Mechanical Properties of Sea Water Sea Sand Coral Concrete Modified with Different Cement and Fiber Types

The mechanical properties of modified sea water sea sand coral concrete (SWSSCC) under axial compression were experimentally studied. Two different parameters were considered in this test: types of cement and fiber. An experimental campaign was developed involving uniaxial compression tests and the use of digital image correlation (DIC) method to analyze the strain distribution and crack propagation of specimen. Test results indicated that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of SWSSCC were improved by adding stainless steel fibers (SSF), while polypropylene fibers (PF) enhanced the SWSSCC peak deformation. It was found that the elastic modulus and strength of SWSSCC using ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were higher compared to specimen with low alkalinity sulphoaluminate cement (LAS). Typical strain distribution changed with the variation of fiber types. The propagation and characteristics of cracks in SWSSCC containing PF were similar to those of cracks in SWSSCC. However, the propagation of cracks and the development of plastic deformation in SWSSCC were effectively hindered by adopting SSF. Finally, an analytical stress-strain expression of specimen considering the influences of fibers was established. The obtained results would provide a basis for the application of SWSSCC.