Asphalt-Portland Cement Concrete Composite (APCCC) is a hot-mix asphalt with air voids in the range of 25 to 30 percent which is later filled with resin modified cement grout. The resin modified cement grout consists of portland cement, fly ash, sand, water, and prosalvia (PL7) additive. The objective of the research was primarily to evaluate the asphalt-portland cement concrete composite under laboratory conditions. Asphalt-portland cement concrete composite specimens were prepared using the Marshall procedure. The physical and durability properties of APCCC were evaluated at one, three, seven, and 28 days of curing. The evaluated physical properties include stability, indirect tensile strength, compressive strength, and resilient modulus, while the evaluated durability properties include water sensitivity, freeze-thaw and chloride intrusion resistance. Specimens were also tested for different moist curing levels to evaluate the optimum moist curing period. Three moist curing periods were evaluated: no-moist curing, one-day moist curing, and three-day moist curing. The test results were compared with those of SM-5 hot-mix asphalt (a Virginia surface mix); results of chloride intrusion resistance were compared with those of portland cement concrete specimens exposed to similar conditions. The study concluded that asphalt-portland cement concrete composite is an effective alternative technique to be used as an overlay on bridge decks especially with preformed membranes, due to its high strength, durability, and lower air void content. / Master of Science

Highway drainage pipes utilize concrete reinforced with steel wire to help mitigate water, earth, and traffic loads. Drainage pipes reinforced with zinc electroplated steel fibers offer a lower steel alternative to traditional steel wire cage reinforcements. The objective of the thesis research was to determine the physical and electrochemical characteristics of zinc electroplated steel fiber corrosion propagation. Experimental programs include: Fracture analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in dry-cast concrete pipes exposed to varying chloride concentrations; Visual analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete exposed to varying chloride concentrations; Electrochemical analysis of zinc electroplated steel fibers embedded in concrete exposed to varying chlorides; Chloride threshold determination for zinc electroplated steel fibers immersed in simulated pore solution. Between the four experimental programs the most significant conclusion is that oxygen, moisture, and chlorides past the chloride threshold must be present for corrosion to propagate significantly on the zinc electroplated steel fibers. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Wood pulp fibers are a unique reinforcing material as they are non-hazardous, renewable, and readily available at relatively low cost compared to other commercially available fibers. Today, pulp fiber-cement composites can be found in products such as extruded non-pressure pipes and non-structural building materials, mainly thin-sheet products. Although natural fibers have been used historically to reinforce various building materials, little scientific effort has been devoted to the examination of natural fibers to reinforce engineering materials until recently. The need for this type of fundamental research has been emphasized by widespread awareness of moisture-related failures of some engineered materials; these failures have led to the filing of national- and state-level class action lawsuits against several manufacturers. Thus, if pulp fiber-cement composites are to be used for exterior structural applications, the effects of cyclical wet/dry (rain/heat) exposure on performance must be known. Pulp fiber-cement composites have been tested in flexure to examine the progression of strength and toughness degradation. Based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), a three-part model describing the mechanisms of progressive degradation has been proposed: (1) initial fiber-cement/fiber interlayer debonding, (2) reprecipitation of crystalline and amorphous ettringite within the void space at the former fiber-cement interface, and (3) fiber embrittlement due to reprecipitation of calcium hydroxide filling the spaces within the fiber cell wall structure. Finally, as a means to mitigate kraft pulp fiber-cement composite degradation, the effects of partial portland cement replacement with various supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has been investigated for their effect on mitigating kraft pulp fiber-cement composite mechanical property degradation (i.e., strength and toughness losses) during wet/dry cycling. SCMs have been found to be effective in mitigating composite degradation through several processes, including a reduction in the calcium hydroxide content, stabilization of monosulfate by maintaining pore solution pH, and a decrease in ettringite reprecipitation accomplished by increased binding of aluminum in calcium aluminate phases and calcium in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phase.

