3D Textile Reinforced Cement (TRC) composites with integrated synthetic microfibres: Evaluation of mechanical response and crack formation in bending

• Published in: Construction & building materials 2024-05, Vol.426, p.136120, Article 136120
• Main Authors: Gielis, Ciska, El Kadi, Michael, Snoeck, Didier, Tysmans, Tine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D textiles; Crack formation; Digital Image Correlation (DIC); Four-point bending; Polypropylene (PP) fibres; Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres; Textile Reinforced Cement (TRC) composites
• ISSN: 0950-0618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136120

This study explores the integration of short synthetic microfibres into 3D Textile Reinforced Cement (3D TRC) composites to achieve enhanced flexural capacity and improved crack control. The homogeneous distribution of microfibres within 3D TRCs was a challenge unaddressed in the current state of the art. The influence of the added microfibres on the bending behaviour and crack formation of the 3D TRCs was evaluated, along with the effect of crucial parameters such as the microfibre type (PP/PVA), length (3 mm/6 mm/8 mm) and content (0.5 %/0.7 %/1.0 %). Microfibre-enhanced 3D TRCs demonstrated a higher ultimate load and post-cracking stiffness, as well as more and narrower cracks. •3D TRCs with integrated microfibres showed enhanced flexural properties.•Microfibre-enhanced 3D TRCs demonstrated more and narrower cracks when loaded.•Effective crack control was achieved by integrating microfibres in 3D TRCs.•Increasing fibre content resulted in improved flexural capacity and crack formation.•Uneven fibre distribution throughout the cross-section due to 3D textile barrier.