Abstract
Shrinkage mitigating strategies have been successfully used to prevent concrete cracking. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficiency of shrinkage mitigating materials (SMM), such as expansive agent (EA), shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA), and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) on reducing shrinkage and cracking; however, few studies have addressed the limitations of using these materials. In addition, the mechanism of negative effect on microstructure and mechanical properties when these materials are used at high contents or in combinations is not well defined. This study investigates the effect of CaO-based EA, SRA, and SAP on compressive strength development, fiber pull-out strength, and shrinkage of fiber-reinforced mortar (FRM) mixtures. Hydration kinetics and internal relative humidity are also determined. Advanced microstructural characterization techniques are employed to explore the mechanism underlying the effect of SMM on the mechanical properties and shrinkage of FRM mixtures. Test results indicate that FRM made with coupled systems of SMM limited to 5% EA, 1% SRA, and 0.25% SAP are preferred. The preferred SMM combination considering compressive strength, fiber pull-out strength, and shrinkage is the coupled system made of EA and SRA. High heat of hydration obtained using 10% EA results in excessive portlandite formation and high expansion, which adversely affects the mechanical properties. The use of 0.5% SAP with additional internal curing water contributes to the excessive expansion of SAP particles and creation of voids into the matrix, which reduce compressive strength and fiber-matrix bonding. The results revealed that the individual use of 7.5% EA and coupled use of 5% EA either with 0.5% SRA or 0.125% SAP can result in producing flowable, high strength, and low shrinkage FRM mixtures applicable to repair.
Recommended Citation
K. Aghaee and K. Khayat, "Benefits and Drawbacks of using Multiple Shrinkage Mitigating Strategies on Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Mortar," Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 133, article no. 104714, Elsevier, Oct 2022.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2022.104714
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Expansive agent; Factorial design; Internal curing; Microstructural analysis; Repair; Shrinkage mitigating strategies; Shrinkage reducing admixture; Superabsorbent polymer
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0958-9465
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2023 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Oct 2022