[pt] O presente trabalho tem como objetivo o estudo do comportamento mecânico, os mecanismos de fissuração e a autocicatrização de compósitos cimentícios reforçados com fibras de curauá. Desenvolveram-se três tipos de compósitos distintos, cada um reforçado com uma, três ou cinco camadas de tecido unidirecional de curauá. O comportamento mecânico foi avaliado por meio de ensaios de tração direta e flexão a quatro pontos. Estudaram-se os mecanismos de fissuração por meio de fotografias obtidas ao longo dos ensaios, além de análises por correlação digital de imagens (Digital Image Correlation - DIC). Estágios de carregamento foram identificados e associados com o espaçamento entre as fissuras formadas. Os corpos de prova de flexão foram instrumentados com strain gauges nas faces inferior e superior, a fim de medir as deformações de tração e compressão. Dessa forma, foi possível realizar um estudo sobre o desenvolvimento da linha neutra e correlacionar as deformações com espaçamento entre fissuras. A capacidade de autocicatrização dos compósitos foi avaliada por meio de ensaios mecânicos cíclicos e de carregamento contínuo, e também por acompanhamento da evolução das fissuras. Estas foram monitoradas com o auxílio de microscópio estereoscópico. As amostras foram expostas a diferentes ambientes (seco, ciclos de água borrifada, imersão em água) e a influência deles foi avaliada. Todos os compósitos apresentaram strain/deflection hardening com formação de múltiplas microfissuras. Fissuras na presença de água apresentaram cicatrização total e parcial, demostrando que o material desenvolvido é promissor para a ocorrência de autocicatrização. / [en] The present work aims to study the mechanical behavior, cracking mechanisms and the autogenous healing capability of cementitious composites reinforced with curauá fabric. Composites with one, three and five fabric layers were produced. Their mechanical behavior was evaluated through direct tensile and four point bending tests. The cracking mechanisms were studied using image analysis of both photographs took during the tests and Digital Image Correlation (DIC). Various stages of loading were identified and associate with the crack formation. The effect of flexural cracking on the composite neutral axis position was analyzed using strain-gages and correlated with the crack spacing. The autogenous healing capability of the three layered composite system was analyzed by means of the mechanical behavior, in cyclic bending and constant load tests. The crack evolution was follow with microscope stereoscope. The samples were subject to several conditions (RH of 55 percent, cycles of spayed water, water immersion) and their influence was evaluated. All the composites presented strain/deflection hardening behavior with multiple microcrack formation. Cracks exposed to water were partially or totally healed, demonstrating that three layered composite is a promising material for autogenous healing.

[pt] O desenvolvimento, caracterização mecânica e fluência de compósitos cimentícios têxteis reforçados com fibra de sisal foram realizados neste trabalho. Os compósitos foram fabricados utilizando uma matriz com baixo teor de hidróxido de cálcio, obtida pela substituição parcial do cimento por cinza volante e metacaulim. Foram desenvolvidos três tipos de compósitos, cada um com três ou cinco camadas de tecido unidirecional de sisal. Os compósitos com três camadas foram reforçados variando a condição das fibras em saturadas e com umidade natural. O comportamento mecânico foi avaliado por meio de ensaios de tração direta e flexão a quatro pontos. Estudaram-se os mecanismos de fissuração por meio de fotografias obtidas ao longo dos ensaios, além de análises por correlação digital de imagens - DIC. Todos os compósitos apresentaram comportamento strain/deflection hardening com formação de múltiplas fissuras. Ensaios de fluência à tração e à flexão foram realizados nos compósitos pré-fissurados a fim de estudar as respostas dependentes do tempo. As amostras reforçadas com fibras saturadas apresentaram deformações superiores na tração devido às propriedades da interface fibra-matriz e níveis de deflexão inferiores, além da diminuição da tensão máxima resistida e redução da