
deflection(mm)
MKC 0.5 % MKC 1 % MKC 1.5 % MKC 2 %
(a)
notched crimped fiber

45
40
35
30
load (kN)
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
delection (mm)
MKC 0.5 % MKC 1 % MKC 1.5 % MKC 2 %
(b)
Fig (4-11): load-deflection curves for (a) notched (b) un-notch crimped steel fiber
Page | 93
Straight fiber
70
60
50
load (kN)
40
30
20
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
delection (mm)
MKS 0.5 % MKS 1 % MKS 1.5 % MKS 2 %
(a)
notched straight fiber

40
35
30
load (kN)
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
deflection (mm)
MKS 0.5% MKS 1 % MKS 1.5 % MKS 2 %
(b)
Fig (4-12): load-deflection curves for (a) notched (b) un-notch straight steel fiber
Page | 94
This indicated that FR-RPC is a highly tough material and the

behavior of load-deflection curve may be differentiated depending on the
fiber dispersion, fiber type and molding progress which is an important
influence on the fiber dispersion. Crimped fiber behave very obvious than
straight where crimped fiber in most specimen is break out or slipping
around the notch for notching specimen and the same photo notice for un-
notched beam at maximum load and is less than straight fiber which not
cutting but sliding in most cases with some cutting in tension side of beams
or around the notch.
This result beyond to the tensile strength of crimped fiber less than
straight as finding from tensile test in chapter three, effect of slow loading
rate reach the some fiber to maximum tensile stress before the peaking load
of the concrete and energy release at each cutting wire will be higher than
straight fiber, the method of spread fiber during mixing casting progress and
do not forget the effect of bonding between the fiber and the matrix which in
usual case give higher flexural than straight but as we mention the type of
fiber use make this property in opposite advantage, for that the flexural
strength and fracture parameters of straight fiber higher than crimped fiber.
Plate (4-2): Cracked specimen of FR-RPC
Page | 95
4.4.1 Effective Flexural Strength

Effective flexural strength (fr,net) calculated for notched beam by
taking an effective cross sectional area at the center of the measured
specimen and using the relationship according to ASTM equation Shaikh T.
(72)
I. (2012) with modification to four-point load and using the net cross
sectional areas. Table (4-11) shows the effective flexural strength for
crimped and straight steel fiber.
The straight fibers show better performance than crimped fiber this
may be related to the amount of peaking load and the behavior of load-
displacements curve mention before.
Table (4-11): Effective flexural strength for FR-RPC
Vf %
Peak load (kN) fr,net (MPa) Peak load (kN) fr,net (MPa)
0.5 21.43 13.12 22.17 13.57
1 19.3 11.81 27.56 16.87
1.5 24.47 14.98 31.93 19.54
2 23.47 14.36 35.75 21.88
4.4.2 Stress Intensity Factor

Critical stress intensity factor (KIc) determined for notched beam
subjected to two point load in bending test, assuming linear elastic fracture
mechanics applied, here the eq. used for determine (KIc) is same for many
research but there are difference in find the value of shape coefficient F(a/d),
these equation as follow:
Page | 96
(72)
First we calculate KIc using eq. (A) from ASTM where Sin-Ho et
(94)
al (2006) used eq. (B) from Korean standard. The result shows in Table
(4-12) & (4-13) respectively. Fig (4-13) & (4-14) show the effect of fiber
type and volume fraction on the value of stress intensity factor.
The difference between result depend on the method parameters where

eq. (A) using the effective length of notched beam while eq. (B) use flexural
strength of un-notched beam also the difference in geometrical coefficient
make the result different and each equation have coefficient of variation in
acceptable value.
Table (4-12): Stress intensity factor according ASTM eq. (A)
Vf %
KIc (MPa.m0.5) CV% KIc (MPa.m0.5) CV%
0.5 2.21 2.87 2.28 6.48
1 1.99 7.05 2.84 0.78
1.5 2.52 11.12 3.29 4.29
2 2.42 3.75 3.68 5.42
Table (4-13): Stress intensity factor according to eq. (B)

Vf %
f (MPa) K (MPa.m0.5) f (MPa) K (MPa.m0.5)
0.5 8.3 2.41 10.04 2.91
1 10.74 3.11 12.14 3.52
1.5 11.62 3.39 14.94 4.33
2 12.17 3.53 17.38 5.04
eq. (A)
Where

And eq. (B)
Page | 97
Where
For un-notch beam
3.8
crimped fiber
KIC (Mpa.m^0.5)
3.3 straight fiber
2.8
2.3
1.8
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
% vol. fiber
Fig (4-13): the relation between and fiber type according eq. (A)
5.5
crimp fiber
5
4.5 straight fiber
KIC value
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
fibe vol. (%)
Fig (4-14): the relation between and fiber type according eq. (B)
From the figures above the increased fiber volume increased stress
intensity factor except of 2% crimped fiber depending on equation (A), and
Page | 98
slimly decrease in eq. (B) and the coefficient of variation for straight fibers
shows a smaller variation than in the case of crimped fibers. This is due to
the fact that straight fiber has little influence on the behavior of the load-
deflection curve for concrete tested in flexure. So the value of KIc for
crimped fiber lower than straight fiber but for straight fiber the same
behavior and the value increased with increased fiber percent.
4.4.3 Energy Release Rate
The energy release rate (GIc) is a potential energy per unit area, which
is release when the crack progresses. It computed indirect from the value of
KIC and effective modulus of elasticity (E`), where the plan stress condition
(94)
is applied so (E`=E). By the formula of Koran standard to find GIc as
shown in Table (4-14) for notched crimped and straight fiber beams.
Where
Table (4-14): Energy Release Rate

Crimp fiber Straight fiber
Vf % ES G ES G
K (MPa.m0.5) K (MPa.m0.5)
(GPa) (kN/m) (GPa) (kN/m)
0.5 42.89 2.41 0.135 43.16 2.91 0.196
1 45.01 3.11 0.215 48.8 3.52 0.254
1.5 46.7 3.39 0.246 46.74 4.33 0.401
2 48.15 3.53 0.259 47.25 5.04 0.538
4.4.4 Fracture Energy

The fracture energy (GF) is computed by dividing the area under the
load-deflection curve by the fractured area (Anet), with take the influence of
the weight of the test specimen in considered. The values are summarize in
table (4-15) & (4-16) for crimp and straight fiber.
Page | 99
According to ref. (94) which ignored the body weight due to the span
is short the GF is calculated according to equation below for notch beam.
W: area under curve up to 5 mm deflection
Table (4-15): Fracture Energy for Crimped Fiber
Vf % W (KN.mm) CV % GF (N/m)
0.5 53.37 10.76 7624.29
1 48.12 8.82 6874.29
1.5 51.97 12.42 7424.3
2 53.77 14.29 7681.43
Table (4-16): Fracture Energy for Straight Fiber
Vf % W (KN.mm) CV % GF (N/m)
0.5 68.41 1.16 9772.86
1 71.96 2.93 10280
1.5 79.45 10.89 11350
2 75.35 11.71 10764.29
4.4.5 Critical J-Integral
The elastic energy absorbed by the beam can be determined from the
area under load deflection curve for an identically notched beam according
two theories as fellow:-
1. The critical j-integral according to Sin Hio et al (2006) (94) and

Gurumoorthy (2013) (95), the result mentioned in Table (4-17).

