Combining Continuous 3D Textiles and Synthetic Microfibres in Textile Reinforced Cements (TRCs): An Evaluation of the Tensile Response and Crack Formation

In the presented research, the mechanical response and cracking behaviour of 3D Textile Reinforced Cements (3D TRCs) with integrated microfibres were characterised in tension for the first time, using Digital Image Correlation (DIC). 3D TRCs with and without microfibres, as well as cement matrix reinforced with only microfibres, were studied. The selected microfibres are 6 mm length polypropylene (PP) fibres, added with a volume fraction of 1.0 v%. The addition of short fibres resulted in an enhanced post-cracking stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Moreover, improved cracking behaviour was noted with more and narrower cracks.