capacidade de deflexão/deformação. A evolução das fissuras foi monitorada durante todo o ensaio de fluência com o auxílio de um microscópio estereoscópico. Para uma melhor compreensão do mecanismo de fluência dos compósitos, foram realizados ensaios de tração de uma única fibra sob carga sustentada. Além disso, ensaios de fluência à compressão e retração da matriz com diferentes níveis de substituição do cimento por metacaulim foram realizados para entender o seu efeito ao longo do tempo. / [en] In the present work, the development, mechanical characterization and creep of textile reinforced cementitious composites reinforced with sisal fiber were investigated. The composites were manufactured using a matrix with a low calcium hydroxide content, obtained by partially replacing the cement by fly ash and metakaolin. Three types of composites were developed, each with three or five layers of unidirectional sisal fabric. The composites with three layers were reinforced varying the condition of the fibers in saturated and with natural humidity. The mechanical behavior was evaluated through direct tension and four-point flexural tests. Cracking mechanisms were studied through photographs obtained during the tests, as well as analyzes by digital image correlation - DIC. All composites presented strain/deflection hardening behavior with formation of multiple cracks. Tensile and flexural creep tests were performed on pre-cracked composites in order to study time-dependent responses. The samples reinforced with saturated fibers showed higher strain in tension due to the properties of the fiber-matrix interface and lower deflection levels, in addition to the reduction of the ultimate stress and deflection/deformation capacity. The evolution of cracks was monitored throughout the creep test with a stereoscopic microscope. For a better understanding of creep mechanism of the composites, tensile tests of a single fiber were carried out under sustained load at different levels of loading. In addition, compression creep and shrinkage tests of the matrix with different levels of cement replacement with metakaolin were performed to understand its effect over time.

[pt] O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo do comportamento mecânico e de interface de compósitos cimentícios reforçados com tecido unidirecional de fibra de curauá. Os compósitos foram produzidos com matrizes constituídas de adições minerais pozolânicas distintas: sílica da casca de arroz, cinza do bagaço de cana e metacaulim. Realizou-se o tratamento superficial da fibra com impregnação de dois materiais abrasivos em adesivo époxi: óxido de alumínio e areia. As propriedades reológicas e mecânicas das matrizes, foram obtidas através de ensaios de consistência Flow table e resistência à compressão, respectivamente. Para a análise da reatividade das adições, realizaram-se ensaios de índice de atividade pozolânica, balizados em princípios químicos e mecânicos. A avaliação do desempenho mecânico e micro-estrutural dos compósitos foi feita por meio de ensaios de tração direta e flexão a quatro pontos. A morfologia e comportamento mecânico da fibra, mecanismos de interação fibra-matriz e características da zona de transição interfacial (ITZ) foram verificados mediante imagens de microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV), ensaios de pull-out e de tração direta do filamento e do tecido. Os resultados indicaram que é possível a produção de compósitos de alto desempenho com reforço de fibra natural. Em específico, o metacaulim viabilizou compósitos com as melhores performances mecânicas e características de interface, sendo a matriz selecionada para o reforço com as fibras tratadas. O tratamento da superfície mostrou-se eficaz no aumento da rigidez da fibra e, por consequência, do tecido. Além de melhorar a aderência fibra-matriz e torná-la hidrofóbica. No entanto, a alta aderência atingida conferiu aos compósitos a redução da ductilidade e tenacidade, juntamente com a melhoria da resistência à flexão. