Mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced calcium sulfoaluminate cement mortars

Fiber contributes to the mechanical strength and toughness improvement of cementitious materials. In this study, effects of fibers types on the mechanical properties of sulphoaluminate (CSA) cement mortar were studied from aspects of mechanical strength and toughness. Polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVAF) and steel fiber (SF) were chosen, with consecutive volumetric content from 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, to 1.6%. Results show that the compressive strength of CSA cement mortar increases gradually with the increase of PVAF content within 1.2%. When the content exceeds 1.6%, the strength of PVAF reinforced CSA cement mortar decreases due to the agglomeration of fibers. The compressive strength of SF reinforced mortar increases with the increase of fiber content. Owing to the high bending stress and strength, SF shows better toughness in the bending test. PVAF exhibits better toughness in the tensile test, which is related to its better bonding with matrix.