Applications and recommendations of high performance fiber reinforced cement composites with multiple fine cracking (HPFRCC) in Japan

High performance fiber reinforced cement composites with multiple fine cracking (HPFRCC) show remarkably high ductility under uniaxial tensile stress and excellent performance distinguished from conventional cementitious materials by multiple cracking and strain hardening behaviors. Characteristics of HPFRCC include crack width controlling capability keeping crack width in a permissible range. HPFRCC has been applied to bridge decks and building dampers, making use of its excellent mechanical performance. It has also been used for surface repair of concrete dams, water channels, and retaining walls making use of its finely distributed cracking behavior. Appropriate use of the tensile performance can work out a structural component excellent in both durability and mechanical performance. The Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) has published the first design recommendations for HPFRCC. Examples of HPFRCC applications in Japan and the outlines of the JSCE recommendations for HPFRCC are introduced in this article.