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se apresentar alternativas de tecnologias renováveis, de baixo custo e impacto ambiental, fatores chaves no desenvolvimento de materiais de construção civil, através do aprofundamento do estudo do reforço de fibra de curauá, e do desempenho de diferentes resíduos agroindustriais empregados na matriz, juntamente com os respectivos tratamentos superficiais na fibra. / [en] The present work presents a study on the mechanical and interfacial behavior of cementitious composites reinforced with unidirectional curauá fabric. The composites were produced with matrices made of distinct pozzolanic mineral additions: rice husk silica, sugarcane bagasse ash and metakaolin. The surface treatment of the fiber was carried out with impregnation of two abrasive materials in epoxy adhesive: aluminum oxide and sand. The rheological and mechanical properties of the matrices were obtained through tests of consistency, flow table, and compressive strength, respectively. For the reactivity’s analysis of the additions, pozzolanic activity index tests were performed, based on chemical and mechanical principles. The evaluation of the mechanical and microstructural performance of the composites was done by means of direct tensile tests and four-point bending. The morphology and mechanical behavior of the fiber, fiber-matrix interaction and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) characteristics were verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, pull-out and direct tensile tests of the filament and fabric. The results indicated that it is possible to produce high performance composites with natural fiber reinforcement. Specifically, the use of metakaolin resulted in composites with the best mechanical performances and interface characteristics, and the matrix was selected for the reinforcement with the treated fibers. The surface treatment proved to be effective in increasing fiber stiffness and, consequently, the fabric, in addition to improving fiber-matrix bond, rendered it a hydrophobic behavior. However, the high bond achieved gave the composites the reduction of ductility and toughness, along with the improvement of flexural strength. The objective of this study was to present alternatives to renewable technologies, low cost and environmental impact, key factors in the development of civil construction materials, through the deepening of the study of fiber reinforcement of curauá, and the performance of different agroindustrial residues used in together with the respective surface treatments on the fiber.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / 192 leaves on CD format, preliminary i-xii pages and numbered pages 1-135. Includes bibliography, list of figures and tables. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As a fibre reinforced material, engineered cementitious composite (ECC) has tough, strain-hardening behaviour in tension despite containing low volumes of fibres. This property can be brought about by developments in fibre, matrix and interfacial properties. Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibre has been developed in recent years for ECC, due to its high tensile strength and elasticity modulus. However, the strong interfacial bond between fibre surface and matrix is a challenge for its application. This study focuses on the tailoring of matrix and fibre/matrix interfacial properties by cement replacement with fly ash (FA) and Ground Granulated Corex Slagment (GGCS). In this study the direct tensile test, three point bending test, micro-scale analysis, such as X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry analysis (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), are employed to investigate the influence of cement replacement, aging, Water/Binder (W/B) ratio, workability on ECC behaviour. This study has successfully achieved the aim that cement replacement by FA and GGCS helps to improve the fibre/matrix interfacial properties and therefore enhances the ECC tensile behaviour. Specifically, a high volume FA-ECC has stable high tensile strain capacity at the age of 21 days. This enables a constant matrix design for the investigation of other matrix influences. The Slag-ECC has a higher tensile strength but lower tensile strain capacity. The combination of FA and GGCS, moderate tensile strength and strain capacity is achieved Both tensile tests and Micro-scale analyses infer that the high volume