J =
( )
Where
AC: area under curve for notch beam
Page | 100
From the result the crimped and straight show same behave were the
type of fiber not greater effected by volume fraction where this method take
the area of notched beam singularity and not effected by variation of
specimen result or condition of notched and un-notched beam from
coefficient of variation within increase Vf CV% increase and misleading the
result.
Table (4-17): The critical j-integral value for notch FR-RPC beam eq. (1)

Vf %
A (kN.m) JIc (N/mm) CV % A (kN.m) JIc (N/mm) CV %
0.5 53.37 15.25 10.76 68.41 19.57 1.16

1 48.12 13.76 8.82 71.96 20.58 2.93
1.5 51.97 14.86 12.42 79.45 22.72 10.89
2 53.77 15.38 14.29 75.35 21.55 11.71
J-integral according Gurumoorthy
24
22
J-integral N/mm
20
crimp fiber
18
straight fiber
16
14
12
10
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
fiber vol. fraction %
Fig (4-15): J-integral fiber volume relationship according eq. (1)
Page | 101
2. Halvorsen (1980) (98) formula
This theory takes the area under load deflection curve for un-notched
beam loaded to the same load level sustained by the notched beam. AL-
(102)
Jeabory (2008) uses this formula for two point load beam FRC and for
LEFM the load taken to the peak load for crimped and straight fiber.
J = ( )
(A − A )
Table (4-18), Fig (4-16) show the effect of fiber volume on J-integrals.
The result stated that j-integral decrease with increase fiber volume straight
fiber were crimped fiber in opposite but low values. Also the mechinsme of
fiber bond has great effect.
Table (4-18): The Critical J-integral Value for Notched FR-RPC Beam, eq. (2)

Vf % AT-AU AT-AU
JIc JIc
CV % CV %
(kN.m) (N/mm) (kN.m) (N/mm)
0.5 2.77 0.792 7.61 6.966 1.992 10.28
1 3.85 1.101 12.87 4.12 1.178 11.95
1.5 3.31 0.947 11.22 4.434 1.268 3.518
2 4.26 1.218 16.41 1.977 0.565 17.2
4.5 Toughness Index

Here we measure toughness index according various method and as
base line of calculate toughness index to comparison with other method the
ASTM C 1018 will be taken as reference and concerning on I5 to compered
with the others.
Page | 102
2.5
crimp fiber
2
J-integrals N/mm
straight fiber
1.5
0.5
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
fiber vol. fraction %
Fig (4-16): J-integral fiber volume relationship according eq. (2)
ASTM C 1018
The parameters of this method mention in chapter two and the values
of toughness indices and residual strength factors of all tested prism
specimens notch and un-notch are presented in Table (4-19) a & b.
Table (4-19) a: Toughness index according ASTM C 1018 for notch beam

Vf %
I5 I10 R5,10 I5 I10 R5,10
0.5 3.53 6.13 52.05 4.27 7.53 65.25
1 3.63 6.12 49.74 4.16 7.04 57.66
1.5 3.08 5.42 46.81 4.08 6.45 47.41
2 3.22 5.81 47.69 4.54 6.84 46.13
Table (4-19) b: Toughness index according ASTM C 1018 for un-notch beam

Vf %
I5 I10 R5,10 I5 I10 R5,10
0.5 3.59 5.12 30.76 3.88 6.94 61.24
1 3.63 5.41 31.27 3.36 5.05 33.76
1.5 3.25 5.08 36.75 3.85 5.79 38.88
2 3.83 5.55 24.25 3.91 6.75 56.89
Page | 103
Tables (4-20) a & b and (4-21) a & b for crimped and straight fiber
with calculate the coefficients of variation to each method which work as a
degree of confidence of this method to represent the energy absorbed, where
each method have several advantage and disadvantage like specimen
geometry, loading rate, type of machine test, etc. of factors effect on load-
deflection behavior.
The CV% for the toughness index (defined by ASTM method) was
less than 10 % for all the fiber types. This gives the confidence to the result
obtained and this complies with AL-Jeabory (2004) (97).
From Table (4-20) the 2% fiber content of straight steel fiber gives
toughness index of 0.80, i.e.: an elastic-plastic response, (the toughness
index for an elastic-plastic response is 0.75). Then T.I. is 1.06% of the
corresponding elastic-plastic response. However this index was about 95%
of the elastic-plastic response. In the other hands the crimped fiber give
toughness index equal 0.6 at 1% fiber content, see Table (4-21) which means
the RPC reinforced by crimped fiber not give the elastic-plastic response and
it is less than T.I. for elastic-plastic material. This may be related to the
behavior of crimped fiber from giving low peak flexural load and different
load-deflection curve (i.e.: area under curve) also bad mixing and bad
distribution of fiber has the great effect on the result of our work.
Table (4-20) a: Average Toughness index for Straight Notched Beam
Vf % A+B/4A V% B/3A V% (A+B+C)/A V% ACI V%

0.5 0.71 8.97 0.61 13.88 4.27 9.36 4.05 10.05
1 0.71 2.9 0.61 4.52 4.16 3.22 3.89 3.09
1.5 0.71 4.43 0.61 6.82 4.08 2.94 3.97 6.99
2 0.8 7.91 0.73 11.51 4.54 8.92 4.33 15.15
Page | 104
Table (4-20) b: Average Toughness index for Straight Un-notch Beam

0.5 0.66 2.63 0.55 4.25 3.88 2.89 3.4 4.56
1 0.63 1.94 0.51 3.27 3.36 0.88 2.71 6.42
1.5 0.69 5.97 0.59 9.4 3.85 7.97 3.17 6.74
2 0.65 1.91 0.53 3.11 3.91 6.39 2.78 1.49
Table (4-21) a: Average Toughness Index for Crimped Notched Beam

