Use of Toughness Data in Specification, Design and Performance Evaluation of Fiber Cement Composites

纤维增强混凝土（FRC）的性能改善包括断裂性和抗冲击性的改善。韧性是衡量能量吸收能力的一种指标，用于表征FRC在承受静态、动态和冲击载荷时抗断裂的能力。关于如何测量、解释和使用它的争论仍然没有定论。因此，研究计划的目标是：(a)研究试件尺寸、加载配置和加载速率对FRC荷载-变形特性（能量吸收、抗弯强度、首次裂纹强度和弹性模量）的影响，(b)评估目前使用的韧性指标和相关规范的有效性。(c)为强度和韧性数据的解释和使用提供分析基础，(d)为在规格、设计和性能评估中使用弯曲强度和韧性数据提出指南。调查包括实验和分析两部分。由于问题的范围很广，并且需要生成具有统计意义的韧性数据，因此包括六所大学的校际测试计划。作为研究的结果，将对纤维水泥复合材料的规格、设计和性能评价中韧性数据的使用提出具体建议。

Improved fracture and impact resistance are among the improved attributes of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). Toughness, which is a measure of the energy absorption capacity, is used to characterize FRC's ability to resist fracture when subjected to static, dynamic and impact loads. The debate on how it is measured, interpreted and used is still inconclusive. The objectives of the research program are hence to (a) investigate the influence of specimen size, loading configuration, and loading rate on the load-deformation characteristics of FRC (energy absorption, flexural strength, first-crack strength and elastic modulus), (b) evaluate the effectiveness of the currently used toughness indices and associated specifications, (c) provide an analytical basis for the interpretation and use of the strength and toughness data, and (d) recommend guidelines for the use of flexural strength and toughness data in specification, design and performance evaluation. The investigation comprises experimental and analytical components. Since the scope of the problem is extensive and since statistically significant toughness data needs to be generated, an inter-university testing program involving six universities is included. As an outcome of the study, specific recommendations will be made on the use of the toughness data in specification, design and performance evaluation of fiber cement composites.