FA-ECC has an adhesive type fibre/matrix interfacial interaction, as opposed to the cohesive type of normal PVA fibre-ECC. The different tensile behaviour trend of steel fibre-ECC and PVA fibre-ECC with the FA content is presented and discussed in this research. The investigations of aging influence indicate that the high volume FA-ECC has a beneficial effect on the properties of the composite at an early stage. However, at a high age, it has some difficulty to undergo multiple cracking and then leads to the reduction of tensile strain capacity. The modified mix design is made with the combination of FA and GGCS, which successfully increases the interfacial bond and, thereby, improves the shear transfer to reach the matrix crack strength. Therefore, an improved high age tensile behaviour is achieved. The W/B and fresh state workability influence investigations show that the W/B can hardly affect the tensile strain at early age. However, the workability influences on composite tensile strain significantly, because of the influence on fibre dispersion. Other investigations with regard to the hybrid fibre influences, the comparison of bending behaviours between extruded plate and cast plate, the relation between bending MOR and tensile stress, and the relation between compression strength and tensile strength contribute to understand ECC behaviour. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As ‘n veselversterkte materiaal, het ontwerpte sementbasis saamgestelde materiale, taai vervormingsverhardingseienskappe in trek, ten spyte van lae veselinhoud. Hierdie eienskap word bewerkstellig, deur ontwikkelings in vesel, matriks en tussenveselbindingseienskappe. Poli-Viniel Alkohol (PVA) vesels is ontwikkel vir ECC, as gevolg van die hoë trekkrag en hoë modulus van hierdie veseltipe. Die sterk binding tussen die PVA-veseloppervlak en die matriks is egter ‘n uitdaging vir sy toepassing. Hierdie studie fokus op die skep van gunstige matriks en vesel/matriks tussenvesel-bindingseienskappe deur sement te vervang met vlieg-as (FA) en slagment (GGCS).In hierdie navorsing is direkte trek-toetse, drie-punt-buigtoetse, mikro-skaal analise (soos die X-straal ‘Fluorescence Spectrometry’ analise (XRF) en Skanderende Elektron Mikroskoop (SEM))toegepas. Hierdie metodes is gebruik om die invloed van sementvervanging,veroudering, water/binder (W/B)-verhouding en werkbaarheid op die meganiese gedrag van ECC te ondersoek.Die resultate van hierdie navorsing toon dat sementvervanging deur FA en GGCS help om die vesel/matriks tussenveselbindingseienskappe te verbeter. Dus is die ECC-trekgedrag ook verbeter. Veral ‘n hoë volume FA-ECC het stabiele hoë trekvervormingskapasiteit op ‘n ouderdom van 21 dae. Dit bewerkstellig ‘n konstante matriksontwerp vir die navorsing van ander matriks invloede. Die Slag-ECC het ‘n hoër treksterkte, maar laer trekvervormingskapasiteit. Deur die kombinasie van FA en GGCS word hoë treksterkte, sowel as gematigde vervormbaarheid in trek verkry. Beide trektoetse en mikro-skaal analise dui aan dat die hoë volume FA-ECC ‘n adhesie-tipe vesel/matriks tussenvesel-bindingsinteraksie het, teenoor die ‘kohesie-tipe van normale PVA vesel-ECC. Die verskille in trekgedrag van staalvesel-ECC en PVA vesel-ECC ten opsigte van die FA-inhoud is ondersoek en word bespreek in die navorsing. Die navorsing toon verder dat die hoë volume FA-ECC goeie meganiese eienskappe het op ‘n vroeë ouderdom. Op hoër ouderdom word minder krake gevorm, wat ‘n verlaging in die trekvervormingskapasiteit tot gevolg het. Met die kombinasie van FA en GGCS, word die vesel-matriksverband verhoog, waardeur ‘n verbetering in die skuifoordrag tussen vesel en matriks plaasvind. Verbeterde hoë omeganiese gedrag word daardeur tot stand gebring. Navorsing ten opsigte van die invoed van die W/B en werkbaarheid dui daarop dat die W/B slegs geringe invloed het op die trekvormbaarheid, terwyl die werkbaarheid ‘n dominerende rol speel in hierdie verband.Verdere studies sluit in die invloed van verskillende vesels, die vergelyking van die buigingsgedrag van geëkstueerde plate en gegote plate, die verhouding tussen buigsterkte en treksterkte, en die verhouding tussen druksterkte en treksterkte dra by tot beter begrip van die gedrag van ECC.