0.5 0.58 6.3 0.44 11 3.52 7.6 3.66 9.63
1 0.6 11.4 0.5 15.7 3.63 13.13 3.72 13.09
1.5 0.52 4.72 0.38 12.77 3.08 10.31 3.05 10.96
2 0.55 8.12 0.4 14.9 3.21 6.91 3.19 15.52
Table (4-21) b: Average Toughness Index for Crimped Un-notch Beam

0.5 0.62 5.45 0.47 1.5 3.58 4.35 3.8 3.34
1 0.58 5.23 0.44 8.75 3.96 8.76 3.32 2.75
1.5 0.55 1.8 0.41 3.21 3.25 6.13 3.26 9.71
2 0.62 4.04 0.5 6.71 3.83 6.84 3.32 4.53
4.6 Numerical Models

The computer software (STATISTICA) version (V5.5A) is used for
derived models from the obtained results for the effect of steel fiber, method
Page | 105
confidence for T.I. and the best method stated. Tables (4-22) & (4-23) show
the obtained models for the five methods of toughness index and constant as
related to the HRWRA dosage, fiber type, fiber volume fraction, and effect
of notch as follows:
The dependent variables: I5, A, B, C and D

The independent variables: H, SF, PF and N
Where:
I5: ASTM C1018 toughness index

A: Barr et al (1982) (65) toughness index definition
B: Barr and Hasso (19) (67) toughness index definition
C: Jonshston (1982) (64) toughness index definition
D: ACI 544 (29) toughness index definition
H: High range water reducing admixture dosage as % by weight of
cementious material.
SF: steel fiber type (1: crimped, 2: straight)
PF: fiber volume percent fraction (0.5-2) %
N: effect of the notch (1: notch, 2: un-notch) beam
There are two approaches generally used to assess the adequacy of the
proposed regression models, the first one is based on examining the
goodness of fit measures, whereas the second approach is based on the
graphical analysis of the residuals, also called diagnostic plots.
1. Goodness of Fit Measures

The measures of goodness of fits aim to quantify how well the
proposed regression model obtained fits the data and can make these results
Page | 106
by same equation. The measure that is usually presented is the coefficient of

multiple determinations (R2) Devore (2000) (94).
The R2 value is the percent variation of the criterion variable explained
by the suggested model and calculated according to the following equation:
R =1−
Where SSE is the error sum of squares =∑ (yi-y'i), where yi is the

actual value of criterion variable for the ith case and y'i is the regression
predicted value of the variable ith case.
SST is the total sum of squares =∑ (yi - y')2, where y ' is the mean
observed y. R2 is the square of the correlation between observed and
calculated value of the dependent variable and 0 ≤ R2 ≤ 1.
2. Diagnostic Plots
Another effective approach to the assessment of model adequacy is to
compute the predicted criterion values, y'i, and the residuals, еi. Residuals are
the difference between an observed value of the criterion variable yi and the
value predicted by the model, (еi = yi - y'i), and then plot various functions of
these computed quantities. Finally the plots are examine either to confirm the
selected model or the model is not appropriate Devore (2000) (103).
The adopted models in table (4-22) is non-linear, and have a higher

coefficient of determination R² (91-95) %, in addition, based on the
diagnostic plots shown in appendix C. All these models are rational, the
distribution of residuals are distributed normally.
The details and diagnostic plots of models are shown in appendix C
and for simplified the numerical result to getting toughness index equation
Page | 107
that we can used, a uniform model has created to give high degree of
confidence and acceptable diagnostic plots for all method as below:
The equation above represent best one for all method which give R2 in
range (85-95) %, the details and constant explain in appendix D.
Table (4-22): Possible models from the stepwise regression analysis

Criterion
Models R2
Variable
I5=C1*EXP(C2*H+C3*SF+C4*PF^2+C5*N)+C6*N^2+C7*H^2
I5 +C8*PF^4+C9*SF^2+C10*N*PF^2*SF*H^2+ 92.8
C9*PF
A=C1*EXP(C2*H+C3*SF+C4*PF^2+C5*N)+C6*N^2+C7*H^2
A 94.6
+C8*PF^4+C9*SF^2+C10*N*PF^2*SF*H^2+C9*PF
B=C1*EXP(C2*H+C3*SF+C4*PF^2+C5*N)+C6*N^2+C7*H^2
B 92.7
+C8*PF^4+C9*SF^2+C10*N/PF^2*SF*H^2+ C9*PF+C8*PF
C=C1*EXP(C2*H+C3*SF+C4*PF^2+C5*N)-C6*N^2+
C 91.8
C7*H^2+C8*PF^4+C9*SF^2+C10*N*PF^2*SF*H^2+C9*PF
D=C1*EXP(C2*H+C3*SF+C4*PF^2+C5*N)+C6*N^2+C7*H^2
D 92.3
+C8*PF^4+C9*SF^2+C10*N/PF^2*SF*H^2+ C9*PF+C8*PF
4.7 Failure Modes of RPC Specimens

The typical compression failure modes of reactive powder concrete
specimen with and without steel fiber are shown in Fig (4-16). In the case of
non-fibrous RPC cylinder, the failure was essentially due to tensile splitting
and the cracks propagated parallel to the loading direction through the
cementious particles. On the other hand, when fibers were added, the mode
Page | 108
of failure under compression was a combination of shear failure and tensile

splitting failure. The same mode of failure was observed for straight fiber,
but the behavior of concrete was more ductile. The presence of steel fibers
had altered the failure mode of the concrete cylinders from a brittle to a more
ductile one. In general, for fibrous cylinders, the vertical cracks that
appeared in tested specimens were held together by steel fibers.
Table (4-23): Values of Model Coefficients

