Statistical Perspective to Time-dependent Pull-out Behavior of Discrete Fibers: A Review

Abstract

Few studies have examined the statistical uncertainty which has been found by experimentation in mechanical interaction between discrete fibers and a cement-based matrix. This review work includes not only existing test results showing considerable fluctuation particularly in post-peak behavior, but also statistical and probabilistic approaches to account for that fluctuation. Our emphasis is on time-dependent behaviors such as pull-out creep and loading rate effects because of their remarkable scatter, which might hinder further research progress (e.g., difficulty separating true mechanical response from statistical variation). Potential sources of statistical fluctuation are identified using non-destructive measurements: X-ray computed tomography and acoustic emission techniques. Along with the observational evidence, fracture mechanics is effective at reinforcing the physical importance of probabilistic approaches such as a Markov chain. The necessity of a probabilistic perspective of cumulative damage processes is addressed because the viewpoint provides a common theoretical basis between time-dependent and stress-dependent pull-out processes.