A Model for the Prediction of the Tensile Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Members, Before and After Cracking

Abstract

Abstract:The tensile behavior of concrete or mortar plays an important role for delaying the formation and propagation of cracks, and also for upgrading the bearing capacity of existing concrete and masonry constructions. Although the presence of steel fibers is known to improve, often considerably, the tensile capacity of concrete members, methods for the quantification of this improvement are still limited. For this reason, a model has been developed for the prediction of the tensile strength of steel fiber-reinforced concrete members, as crack opening occurs. Given the geometry and the physical characteristics of reinforced concrete member and fibers, the model predicts: (1) the number of fibers crossing a crack's surface; (2) the distribution of these fibers in terms of (i) the angle a fiber forms with the crack surface (fiber inclination) and (ii) the embedded length of the fiber at both sides of the surface; (3) resistance to crack opening provided by each fiber, in relation to its position and inclination. On the results of the results obtained, the influence of the number of fibers on the reduction of crack widening in concrete or mortar is remarkable and can be estimated with satisfactory precision. In upgrading existing concrete and masonry constructions, this tensile behavior is found to play important role.

Cyclic Response of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Slender Beams: An Experimental Study

“…Recent analytical studies associate the tensile performance and the fracture properties of SFRC with the fiber-to-concrete interface behavior, which can be calibrated by pullout tests [36,37]. Unified formulations and simplified analytical approaches for the simulation of the overall bond behavior of fibers embedded in concrete and the prediction of the tensile response of SFRC members after cracking have also been proposed [38,39], which have been calibrated, validated or based on various pullout tests and numerical models [40,41,42]. However, due to the various available shapes, types, materials, and dimensions of fibers, along with the different mechanical properties of the cementitious mixtures, their bond characteristics also vary.…”

Theoretical model of shear capacity of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams

“…There are various benefits associated with adding fibers to concrete. The fibers add tensile strength to the mixture and improve the postcracking behavior [5], reduce the post-peak rate of strength loss in compression tests [6], result in smaller and better distributed cracks in concrete members [7], increase the flexural capacity [8], improve the fatigue life for cases without stress reversals [9,10], and reduce the effects of creep in normal strength SFRC beams with stirrups under sustained loading [11].…”

Cost Factor Analysis for Timber–Concrete Composite with a Lightweight Plywood Rib Floor Panel

“…Several studies indicate the benefits of TCC from the addition of fibres to the concrete composition [20][21][22]. Fibres can distribute local stresses and prevent the spread of cracks in concrete [23][24][25], which is essential in the case of timber-concrete composite. In addition to the benefits mentioned above, the possibility of using recycled fibres also reduces global waste and CO 2 emissions [26,27].…”