Coefficient I5 A B C D
C1 8.919806 0.800966 0.010354 13.99004 6.363263
C2 -0.766938 -0.527614 -2.05178 -1.08956 -0.486135
C3 1.444190 1.275320 5.784666 1.777353 1.045784
C4 0.476846 0.355045 1.337330 0.670429 0.355783
C5 -0.151433 -0.124742 -0.391308 -0.177543 -0.266876
C6 0.118328 0.024887 0.006106 -0.119264 0.163277
C7 0.256235 0.036803 0.031423 0.284733 0.202479
C8 -0.322100 -0.042748 -0.046644 -0.391089 -0.245369
C9 -1.58104 -0.243819 -0.045439 -1.46166 -1.26716
C10 0.001617 -0.000006 0.000259 0.001726 0.002283
The additions of fiber completely changed the splitting and flexural

failure characteristics of concrete. Non fibrous concrete specimens were
suddenly failed in a brittle manner and separated into two parts, whereas the
failure mode of fibrous concrete specimens was non-violent and ductile, the
specimens were not separated into two parts. The flexural behavior of RPC
specimen characterized by increased deflection at mid-span and causing
large widening of maximum crack width. All the fibrous concrete specimens
after failure showed little signs of damage in comparison with concrete
specimens without fibers. This is due to the role of action of fibers in matrix
in which arresting both the initiation of randomly oriented micro-cracks and
Page | 109
its propagation, leading to improve the load-carrying capacity beyond the

first crack and thus improving the ultimate strength and ductility.(84,85)
Plate (4-3): Mod of RPC Specimens
Page | 110
Chapter Five -------------------------------------------Conclusions & Recommendations
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusions
A series of tests carried out to examine the effect of steel fibers on
the mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete. The following
conclusions have been drawn from this work:-
1. The modified polycarboxylic ether admixture (Sika viscocrete®-5930)

gives the best result in terms of reducing the w/b ratio in a specified
RPC mixes. Accordingly the compressive strength, splitting tensile
strength, flexural tensile strength and impact strength of RPC.
2. It is possible to produce Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) using re-
iron wire as a fiber reinforcement, and Sika viscocrete®-5930 as a
high range water reducing admixture (HRWRA). A compressive
strength of 145 MPa, a splitting tensile strength, a flexural strength of
19.1 MPa, and static modulus up to 48.61 GPa can be attained at the
age of 28 days.
3. The dosage of Sika viscocrete®-5930 depends on the volume fraction
of fiber and type. It increases by about (10) %, (21-22) %, (40-43) %
and (60-65) %, over reference mixes without fibers, by adding crimp
and straight fiber at (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2) % by volume respectively.
4. The inclusion of steel fibers leads to a considerable increase in
splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength and impact
strength while the increase in compressive strength is relatively
lower.
5. The bond strength of crimped steel fiber is higher than straight fiber
except in flexural strength due to the way of test and the energy
release also the tensile strength of crimped fiber.
Page | 111
6. The increase in the steel fibers volume fraction and silica fume
content improved the load-deflection behavior and consequently gave
larger ductility and fracture toughness of RPC. Addition of steel
fibers to non-fibrous RPC was found to change the brittle nature of
the non-fibrous matrix to a composite mass with a plastic behavior
after first crack. The presence of steel fibers gave a longer plastic
range of the load-deflection behavior with higher peak load and larger
post-peak toughness.
7. Steel fibers also effect on the failure mode of RPC specimens, where
RPC without fibers has an explosive collapse under loading while
with steel fibers, these fibers showed an arresting or confining effect
in preventing specimen from explosion even after failure or sudden
failure.
8. Fracture toughness affected by the method of measuring with notice
the effect of testing also.
9. Straight fiber beam show elastic-plastic behavior with toughness
index equals 0.8 where crimped fiber beams not.
10. The impact behave of crimped fiber is more ductile than straight.
11. ASTM C 1018 gives the best result with min. coefficient of variation
and high R2 in numerical model.
12. Straight fiber show elastic behavior (T.I. =0.8>0.75) while crimped
fiber not.
Page | 112
5.2 Recommendations for Future Studies

On the basis of the previous works and the present study, further
investigations are recommended:-
1. An investigation is needed to study the mechanical behavior of
RPC mixes having steel fiber ratio more than 2% and silica
fume content higher than 17%.
2. A study is required to investigate the corrosion of iron wire as a
steel fiber reinforced for Reactive Powder Concrete.
3. There is a need to study the effect of using another type of
fibers such as ultra-fine polypropylene fibers with or without
local steel fibers on the properties of RPC.
4. There is a need to study the shrinkage and creep of the RPC.
5. There is a need to investigate fire resistance properties of the
RPC and exposure to elevated temperature.
6. Experimental work on strength and behavior of RPC
incorporating local pozzolanic material with steel fibers may
also be needed, instead of using silica fume. This may have an
economic advantage in this country.
7. Experimental and theoretical investigation of fracture behavior
of FR-RPC with use different mode of failure and specimens
geometry.
8. Study the effect of using hybrid fiber on mechanical properties
of RPC.
Page | 113
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Appendix A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Trial Mixes
TRIAL MIXES
- The tables blow show the mixes that done to get the target compressive
strength at 7 and 28 days using different curing condition.
- All material in Kg/m3 and the result of compressive strength represent
average of three cubes for each age.
- HRWR add as a percent from cementious material to get flow equal
(95±5) %.
- Vertical Dk grid representing water bath curing in hot water 90℃ for 48
hour.
- Lt up diagonal represent steam curing for 72 hour at (85±5)℃.
- Fiber adds to the mix as percent from the total mix volume.
- Table 5 represent trial mix for sureness that steam curing is the
best way of curing reactive powder concrete.
A|I
Cement Silica fume** HRWRA Compressive strength
Sand* Fiber
Type Content Type Content Type Content* 7 days 28 days
TASLUJA
900 BASEF 100 (10%) 1030 Cemetic 5.2 Nil 55.7 65.8
Type V
TASLUJA
Type V
TASLUJA
*cement: sand ratio is 1:1.03

