Transition from multiple macro-cracking to multiple micro-cracking in cementitious composites

This paper presents an experimental study of the possibility of transition from multiple macro-cracking to multiple micro-cracking in cementitious composites. Conventional polyvinyl alcohol fiber reinforced cementitious composites normally exhibit macroscopic strain-hardening and multiple cracking after the first cracks appear. However, the individual crack width at the saturated stage is normally 60 to 80 urn. In the current study, the effect of fine aggregate size on the cracking performance, especially the individual crack width in the strain-hardening stage was studied by bending tests. The results show that the individual crack widths can be reduced from 60–80 μm to 10–30 0–30 μm by modifying the particle size of the fine aggregates used in the composites.