Optimization design of functionally graded ultra‐high performance cementitious composite on flexural behavior

Abstract

The research aims to investigate and optimize the flexural behavior of functionally graded ultra‐high performance cementitious composite (FGUHPCC), and to optimize the design of FGUHPCC by using a numerical simulation program named RFPA3D. The equivalent flexural strength and corresponding deflection capacity of double‐ and single‐layered FGUHPCC beams were analyzed by carrying out four‐point bending test. Furthermore, with the numerical model set in RFPA3D, the crack evolution and acoustic emission (AE) event of specimens at limit of proportionality (LOP) point, modulus of rupture (MOR) point, and 30% of MOR are, therefore, discussed. The results indicate that functionally graded design can help to improve the flexural capacity and fracture toughness of all specimens. In addition, the main crack of FGUHPCC looks more irregular and larger damage areas are formed. Higher principal stress and more AE events can be identified in FGUHPCC than that of single‐layer UHPCC. Based on the recorded test data, the influence of bottom layer thickness was also investigated with respect to the peak flexural load and the AE energy. The results indicate that the optimum load capacity and flexural energy can be obtained when layer thickness ratio is about 0.6.

Flexural Characteristics of Functionally Layered Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite with Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibers

“…Lai et al (2021) [26] focused on the effect of high-speed penetration to explosion resistance of the functionally graded cementitious composite and proposed the improved empirical formulas for penetration, explosion, and the coupling of penetration and explosion, respectively. Bao et al (2023) [27] optimized the design of functionally graded ultra-high performance cementitious composite (FGUHPCC) by using a numerical simulation program named RFPA3D and investigated the flexural behavior of FGUHPCC. Kanakubo and Koba [28] investigated the flexural characteristics of functionally graded fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FG-FRCC) concerning the fiber volume fraction varying in layers and the layered effect in bending specimens.…”