Ceramsite concrete has several advantages, including low weight, excellent thermal insulation properties, significant energy efficiency, high durability, fire resistance, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising green building material with excellent development prospects [1]-[4]. Its application in structures effectively reduces the self-weight of the structure, decreases cross-sectional dimensions, and contributes to improving the overall seismic performance of the structure. Currently, it has been widely used in various fields, including high-rise buildings, public structures, marine engineering, and bridge construction [5]-[8]. However, ceramsite concrete has weaknesses, such as lower strength and higher brittleness. In current structural design, both compressive strength and concrete density are essential design parameters, and material strength affects its application in structural design. Moreover, brittleness can pose potential hazards to engineering structures, especially for those with seismic requirements. Brittleness can lead to the expansion and propagation of cracks, making cracks difficult to control and repair, ultimately resulting in structural damage. The brittleness of ceramsite concrete restricts its widespread application in infrastructure. While promoting the use of ceramsite concrete, its lower strength and higher brittleness often present limitations when used as a structural material [9][10][11]. Considered the current weaknesses of ceramsite concrete, many scholars have conducted modification research on ceramsite concrete, primarily by adding fibers to enhance and toughen the material. Currently, scholars have conducted research on the influence of polypropylene fibers, straw fibers, basalt fibers, carbon fibers, HTPP fibers, and steel fibers on ceramsite concrete.
Xiong [12] added polypropylene fibers to ceramsite concrete and found that polypropylene fibers effectively enhance the crack resistance of ceramsite concrete. Zhang [13] added straw fibers to ceramsite concrete and found that straw fibers effectively improve the toughness of ceramsite concrete but may lead to a reduction in its strength. Yao [14] added basalt fibers to ceramsite concrete, found that basalt fibers have a minimal impact on the strength of ceramsite concrete. Zhou [15]studied the effect of carbon fiber on ceramsite concrete, it found that the carbon fibers can enhance the strength of ceramsite concrete. Yu [15] also studied the influence of carbon fibers on ceramsite concrete and concluded that carbon fibers can improve the toughness of ceramsite concrete. Lin and Yuan [17] employed a novel high-toughness polypropylene fiber in ceramsite concrete and found that HTPP fibers not only significantly enhance the strength of ceramsite concrete but also greatly improve its toughness. Regarding the influence of steel fibers on ceramsite concrete, research by Chen and Zeng [18] indicates that steel fibers can significantly enhance the flexural, tensile, and crack resistance strength of ceramsite concrete. Additionally, the specimens absorb more energy at the point of failure, resulting in a substantial increase in compressive toughness. Similar conclusions were also reached by R. Mutsuddy [19] and Dong Xiang [20].
From the above studies, it is evident that polypropylene fibers, straw fibers, and basalt fibers do not enhance the strength of ceramsite concrete. However, carbon fibers, HTPP fibers, and steel fibers all contribute to an increase in the strength of ceramsite concrete. Furthermore, these three types of fibers have their own characteristics. Carbon fibers offer the advantages of convenience, high elastic modulus, high strength, low density, and corrosion resistance [21]. HTPP fibers are known for their excellent toughness, crack resistance, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, durability, ease of handling during construction, and they do not hinder concrete workability [22].Steel fibers provide concrete with a certain level of ductility and offer advantages such as high tensile and shear strength, impact resistance, and good durability [23], however, it also has disadvantages, including higher density and discomfort during construction due to their sharpness. Each of these three types of fibers has its own advantages, and previous research has not compared the impact of these fibers on ceramsite concrete. When ceramsite concrete is used in engineering applications, it is necessary to consider not only the influence on mechanical performance but also to comprehensively consider factors such as construction performance and economic performance according to the actual conditions of the project. It is essential to evaluate and compare the impact of these fibers on ceramsite concrete to provide more references for engineering applications.
This study investigates the influence of carbon fibers, HTPP fibers, and steel fibers on the mechanical properties of ceramic aggregate concrete. It explores aspects such as strength, toughness, and failure modes, and provides an explanation of the mechanisms behind fiber-reinforced ceramic aggregate concrete based on SEM test. The research presented in this study can offer theoretical support for the engineering application of ceramic aggregate concrete.