Stress-strain Characteristics of Reactive Powder Concrete under Cyclic Loading

Abstract

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is a type of ultra-high strength cement composite material. It has advanced mechanical properties and shows high ductility characteristics. Many researches have shown that normal and high strength concrete fails under cyclic stresses at load level below its static capacity. In the present study, the mix design guidelines to produce high strength RPC is provided. RPC with compressive strength of 120, 130 and 140MPa was produced. The mechanical properties are obtained for hardened concrete. The present study focuses on the investigation of reactive powder concrete under uniaxial compressive cyclic loading. The investigation was carried out on cubical and cylindrical specimens. The behaviour of RPC under cylic loads is studied by obtaining the stress-strain characteristics under monotonic loading and cyclic loading. Three main types of tests were performed. Stress-strain envelope curve, common point curve and stability point curves were established under repeated load cycles. The limiting stress values required for design are provided. It was concluded that peak stress of the stability point curve could be regarded as the maximum permissible stress. A nonlinear analytical expression was proposed for the normalized stresses and strain which shows a precise fit with the experimental data. The expression will assist in predicting the cyclic response of concrete required for constructional applications.