Development of Thermoplastic Composite Reinforced Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Panels for Impact Resistance

Abstract

In order to improve flexural and impact performance, thin panels of steel fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were further reinforced with external layers of continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) composites. CFRTP sheets were bonded to 305 × 305 × 12 mm UHPC panels using two different techniques. First, unidirectional E-glass fiber-reinforced tapes of polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) were arranged in layers and fused to the UHPC panels through thermoforming. Second, E-glass fiber woven fabrics were placed on the panel faces and bonded by vacuum infusion with a methyl methacrylate (MAA) polymer. Specimens were cut into four 150 mm square panels for quasi-static and low-velocity impact testing in which loads were applied at the panel centers. Under quasi-static loading, both types of thermoplastic composite reinforcements led to a 150–180% increase in both peak load capacity and toughness. Impact performance was measured in terms of both residual deformation and change in specimen compliance, and CFRTP additions were reduced both by 80% to 95%, indicating an increase in damage resistance. While both reinforcement fabrication techniques provided added performance, the thermoforming method was preferable due to its simplicity and fewer specialized tool requirements.

Damage identification in concrete under impact loading at varying temperatures using voltage strain relations technique: an experimental and numerical study

“…The responses of different loading conditions were compared using strain value, strength and energy-absorption capacity. The behaviour of the slab, when subjected to impact loading has been investigated by several researchers [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Youmn Al Rawi et al [11] investigated the behaviour of post-tensioned concrete slabs under the effect of impact load.…”