Mechanical response, energy evolution, and macro-micro failure characteristics of LS-PVA modified high toughness concrete under dynamic compression-tensile loads: Perspective on preventing and controlling coal and rock dynamic disasters

Abstract

In deep mining engineering, coal and rock dynamic disasters occur frequently, which have gradually become a significant threat to coal mining safety. High-toughness cementitious materials are required to serve as energy-absorbing and supporting structures. This paper investigated the synergistic effects of lithium slag (LS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers of different sizes (bars/powder) on mechanical properties of cement concrete under dynamic compression-tensile load. Dynamic compression and tensile tests were carried out with the aid of the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system. Combined with the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micro-morphology analysis and fractal theory calculations, the mechanical response characteristics, energy evolution mechanism, energy absorption effect, and fractal properties of the LS-PVA modified concrete under impact compression-tensile loads were investigated. The stress-strain curve was used to analyze the characteristics of materials at different stages, and the change law of peak strain and stress with LS content was determined. It was found that the synergistic effect of LS and PVA fiber bars is the best in enhancing the toughness of materials. The modified concrete had more substantial ductility and could continue to maintain its bearing capacity even after being damaged. From the perspective of energy evolution, it has been discovered that under dynamic compression, the reflected energy plays a dominant role. In contrast, during dynamic tension, the mechanism governing the dissipation of energy is distinct. Although the energy proportion trend is different, both of them have the “toughening” effect. The fractal calculation shows that adding LS and PVA fibers can improve the impact resistance of the material. The microfracture morphology reveals the LS-PVA synergistic toughening mechanism. In general, it is found that the toughening effect of PVA fiber bars is more potent than that of PVA fiber powder, and PVA fiber bars can exhibit a more substantial synergistic effect with LS. The higher the LS content, the more obvious the synergistic effect. This is mainly because LS can promote secondary hydration, form C-S-H gels, densify the matrix, while PVA fibers can bridge the cracks and redistribute the stress. Under dynamic load, the two cooperate to promote energy dissipation through gel densification, fiber pull-out fracture and interface debonding. This material can absorb energy through significant deformation when the coal mine roadway is impacted by dynamic loads, avoiding brittle failure, and alleviating the damage to the roadway structure caused by the impact. At the same time, it also has multiple advantages such as economy, environmental protection, and safety. The findings of this study provide a potential material solution for enhancing the impact resistance of tunnel linings and roadway-supported structures in deep mining engineering.

Keywords

dynamic compression-tensile / energy evolution / fractal characteristics / cement concrete / synergistic effect / high toughness

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