Dynamic tensile properties of straw fiber reinforced rubber concrete

Rubber concrete (RC) has received a great deal of attention in the field of construction materials, owing to its outstanding mechanical properties and potential for waste recycling. Despite extensive research on the mechanical behavior of RC, there remains a notable gap in understanding the dynamic characteristics of fiber reinforced rubber concrete. This study specifically focuses on the dynamic characteristics of RC with straw fibers as reinforcement. The investigative methodologies employed scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, computed tomography (CT) scans, and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) with a high-speed camera system for dynamic tension tests. The CT experimental findings reveal a uniform distribution of rubber particles and straw fibers within the concrete matrix. The dynamic tensile strength of straw fiber reinforced rubber concrete (SFRC) demonstrates a linear correlation with increasing loading rates. The results showed that SFRC-1.5 had 4.8 % lower static strength and 15 % lower dynamic strength than RC without straw fibers at the load rate of 110 GPa/s. In terms of energy, the dissipated energy density increased by 5.36 % at this loading rate. In addition, at a straw content of 2.5 %, the initial cracking time reached a maximum value of 220 mu s. The highest level of shear resistance was observed at this content. This study emphasizes the heightened capability of SFRC under dynamic loading forces, thereby contributing to its potential application in green civil engineering and other related fields.