Work

Influence of Coated Steel Fibers on Mechanical Properties of UHPC Considering Graphene Oxide, Nano-Aluminum Oxide, and Nano-Calcium Carbonate

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The addition of high volume fractions of fibers in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) presents specific durability-based challenges due to the high content of interfacial transition zones (ITZ) between the fibers and surrounding mortar, along with the production cost. Hence, this study explored a novel coating approach on the surface of micro steel fibers, considering various nanomaterials, including graphene oxide (GO), nano-aluminum oxide, and nano-calcium carbonate. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was employed as a coupling agent. UHPC mixtures containing coated fibers were compared with reference uncoated fiber-reinforced UHPC and UHPC containing GO. The proficiency of the proposed technique was measured through compressive strength, direct tensile, and flexural tests. A microstructure analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images to determine the ITZ depth surrounding the coated fibers. Findings indicated improvements ranging from 10.7% to 21% for compressive strength, 11.2% to 38% for tensile strength, and 26.6% to 60% for flexural capacity.

Source: Fibers

DOI: 10.3390/fib13040037

Authors: Seyed Sina Mousavi, Khatereh Ahmadi, Mehdi Dehestani, Jung Heum Yeon

Institutions: Babol Noshirvani University of Technology, Texas State University

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,413