Flexural toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete

Abstract EN

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (S.F.R.C.) is distinguished from plain concrete by its ability to absorb large amount of energy and to withstand large deformations prior to failure.

The preceeding characteristics are referred to as toughness.

Flexural toughness can be measured by taking the useful area under the load-deflection curve in flexure.

Detailed experimental investigation was carried out to determine flexural toughness and toughness indices of S.F.R.C.

The variables used in the investigation were: maximum aggregate size, water/cement ratio, fine/ coarse aggregate ratio, steel fiber percentage by volume, and steel fiber type.

The aim of this paper is to present the findings of the investigation and equations obtained for predicting the desired flexural toughness and in turn the toughness indices for S.F.R.C.

These equations are dependent on the ultimate flexural strength, first crack multiple deflections, and concrete specimen size.

They are independent of the concrete matrix composition.