Type V
TASLUJA
Type V
** Silica fume in this table as replacement

TASLUJA 750 BASEF 250 (25%) 1030 Cemetic 7.3 Nil 61.78 71.33
Type V
Table No. 1
KAEEM
900 BASEF 10% 1030 Cemetic 5.7 Nil 51.7 62.03
Type V
KAEEM
Type V
KAEEM
Type V
KAEEM
Type V
KAEEM
Type V
A | II
Cement Silica fume HRWRA Compressive strength
Sand** Fiber
Type Content Type Content Type Content* 7 days 28 days
TASLUJA
900 BASEF 100 (10%) 1030 G54 5.2 Nil 53.17 65.8
Type V
TASLUJA
850 BASEF 150 (15%) 1030 G54 5.5 Nil 55.78 66.81
Type V
TASLUJA
830 BASEF 170 (17%) 1030 G54 5.8 Nil 58.32 66.77
Type V
TASLUJA
800 BASEF 200 (20%) 1030 G54 6.1 Nil 61.36 70.44
Type V
TASLUJA 750 BASEF 250 (25%) 1030 G54 6.3 Nil 61.00 70.39
Type V
Table No. 2
KAEEM
900 BASEF 10% 1030 G54 5.46 Nil 53.7 66. 78
Type V
KAEEM
850 BASEF 15% 1030 G54 6.8 Nil 54.62 66.89
Type V
KAEEM
830 BASEF 17% 1030 G54 7.09 Nil 58.02 67.32
Type V
KAEEM
800 BASEF 20% 1030 G54 7.21 Nil 60.06 72.04
Type V
KAEEM
750 BASEF 25% 1030 G54 7.6 Nil 68.19 73.31
Type V
A | III
Cement Silica fume HRWRA* Compressive strength
Sand Fiber %
Type Content Type Content Type Content % 7 days 28 days
TASLUJA 880 BASEF 120 (14%) 1100 G54 5 Nil 45.53 76.03
type V
KAEEM
880 BASEF 120 (14%) 1100 G54 5.2 Nil 60.3 75.4
Type V
*cement: sand ratio is 1:1

TASLUJA
880 SIKA 120 (14%) 1130 G54 3.2 Nil 66.1 71.9
type V
KAEEM
880 SIKA 120 (14%) 1130 G54 5 Nil 70.07 77.8
Type V
Emirate
880 SIKA 120 (14%) 1130 G54 4.3 Nil 71.8 78.7
type V
Table No. 3
KAEEM 71.3 75.9

900 SIKA 100 (10%) 1000 G54 3 Nil
Type V 81.36 87.4
KAEEM 77.6 84.5
850 SIKA 150 (15%) 1000 G54 3.15 Nil
Type V 80.3 94.21
KAEEM 70.2 75.6
800 SIKA 200 (20%) 1000 G54 3.34 Nil
Type V 83.7 96.8
KAEEM 72.3 83.4
800 SIKA 200 (20%) 1000 G54 3.4 Nil
Type V 85.49 99.41
TASLUJA 77.35 81.47
800 SIKA 200 (20%) 1000 G54 3.11 Nil
77.65 84.32
A | IV
Type V
Cement Silica fume HRWRA Compressive strength
Sand Fiber
Type Content Type Content Type Content 7 days 28 days
KAEEM 77.3 86.6
850 LEYDE 150 (15%) 1100 G54 3.7 Nil
Type V 81.45 87.97
KAEEM 77.12 88.47
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1100 G54 4 Nil
Type V 83.05 90.14
KAEEM 84.1 96.41
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1100 SIKA V 3.6 Nil
Type V 93.71 100.97
KAEEM 87.34 99.6
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 SIKA V 4 Nil
Type V 94.01 101.7
KAEEM
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 SIKA V 6.7 2% 107.89 123.6
Type V
Table No.4
KERSTE 77.6 87.09

890 LEYDE 100 (10%) 1030 SIKA V 3.7 Nil
type I 88.3 95.87
KERSTE 88.7 97.46
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 SIKA V 4 Nil
type I 101.3 117.64
KERSTE 81.3 89.6
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 Cemitc 5.4 Nil
type I 93.7 100.0
KERSTE 72.36 82.6
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 betonic 6.4 Nil
type I 83.7 88.74
KERSTE 80.3 90.47
830 LEYDE 170 (17%) 1030 G54 3.8 Nil
type I 94.64 100.46
A|V
Cement Silica fume HRWRA Fiber % Compressive strength
Sand
Type Content Type Content Type Content by vol. 7 days 28 days
KERSTE
890 SIKA 110 (11%) 1100 G54 6.4 Nil 78 87.6
type I
KERSTE 93.3 101.2
880 LEYDE 220 (22%) 968 SIKA 4 Nil
type I 98.6 107.3
KERSTE
850 LEYDE 213 (21%) 935 SIKA 5 Nil 88.7 94.87
type I
KERSTE
850 LEYDE 213 (21%) 935 BETONIC 6 Nil ---- ----
type I
KERSTE
850 LEYDE 213 (21%) 935 G54 3.81 Nil 84.3 95.6
type I
Table No.5
KERSTE
750 LEYDE 250 (25%) 1100 SIKA 5 Nil 92.36 101.7
type I
KERSTE
750 LEYDE 250 (25%) 1100 G54 5 Nil 80.3 90.47
type I
KERSTE
900 LEYDE 225 (23%) 990 SIKA 5.6 1 91.32 96.7
type I
KERSTE
850 LEYDE 210 (21%) 935 SIKA 5 Nil 88.7 94.87
type I
KERSTE
850 LEYDE 210 (21%) 1000 G54 6 Nil 82.3 91.8
type I
A | VI
Appendix B----------------------------------------------------------Load-Deflection Data
Load-Deflection Curve
The data of load-deflection curve for 1.5% of FR-RPC crimped

fiber as obtained from the machine are detailed here for example and to
modification the curve special excel formula use download from internet
created by Hisham F. AL-Magawy version 10 use to transport the data to
AUTO CAD program as Fig (B-2).
Fig (b-1): Excel formal of
After finishing the modification (drawn trend line to get almost

linear deciding part of the curve the data move to excel again using
special application loading to AUTO CAD and the final curve is use in
determine the area under curve and fracture parameters.
B|I
Appendix B----------------------------------------------------------Load-Deflection Data
Fig (B-2): Hisham Excel formal to moving data to AUTO CAD
Fig (B-3): load-deflection curve in final forms
B | II
Appendix C--------------------------------------- Details and Diagnostic Plots of Models
Appendix C
Details and Diagnostic Plots of Models
1. Predictive Model of Toughness Index according ASTM C 1018 for I5.
C|I
Observed versus Predicted Values

4.8
4.4
Observed Values
4.0
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6
Predicted Values
Predicted versus Residual Values

0.3
0.2
0.1
Residual Values
0.0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6
Predicted Values
C | II
Frequency Distribution: Residuals

7
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.30 -0.25 -0.20 -0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 Normal
Fig (C-1): Diagnostic Plots of Model No. 1
2. Predictive Model of Toughness Index according Barr et al (1982) (65).
C | III

0.82
0.78
0.74
Observed Values
0.70
0.66
0.62
0.58
0.54
0.50
0.50 0.54 0.58 0.62 0.66 0.70 0.74 0.78 0.82
Predicted Values

0.04
0.03
0.02
Residual Values
0.01
0.00
-0.01
-0.02
-0.03
-0.04
0.50 0.54 0.58 0.62 0.66 0.70 0.74 0.78 0.82
Predicted Values
C | IV
3
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.04 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 Normal

