Effect of Fiber Hybridization, Strain Rate and w/c Ratio on the Impact Behavior of Hybrid FRC

Concrete in practical applications has to inevitably suffer various impact loads. Recent research indicates that the hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has better dynamic mechanical properties compared to the mono FRC under impact loading. Based on macro-experimentation and micro-observation, the impact behavior of the hybrid basalt-macro synthetic polypropylene FRC (BSFRC) was investigated by using ∅74 mm SHPB, SEM, and EDS. The effects of fiber hybridization, strain rate, and w/c ratio were analyzed simultaneously. The results show that the dynamic mechanical properties of BSFRC are strain-rate sensitive. Both basalt and macro synthetic polypropylene fibers (BF, SF) have a strengthening and toughening effect on concrete. Their hybridization has a similar enhancement effect but the impact toughness of concrete is further improved and the best hybrid ratio is 0.05%(BF)–0.25%(SF). BSFRC with higher w/c ratio has a higher strain rate effect while the fiber hybridization effect is weakened. Besides, the proposed constitutive model can well describe the impact behavior of BSFRC. The hydration of cement in the interface transition zones is lower with more Calcium Silicate Hydrate and less [Formula: see text] than that in the common mortar. However, the addition of BF and SF contributes to the hydration of cement and improves the performance of concrete eventually.