Uniaxial Tension Tests on Macro-synthetic FRC at Different Environmental Temperatures

Macro-Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concretes (MSFRCs) have emerged not long ago if compared with other types of Fiber Reinforced Concretes (FRCs). They have mainly used in non-structural works but in nowadays, MSFRCs are becoming gradually accepted in the structural field. To reach this situation, a characterization of this complex material is needed and although several authors have contributed to the study of their behaviour, many aspects require further investigation in this area. This experimental study addresses the effect of environmental temperatures on the tensile behavior of MSFRC after a short-period of exposure. To carry out this, one type of concrete matrix is selected and reinforced with 8 kg/m3 of a commercial Class II macro-synthetic fiber. Uniaxial tension tests are conducted on notched cylinders of MSFRC obtained by coring from standard prismatic beams. The tests are performed at the temperatures ranging from –30 ℃ to 40 ℃ using an environmental chamber to maintain controlled temperature conditions throughout the experiments. The results show that temperature variations influence on the tension behavior of MSFRC. High temperatures lead to a decline in MSFRC performance, whereas an increase is noted at temperatures below zero.