(67)
3. Predictive Model of T.I. according Barr and Hasso (19) .
C|V

0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
Observed Values
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80
Predicted Values

0.06
0.04
0.02
Residual Values
0.00
-0.02
-0.04
-0.06
0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80
Predicted Values
C | VI
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.06 -0.05 -0.04 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 Normal
Fig (C-3): Diagnostic Plots of Model No.3
4. Predictive Model of T.I. according Jonshston (1982) (64)
C | VII

4.8
4.4
Observed Values
4.0
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4 4.8
Predicted Values
C | VIII

0.35
0.25
0.15
Residual Values
0.05
-0.05
-0.15
-0.25
-0.35
2.8 3.2 3.6 4.0 4.4 4.8
Predicted Values

9
6
No of obs
1
Expected
0
-0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 Normal
5. Predictive Model of T.I. according ACI 544 (29).
C | IX

4.8
4.4
4.0
Observed Values
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.4
2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6
Predicted Values
C|X

0.3
0.2
0.1
Residual Values
0.0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6
Predicted Values
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.30 -0.25 -0.20 -0.15 -0.10 -0.05 0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.30 Normal
C | XI
Appendix D---------------------- Details and Diagnostic Plots of Uniform Models
Appendix D
Details and Diagnostic Plots of Models
This appendix is for the model equation of all method of measuring

toughness index with as below:-
1. ASTM C1018 (sample I5)
D|I

4.8
4.4
Observed Values
4.0
3.6
3.2
2.8
3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8
Predicted Values

0.35
0.25
0.15
Residual Values
0.05
-0.05
-0.15
-0.25
-0.35
3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8
Predicted Values

6
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Normal
2. Barr et al (1982) (sample A)
D | II

0.82
0.78
0.74
Observed Values
0.70
0.66
0.62
0.58
0.54
0.50
0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85
Predicted Values
D | III

0.04
0.02
Residual Values
0.00
-0.02
-0.04
-0.06
0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85
Predicted Values
3
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.06 -0.05 -0.04 -0.03 -0.02 -0.01 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 Normal
3. Barr and Hasso (19)
D | IV

0.80
0.75
0.70
0.65
Observed Values
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.45
0.40
0.35
0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75
Predicted Values

0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
Residual Values
0.00
-0.02
-0.04
-0.06
-0.08
-0.10
0.35 0.40 0.45 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75
Predicted Values
D|V

7
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.10 -0.08 -0.06 -0.04 -0.02 0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 Normal
4. Jonshston (1982) a sample C
D | VI

4.8
4.4
Observed Values
4.0
3.6
3.2
2.8
3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8
Predicted Values

0.35
0.20
Residual Values
0.05
-0.10
-0.25
-0.40
3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8
Predicted Values

6
4
No of obs
Expected
0
-0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 Normal
D | VII
5. ACI 544 (sample D)
D | VIII

4.8
4.4
4.0
Observed Values
3.6
3.2
2.8
2.4
2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6
Predicted Values

