Influence of experimental setups on the apparent uniaxial tensile load-bearing capacity of Textile Reinforced Concrete specimens

An important parameter for dimensioning of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) structures and structural elements is the tensile load-bearing capacity of the composite. Respective values are usually derived from uniaxial tensile tests with overcritically reinforced TRC specimens. In this paper, influences from specimen geometry, e.g. plane and waisted specimens, and load application design, e.g. stiff glued steel plates or soft clamping constructions are investigated. Therefore, experimental results regarding the load-bearing capacity of the composite are statistically evaluated. The experimental observations are supported by results of numerical simulations with a one-dimensional model based on the Finite Element Method. These simulations provide stress distributions in concrete and reinforcing fibres as well as the tensile load-bearing capacity. Based on these results existing test setups for the derivation of the load-bearing capacity of the composite for dimensioning are assessed. As a result, plane plate specimens with a load application by means of friction is recommended for experimental determination.