Multi-level study on UHPFRC incorporating ECat

Abstract

The suitability of a recently developed ultra-high performance fibre reinforced cementitious composite (UHPFRC) incorporating Spent Equilibrium Catalyst, ECat, for structural applications is investigated through a systematic multi-level investigation across micro, meso and composite levels. Scanning electron microscopy, isothermal calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests were performed to evaluate the microstructure of the composite. At the meso-level, the mechanical properties of fibre to matrix ITZ were characterised by single fibre pullout tests on fibres embedded with various fibre orientation angles. At the composite level, specimens with 3% fibre content and different fibre orientation profiles were prepared to determine uniaxial tensile behaviour. The relation between the tensile fracture parameters and fibre structure parameter was assessed. In each level, the results are compared to a conventional ternary UHPFRC mixture and point towards the suitability of the newly developed mixture for structural applications.