Carbon and Steel Microfiber‐Reinforced Cement‐Based Composites for Thin Repairs

Abstract

An experimental investigation was carried out to determine the suitability of fiber‐reinforced cementitious composites containing high‐volume fractions of very fine (micro) fibers of carbon and steel for thin repairs. Two series of tests were performed: the first in which the fracture characteristics of the fiber‐reinforced composites themselves were assessed, and the second in which the bond developed between an old concrete substrate and fiber‐reinforced repair composite was determined by conducting tensile tests on cylindrical repair assemblies. Tests were conducted at 22°C and at −50°C in an environmental chamber. The fracture characteristic of cement matrices were considerably improved due to microfiber reinforcement. Significant improvements in the repair bond strength value due to fibers were also noted. The test data clearly demonstrate the potential of microfiber‐reinforced cement‐based composites as a thin repair material.