0.3
0.2
0.1
Residual Values
0.0
-0.1
-0.2
-0.3
2.6 3.0 3.4 3.8 4.2 4.6
Predicted Values
D | IX
‫اﻟﺨﻼﺻﺔ‬
‫ﺍﳋﻼﺻـــــــــــــــــــــــــــﺔ‬
‫ﺧﺮﺳﺎﻣﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﺣﯿﻖ اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﺔ )‪ (RPC‬ھﻲ واﺣﺪة ﻣﻦ أﺣﺪث ﻧﺘﺎﺋﺞ اﻟﺘﻄﻮر ﻋﻠﻤﯿﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺗﻜﻨﻮﻟﻮﺟﯿﺎ‬
‫اﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ‪ .‬وﻛﻤﺎ ھﻮ ﻣﻌﺮوف ﻋﻠﻰ أﻧﮭﺎ ﻓﺎﺋﻘﺔ اﻷداء وﺗﺘﻤﯿﺰھﺬه اﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ ﺑﺎﻧﮭﺎذات ﻣﺰﯾﺞ ﻛﺜﯿﻒ‪ ،‬و‬
‫ﻣﺤﺘﻮى اﻻﺳﻤﻨﺖ ﻋﺎﻟﻲ‪ ،‬ذات ﺧﻮاص ﻣﯿﻜﺎﻧﯿﻜﯿﺔ ﻋﺎﻟﯿﺔ ﺟﺪا ‪ ،‬وﻣﺘﺎﻧﺔ ﻋﺎﻟﯿﺔ وﺗﺤﺘﻮي ﻋﻠﻰ أﻟﯿﺎف اﻟﻔﻮﻻذ‬
‫ﻓﻲ ﻣﻌﻈﻢ اﻟﺤﺎﻻت إﻟﻰ ﺗﺆدي اﻟﻰ ﺗﻘﻠﯿﻞ ھﺸﺎﺷﺔ ھﺬا اﻟﻨﻮع‪.‬‬
‫اﻟﻤﻜﻮﻧﺎت اﻷﻛﺜﺮ أھﻤﯿﺔ ﻓﻲ )‪ (RPC‬ھﻲ ﺗﺘﻜﻮن ﻣﻦ ﻣﻀﺎف ﻣﻘﻠﻞ ﻟﻠﻤﺎء ﺑﺪرﺟﺔ ﻣﺘﻔﻮﻗﺔ‬
‫)‪ ،(HRWRA‬وﻣﻮاد ﺑﻮزوﻻﻧﯿﺔ ﻧﺸﻄﺔ ﻟﻠﻐﺎﯾﺔ ﻣﺜﻞ اﻟﺴﯿﻠﯿﻜﺎ ﻓﯿﻮم او اي ﻣﺎدة ﺑﻮزوﻻﻧﯿﺔ أﺧﺮى اﻟﺘﻲ‬
‫ﯾﻤﻜﻦ أن ﺗﻨﺘﺞ ﺣﺒﯿﺒﺎت اﻟﺠﻞ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ اﻛﺜﺮو ﺗﺤﺴﻦ اﻟﺒﻨﯿﺔ اﻟﻤﺠﮭﺮﯾﺔ ﻟﮭﺬه اﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ ﺑﺸﻜﻞ واﺿﺢ‪ ،‬واﻟﺮﻣﺎل‬
‫اﻟﻨﺎﻋﻤﺔ ﺟﺪا اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﺪﺧﻞ ﻛﺮﻛﺎم ﻓﻲ اﻟﺨﻠﻄﺔ اﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﯿﺔ‪ ،‬وﺗﻀﺎف أﻟﯿﺎف اﻟﺼﻠﺐ ﻟﺘﺤﺴﯿﻦ ﻗﻮة ااﻻﻧﺤﻨﺎء‬
‫واﻟﺼﻼﺑﺔ‪ .‬ﺧﻼل اﻟﺴﺎﻋﺎت اﻷوﻟﻰ ﺑﻌﺪ اﻟﺼﺐ‪ ،‬ﯾﺘﻢ ﺣﻔﻆ )‪ (RPC‬اﻟﻄﺎزﺟﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻏﺮﻓﺔ ﺗﺮطﯿﺐ ﻣﻦ أﺟﻞ‬
‫اﻟﺤﺪ ﻣﻦ اﻧﻜﻤﺎش اﻟﺠﺎف وﺗﻘﻠﯿﻞ اﻟﻔﻘﺪان ﻗﻲ ﻣﺤﺘﻮى اﻟﺮطﻮﺑﺔ‪ ،‬وﻣﻦ ﺛﻢ ﯾﺘﻢ ﻣﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ )‪ (RPC‬ﺑﻮاﺳﻄﺔ‬
‫اﻟﺒﺨﺎر ﻟﻔﺘﺮة ﻣﺤﺪدة‪.‬‬
‫ﯾﺨﺼﺺ ھﺬا اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ﻟﺪراﺳﺔ اﻟﺨﻮاص اﻟﻤﯿﻜﺎﻧﯿﻜﯿﺔ ﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ اﻟﻤﺴﺎﺣﺒﻖ اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﺔ وﻛﺬﻟﻚ دراﺳﺔ‬
‫ﺳﻠﻮك اﻟﻜﺴﺮ ﻟﮭﺎ ﺗﺤﺖ ﺗﺄﺛﯿﺮ ﺣﻤﻞ اﻻﻧﺤﻨﺎء‪ .‬إن ﺑﺮﻧﺎﻣﺞ اﻟﻌﻤﻞ ﯾﺸﻤﻞ اﻟﺘﺤﻘﯿﻖ ﻓﻲ ﺗﺄﺛﯿﺮ اﻟﻨﺴﺒﺔ اﻟﺤﺠﻤﯿﺔ‬
‫ﻟﻸﻟﯿﺎف اﻟﺤﺪﯾﺪﯾﺔ )‪ (Vf %‬ودراﺳﺔ ﺷﻜﻞ اﻷﻟﯿﺎف )ﻣﺘﺠﻌﺪ وﻣﺴﺘﻘﯿﻢ( ﻋﻠﻰ ﺑﻌﺾ اﻟﺨﻮاص اﻟﻤﯿﻜﺎﻧﯿﻜﯿﺔ‬
‫اﻟﮭﺎﻣﺔ‪ ،‬ﻣﺜﻞ ﻗﻮة اﻻﻧﻀﻐﺎط‪ ،‬وﻗﻮة اﻟﺸﺪ ﻏﯿﺮ اﻟﻤﺒﺎﺷﺮ‪ ،‬وﻣﻌﺎﻣﻞ اﻻﻧﺤﻨﺎء‪ ،‬ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻞ اﻟﻤﺮوﻧﺔ اﻻﺳﺘﺎﺗﯿﻜﻲ‪،‬‬
‫ﻗﻮة اﻟﺼﺪم وﻛﺬﻟﻚ اﻟﻜﺜﺎﻓﺔ‪ .‬إﺿﺎﻓﺔ ﺗﻢ إﺟﺮاء اﺧﺘﺒﺎرات ﺗﺠﺮﯾﺒﯿﺔ أﯾﻀﺎ ﻟﺪراﺳﺔ ﻣﯿﻜﺎﻧﯿﻜﺎ اﻟﻜﺴﺮ ﻣﻦ ﺣﯿﺚ‬
‫ﻣﻌﺎﻣﺎ ﺷﺪة اﻟﺠﮭﺪ‪ ،‬ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻞ راﯾﺲ‪ ،‬ﻗﻮة اﻟﻜﺴﺮ‪ ،‬ﻣﻌﺪل ﺗﺤﺮر اﻟﻄﺎﻗﺔ وﻣﺆﺷﺮ اﻟﺼﻼﺑﺔ( ﻋﻠﻰ ﻧﻤﺎذج ﻣﻦ‬
‫ذات‬ ‫)‪ (FR-RPC‬و‬ ‫اﻟﺤﺪﯾﺪﯾﺔ‬ ‫ﺑﺎﻻﻟﯿﺎف‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺴﻠﺤﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﺔ‬ ‫اﻟﻤﺴﺎﺣﯿﻖ‬ ‫ﺧﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ‬
‫اﺑﻌﺎد) ‪( ٤٠٠*١٠٠*١٠٠‬ﻣﻢ ﺗﺤﺖ ﺣﻤﻞ ﻣﺘﻨﺎظﺮ ﻓﻲ ﻧﻘﻄﺘﯿﻦ‪.‬‬
‫ﺗﺒﯿﻦ ﻣﻦ ﻧﺘﺎﺋﺞ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ أن زﯾﺎدة ﻧﺴﺒﺔ اﻷﻟﯿﺎف اﻟﻔﻮﻻذﯾﺔ ﻣﻦ ‪ ٪٠‬إﻟﻰ ‪ ٪٢‬ﺑﺎﺳﺘﺨﺪام أﻟﯿﺎف ﻣﺠﻌﺪة‬
‫وﻣﺴﺘﻘﯿﻤﺔ ﻓﺎن اﻟﺰﯾﺎدة ﻓﻲ ﻣﻘﺎوﻣﺔ اﻻﻧﻀﻐﺎط ﻟﻠﻤﻜﻌﺐ اﻟﺨﺮﺳﺎﻧﻲ ﺗﺘﺮاوح ﺑﯿﻦ ‪ ٪٢٠.٦٣‬و‪،٪٢٠.١٩‬‬
‫ﻣﻘﺎوﻣﺔ اﻟﺸﺪ ﻏﯿﺮ اﻟﻤﺒﺎﺷﺮ ﺑﺤﺪود ‪ ٪١٧٦.٩٨‬و‪ ،٪١٥٠.٨‬ﻣﻌﺎﻣﻞ اﻟﻤﺮوﻧﺔ اﻻﺳﺘﺎﺗﯿﻜﻲ ﺑﯿﻦ ‪ ٪٢٠.١٦‬و‬
‫‪ ،٪١٧.٩٢‬اﻣﺎ ﻣﻘﺎوﻣﺔ اﻟﺼﺪم ﻓﺘﺘﺮاوح ﺑﯿﻦ ‪ ٪١١٨.٦٧‬و ‪ ٪١٠٦.٦٧‬ﻋﻠﻰ اﻟﺘﻮاﻟﻲ‪.‬‬
‫ﺟﻤﮭﻮرﯾﺔ اﻟﻌــــــــــــــــــــــــــــﺮاق‬
‫وزارة اﻟﺘﻌﻠﯿﻢ اﻟﻌﺎﻟﻲ واﻟﺒﺤﺚ اﻟﻌﻠﻤﻲ‬
‫ﺟﺎﻣﻌــــــــــــــﺔ ﺑﺎﺑـــــــــــــــــــــــــﻞ‬
‫ﻛﻠﯿــــــــــﺔ اﻟﮭﻨﺪﺳــــــــــــــــــــــــﺔ‬
‫ﻗﺴﻢ اﻟﮭﻨﺪﺳــــــــــــــــﺔ اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿــــــﺔ‬
‫ﺧﻮﺍﺹ ﺧﺮﺳﺎﻧﺔ ﺍﳌﺴﺎﺣﻴﻖ ﺍﻟﻔﻌﺎﻟﺔ ﻭﺍﳌﺴﻠﺤﺔ ﻋﺸﻮﺍﺋﻴﺎ ﺑﺎﻷﻟﻴﺎﻑ‬
‫رﺳﺎﻟﺔ‬
‫ﻣﻘﺪﻣﮫ إﻟﻰ ﻛﻠﯿﺔ اﻟﮭﻨﺪﺳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺟﺎﻣﻌﺔ ﺑﺎﺑﻞ ﻛﺠﺰء ﻣﻦ‬
‫ﻣﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎت ﻧﯿﻞ ﺷﮭﺎدة ﻣﺎﺟﺴﺘﯿﺮ ﻓﻲ ﻋﻠﻮم‬
‫اﻟﮭﻨﺪﺳﺔ اﻟﻤﺪﻧﯿﺔ ‪ /‬ﻣﻮاد إﻧﺸﺎﺋﯿﺔ‬
‫ﻣﻦ ﻗﺒﻞ‬
‫إﺷﺮاف‬
‫ﺗﻤﻮز ‪٢٠١٣‬‬ ‫رﻣﻀﺎن ‪١٤٣٣‬‬

