This study experimentally evaluated the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams incorporating a high-performance cementitious composite (VC) with 1.0 vol.% Vectran fibers. Three-point bending tests were conducted on a reference high-strength concrete beam (RCB) and two VC beams (VCB-1, VCB-2). Compared with RCB, the maximum load increased by +19.8% (VCB-1) and +9.0% (VCB-2), while the yield load rose by +18.9% and +16.0%, respectively. The ductility index (Δu/Δy) improved from 1.89 (RCB) to 5.22 (VCB-1), confirming the crack control effect based on multiple micro-cracking. The improved performance indicates not only enhanced flexural capacity and ductility but also suggests the potential for carbon-neutral structural design through material reduction and service-life extension enabled by the Vectran fiber-reinforced composite system.
This study is an attempt as an introductive investigation on the mechanical characteristics of Vectran fiber cementitious composites. The mixing of Vectran fibers into cementitious binder was tried to fit suitable fiber volume fraction in order to get of high-ductile and high-strength cementitious composites. Compressive and tensile strengths of the composite were evaluated.