[pt] A aplicação de compósitos cimentícios usando fibras vegetais, em substituição a fibras de asbestos, é uma realidade em indústrias de fibrocimento em vários países do mundo, pois, apesar das boas propriedades mecânicas e durabilidade, a utilização de asbestos acarreta problemas de insalubridade. Fibras vegetais, pela disponibilidade e adequação à preservação ambiental, apresentam vantagens sobre fibras sintéticas. O bambu é excelente fornecedor de fibras, pelo rápido crescimento, baixo custo e qualidade das fibras. Usando-se a polpa do vegetal, pode-se inserir maiores teores de fibras que, distribuídas aleatoriamente, conferem características isotrópicas ao compósito. Estudos são realizados, visando melhorar o desempenho dos compósitos com fibras vegetais. Retração e fluência se constituem em formas de deformação ao longo do tempo que podem comprometer o desempenho e reduzir a durabilidade do material. Tratando-se de materiais heterogêneos e sujeitos à presença de falhas, em diversos níveis, a aplicação da mecânica da fratura pode tornar-se valiosa ferramenta para projeto e controle da integridade desses compósitos, sendo a inibição da iniciação e propagação de trincas uma das principais funções do reforço de fibras curtas. Esse trabalho buscou analisar o comportamento de compósitos cimentícios reforçados com polpa de bambu, quanto à retração e à fluência, e obter parâmetros que descrevessem seu modo de fratura. Enquanto a capacidade de sofrer retração plástica foi reduzida, a retração livre na secagem cresceu com o aumento do teor de polpa de bambu no compósito, chegando a 40% de incremento para 14% de polpa, após um ano. Sob retração restringida, resultados mostraram melhor desempenho dos compósitos com fibras, pela ausência de fissuras detectáveis por fissurômetro, em relação à matriz sem reforço, que apresentou fissura em torno de 4 horas de exposição à secagem. Estudo da reversibilidade da retração mostrou que para os compósitos predominam as deformações de contração. Houve aumento da fluência sob compressão simples, com a inserção do reforço fibroso na mistura. Na fluência sob flexão, houve aumento da fluência específica na face comprimida com o aumento do teor de polpa na mistura. A fluência específica sob tração na flexão resultou maior para a matriz sem reforço do que para os compósitos com polpa de bambu. No estudo sobre mecânica da fratura, os corposde- prova entalhados de compósito com polpa apresentaram melhoria considerável no comportamento à flexão em relação à matriz sem reforço. Os compósitos com polpa mostraram-se menos sensíveis ao entalhe, com o incremento do teor de reforço fibroso. Observou-se considerável amolecimento (softening) precedendo a ruptura devido à propagação da trinca, nos compósitos. As curvas de resistência (curvas-R) permitiram identificar os valores de KIR que, nos compósitos, mostrou manter certa constância, com o aumento do comprimento da trinca. Nesse platô da curva, os valores médios para KIR foram de 1,88 MPa.m1/2 e 1,84 MPa.m1/2, respectivamente, para compósitos com 8% e 14% de polpa de bambu. Nos compósitos, os perfis dos caminhos trilhados pelas trincas no crescimento foram tortuosos, sendo o mecanismo de fratura mais intensamente dominado pela presença do entalhe inicial na matriz sem reforço que nos compósitos. / [en] The application of cimentitious composites using vegetal fibers in substitution of asbestos is a worldwide fact in the fiber cement industry. Despite their good mechanical properties and durability, the use of asbestos fibers causes well-known health hazards. Although vegetal fibers have relatively poor mechanical properties compared with synthetic fibers, they have other advantages such as low cost and low energy demand during manufacture. Bamboo is an excellent fiber supplier, due to its fast growth and the quality of its fibers. Using vegetal pulp it is possible to insert considerable amounts of fiber in a cement matrix, which randomly distributed confer isotropic characteristics to the composite. Studies are carried out aiming to improve the performance of composites with vegetal fibers. Shrinkage and creep are sorts of time depending deformation that may significantly reduce the durability and performance of the cement based composite. Cementitious composites are essentially heterogeneous materials subject to the presence of flaws at different levels due to the presence of many internal microcraks in the material prior to loading. Therefore, the application of fracture mechanics could become a suitable tool for the design and control of the integrity of these composites, since the inhibition of