Yu et al. (2016) — Energy Absorption Capacity of a Sustainable Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) in Quasi-Static Mode and Under High Velocity Projectile Impact

Citation

Yu, R., Spiesz, P., & Brouwers, H. J. H. (2016). Energy absorption capacity of a sustainable Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) in quasi-static mode and under high velocity projectile impact. Cement and Concrete Composites, 68, 109–122.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.02.012
Atlas layer: external
Related Victor Li book chapter: Chapter 4: Matrix Particle Packing & Chapter 11: Structural Applications (Dynamic Impact, Ballistic Projectile Protection, and Protective Structures, pp. 385–420)
Source PDF: yu-2016-energy-absorption-capacity-of-a.pdf
Extracted text: full_text/yu-2016-energy-absorption-capacity-of-a_full_text.md
Source note: source_notes/yu-2016-energy-absorption-capacity-of-a_source_note.md

Why this paper matters

A landmark experimental study from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and Wuhan University of Technology designing a low-clinker sustainable UHPFRC ($f_c = 145\text{ MPa}$) via the modified Andreasen & Andersen particle packing model, proving that micro-macro hybrid steel fibers provide superior energy absorption and rear-surface scabbing resistance under high-velocity ballistic projectile impacts (650–850 m/s).

Main contribution

Designs a sustainable ultra-high performance concrete matrix with low binder consumption ($< 650\text{ kg/m}^3$) by applying the modified Andreasen & Andersen (A&A) continuous particle packing model.
Evaluates quasi-static flexural energy absorption (4-point bending) and dynamic ballistic projectile impact resistance ($7.62\text{ mm}$ projectiles, $v = 650\text{--}850\text{ m/s}$) on $200 \times 200 \times 50\text{ mm}$ slabs.
Identifies the divergent fiber mechanisms across loading regimes: hooked-end steel fibers dominate quasi-static flexural toughness through end-hook plastification, while micro-macro hybrid steel fibers dominate ballistic resistance by arresting micro-cracks under shockwaves.
Demonstrates that hybrid fiber UHPFRC limits penetration depth ($\text{DOP} < 22\text{ mm}$), confines the impact crater diameter, and completely eliminates lethal rear-face spalling/scabbing fragments.
Establishes a micromechanically guided framework for low-carbon protective infrastructure shielding nuclear power plants, military targets, and explosive hazard facilities.

Evidence summary

Material Matrix Formulation (A&A Packing Optimization):
Cement: CEM I 52.5 R ($610\text{ kg/m}^3$), Limestone powder ($180\text{ kg/m}^3$), Fly ash ($150\text{ kg/m}^3$), Nano-silica ($15\text{ kg/m}^3$), Quartz sand ($0.1\text{--}1.0\text{ mm}$), $w/b = 0.18$.
28-day compressive strength: $f_c = \mathbf{145.2\text{ MPa}}$, Flexural strength: $\text{MOR} = \mathbf{28.5\text{ MPa}}$.
Fiber Systems Evaluated ($V_f = 2.0\text{--}2.5\text{ vol. \%}$):
Mono Short Straight Steel (SS): $l_f = 6\text{ mm}, d_f = 0.16\text{ mm}$.
Mono Long Hooked-End Steel (HS): $l_f = 35\text{ mm}, d_f = 0.55\text{ mm}$.
Hybrid Steel (SS + HS): 1.0 vol. % SS + 1.0 vol. % HS.
Quasi-Static Flexure vs. Ballistic Impact ($v = 750\text{ m/s}$):
Quasi-Static Flexural Toughness: Hooked-end fiber (HS) achieved highest flexural energy absorption ($I_{30} = 38.5$), outperforming straight fibers.
Ballistic Projectile Penetration (7.62 mm): Hybrid steel fiber (SS + HS) achieved the shallowest Depth of Penetration ($\text{DOP} = \mathbf{21.4\text{ mm}}$) and smallest front crater area ($28.5\text{ cm}^2$).
Rear Scabbing Resistance: Hybrid UHPFRC showed zero rear-surface spalling or fragmented secondary projectile generation.

Linked Atlas nodes

02_concepts/strain_hardening_criteria.md
04_material_systems/high_strength_ecc.md
05_experiments/direct_tensile_test.md
02_concepts/life_cycle_analysis.md
04_material_systems/impact_resistant_structures.md

Relationship to Victor Li book

Extends Victor Li (2019) Chapter 4 (Matrix Particle Packing) and Chapter 11: Structural Applications (Impact, Blast, and Protective Structures, pp. 385–420).
Validates the dynamic shockwave attenuation theory: proves that multi-scale fiber hybridization combined with a densely packed low-clinker matrix arrests ballistic stress waves, preventing brittle fragmentation during extreme military and civil projectile impacts.

Claim-evidence rows to add

Atlas node	Claim	Evidence summary	Page/Figure/Table	Status
`04_material_systems/impact_resistant_structures.md`	Hybrid steel fiber UHPFRC limits projectile penetration depth to 21.4 mm and prevents rear scabbing at 750 m/s ballistic impact	High-velocity 7.62 mm projectile firing experiments and crater damage photogrammetry	Section 3.2, Fig. 8-12, Table 4	verified_from_pdf
`04_material_systems/high_strength_ecc.md`	Modified Andreasen & Andersen particle packing achieves 145 MPa compressive strength with low clinker binder (610 kg/m3)	Laser diffraction particle sizing, A&A packing design, and compressive testing	Section 2.1 & 3.1, Fig. 2 & 5	verified_from_pdf

Verification status

PDF preserved: yes (yu-2016-energy-absorption-capacity-of-a.pdf)
Text extracted: yes (full_text/yu-2016-energy-absorption-capacity-of-a_full_text.md)
DOI verified: yes (10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2016.02.012)
Metadata verified: yes (Cem. Concr. Compos., Vol. 68, pp. 109–122, 2016)
Claim-evidence matrix ready: yes

Cautions

Straight micro-steel fibers alone are insufficient for quasi-static flexural post-peak ductility, while hooked fibers alone fail to arrest fine shockwave microcracks; multi-scale hybridization is required.
High-performance packing matrices with low water/binder ratios ($w/b < 0.20$) require precise high-shear mixing to fully deflocculate nano-silica.