Mechanical characterization of cement composites reinforced with fiberglass, carbon nanotube or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) at high strain rates

Advanced researches on concrete are directed toward investigating the behaviour of reinforced concrete structures in severe conditions such as those promoted by impact loads. Resistance to impact loads is guaranteed by using cementitious materials having both high strength and ductility. In order to improve ductility cementitious mortars with Glass Reinforced Plastics (GRP) replacing partially the natural sand were manufactured. Moreover, Glass Fiber (GF) reinforced mortars were produced to enhance toughness. Since the use of GRP and GF don’t produce any increase in strength of the mortars Carbon Nanotubes were added in the cement matrix to enhance tensile strength. Quasi-static and dynamic tests were carried out to evaluate the role of the different reinforcements used. The addiction of fibers doesn’t produce any significant increase in mechanical properties. On the contrary, adding carbon nanotubes and GRP together to cement composites, dynamic behaviour enhances and the fracture energy increases. In particular, the higher the percentage of CNTs, the higher the fracture energy, the higher the ductility.