crack initiation and propagation is one of the main functions of the short fiber reinforcement. This work sought to analyze the behavior of cimentitious composites reinforced with bamboo pulp under shrinkage and creep and to provide sufficient fracture parameters to describe the failure mode of the material. The results show that, whereas the plastic shrinkage reduces, the free drying shrinkage increases proportionally to bamboo pulp content in the composite, reaching a 40% increment for a 14% pulp content, after one year. Under restrained shrinkage, the composite with bamboo pulp presents better performance than unreinforced matrix. Namely, under same boundary conditions, while the unreinforced matrix presents cracks after about four hours, the composites present no cracks visible through a 10x magnifying glass, even after forty five days of drying. Study of the shrinkage reversibility of the composite showed that there is contraction deformation prevalence. Under simple compression, the creep capacity of the bamboo pulp composites increases proportionally with the fiber content. Under bending stress, there was an increase of the specific creep in the compressed face of the specimen, as the pulp content of the mixture increases. The specific creep under bending tension for the tensile face was greater for the unreinforced matrix than in the bamboo pulp composites. As revealed through the assessment of fracture behavior of composites with bamboo pulp, notched specimens presented a considerable improvement in bending behavior when compared to the unreinforced matrix. The composites with pulp became less sensible to the notch with the increment of pulp content. In the bamboo pulp composites, considerable softening was observed in the load-displacement curve, as load gradually decreases after the peak load and before the rupture due to crack propagation. Using resistance curves (R-curves) it was possible to identify the KIR values that, for the composites, kept certain constancy as the crack length increased. At this plateau of the curve, the average values for KIR reached 1,88 MPa.m1/2 and 1,84 MPa.m1/2 for composites with bamboo pulp content of 8% and 14% respectively. In the composites, crack profiles and crack surfaces were tortuous, while in the unreinforced matrix the fracture mechanisms were more intensely dominated by the presence of the initial notch.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Civil Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Hybride Oberflächenaktivierungen von Glasfaserrovings mittels Polymer/Zement-Kompositen ermöglichen eine komplette Durchdringung des Rovings mit Beton von der Matrix bis zu den innenliegenden Einzelfilamenten. Dies erlaubt einen deutlich verbesserten Lasteintrag in den gesamten Rovingquerschnitt bei der Verwendung als Faserverstärkung in textilbewehrten Betonen. Auf Grund von ausgeprägten Domänen hydratisierter Zementsteinphasen innerhalb des Rovings ergibt sich eine komplexe, multiskalige Verbundstruktur, die sich in ihren Eigenschaften deutlich von klassischen polymerbeschichteten Rovings unterscheidet. Wir diskutieren diesen Ansatz in Bezug auf Herstellung, nano-/mikroskopische Charakterisierung, sowie der mechanischen Eigenschaften der Probenkörper unter beschleunigten Alterungsbedingungen. Die mikroskopischen Untersuchungen mittels höchstauflösender Elektronenmikroskopie und Nanoindentation zielen darauf ab, die Grenzflächenanbindung, die veränderte Struktur in Abhängigkeit des verwendeten Polymers und der Additive sowie die Korrosionsmechanismen aufzuklären. / Hybrid surface modifications of glass fiber rovings with polymer/cement-composites allow the generation of extended cement phases within the roving and an activation of the innermost filaments to the surrounding concrete matrix. This enables enhanced load transfer across the full roving cross section when used as fibrous reinforcement in textile-reinforced concrete. Due to the presence of extended concrete domains within the roving, a complex multiscale composite structure develops, displaying distinctly different properties as compared to standard polymer impregnation routes. We discuss this approach in terms of production, nano/microscopic characterization of the concrete composites and mechanical properties of the resulting specimens under accelerated aging conditions. The microscopy studies using highest resolution electron microscopy and nanoindentation aim to elucidate the interface connection, the changes in morphology of the concrete as a function of the polymer and additives used, as well as shedding light on the corrosion mechanisms.