The mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) significantly depends on the strength of the interface bond between the fibers and the cement matrix. An important aspect that can affect the properties of the fiber-matrix interface is interfacial healing –…
The mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) significantly depends on the strength of the interface bond between the fibers and the cement matrix. An important aspect that can affect the properties of the fiber-matrix interface is interfacial healing – a process wherein the interface undergoes repair after being damaged. In this study, we investigate the interfacial healing efficiency of mechanically preloaded and then environmentally conditioned specimens using the single-fiber pullout test. In the experimental setup, single-fiber specimens were subjected to preloading to induce damage, followed by environmental conditioning to promote interfacial healing. The effectiveness of the healing process was assessed by performing the single- fiber pullout test on the healed specimens. For comparison, specimens that were not preloaded but subjected to identical environmental conditions were also evaluated. The bond strength and interface bond recovery of the specimens were quantitatively assessed.