مصطفى RPC

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مصطفى RPC

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Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education

The Properties of Reactive Powder

July (2013) Remthan (1435)

‫ﻗﻞ ﻛﻞ ﻳﻌﻤﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺷﺎﻛﻠﺘﻪ ﻓﺮﺑﻜﻢ ﺍﻋﻠﻢ ﲟﻦ ﻫﻮ‬

‫ﺳﺒﻴﻼ ‪ ‬ﻭﻳﺴﺄﻟﻮﻧﻚ ﻋﻦ ﺃﻟﺮﻭﺡ ﻗﻞ ﺃﻟﺮﻭﺡ ﻣﻦ‬

‫ﺃﻣﺮ ﺭﺑﻲ ﻭﻣﺎ ﺃﻭﺗﻴﺘﻢ ﻣﻦ ﺃﻟﻌﻠﻢ ﺍﻻ ﻗﻠﻴﻼ‪‬‬

‫ﺳﻮرةاﻻﺳﺮاء )اﻵﯾﺘﺎن ‪ ٨٤‬و ‪(٨٥‬‬ ‫ﺻﺪﻕ ﺍﷲ ﺍﻟﻌﻈﻴﻢ‬

The present research is devoted to study the mechanical properties of

Using ACI equation to predicted mechanical properties of RPC does

Fracture toughness of FR-RPC is the most important properties of

Generally, there is a good agreement between these results which

Toughness index measured for notch and un-notched specimen by

Symbol Description Unit

Reactive Powder Concrete is a high strength ductile material

The mechanical properties like Compressive strength in excess of

1.2 Research Significance

Reactive Powder Concrete has a great mechanical properties and

Fracture strength is defined as the ability of element to absorbed

of load-deflection curve under static, quass-static and dynamic of center

As the concrete is brittle material, the research start using of fiber

1.3 Objectives of the Present Study

So, the present study aims to accomplish the following objectives:

 Investigate the effect of HRWRA, silica fume content and cement

 Investigate experimentally the flexural behavior of plan and fiber

For the purpose of this investigation, compressive strength was

1.4 Application of RPC

It can be summarized according to Hannawayya, S. PH. Y. (2010)

1. In Canada, the Sherbrooke pedestrian/bikeway bridge erected

Plate (1-1): Sherbrooke Bridge, Quebec, Canada (58)

Plate (1-2): Footbridge of Peace, Seoul (59)

3. In China, a kind of high-durability panel entirely made of RPC is

1.6 Thesis Organization

 Chapter One: is the introductory chapter.

The concrete strength development demands become more

These demands lead to find new concrete coined by two French

Reactive powder concrete becomes new choose in field application

Previous studies concerned on the mechanical properties of RPC,

2.2 Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is composed of very fine

The basic formulation of RPC is (1:1.1:0.25) volume percent

1. Enhancement of homogeneity by the elimination of coarse

2. Enhancement of the compacted density by optimizing the granular

Application of the first three principles produces a matrix with very

This leads to have extraordinary mechanical properties (high

RPC is more expansive and need special equipment and condition

RPC beams improved seismic performance by reducing inertia

Plate (2-1): Beam Cross-Section Comparisons (5)

Basically, the reactive powder concrete is used in structures

- RPC is a better alternative to high performance concrete (HPC) and

In practice, insufficient vibration or consolidation of

Normal plain reactive powder concrete processing adopts the same

of fibers can significantly reduce if fibers are not uniformly distributed

To achieve workable mix, the fresh reactive powder concrete

These factors have little concern on this type of concrete because

There are several factor effects on workability and mechanical

 The proportion of the solid premixed material (that not given by

2.3 Mechanical Properties

2.3.1 Strength and Toughness

Silivia et al (1999) (6) investigated the influence of the fiber type on

Soutsos et al (2001) (18) concluded that the addition of steel fibers

Orgass and Klug (2004)(21) investigated the influence of short

Flexural resistance of 200 MPa RPC beams with several usual

It was observed that the flexural capacity was affected by the