Title:
Shear Behavior of Macro-Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Author(s):
John Paul Gaston
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
10/23/2022
Abstract:
Macro-synthetic fibers are often used as secondary reinforcement in concrete members, designed to control shrinkage and temperature cracks. While a large body of research has investigated the shear behavior of steel fiber-reinforced concrete beams, few studies have investigated the contribution of macro-synthetic fibers to the shear strength of structural members. This ongoing research, funded by the ACI Concrete Research Council, investigates the combined use of macro-synthetic fibers and conventional deformed bars to resist shear forces, quantifying the potentially beneficial interaction between the two types of reinforcement. Twelve panel elements (36 in x 36 in x 3 in), representing rectangular portions of reinforced concrete beams or walls, will be subjected to in-plane stresses using the University of Washington's Panel Element Tester, one of the only several similar devices in the world. The variables of interest within the experimental program include the fiber volume fraction and transverse reinforcement ratio. Data from the panel tests and the existing literature will be used to develop design equations for the shear strength of macro-synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete members that also contain conventional transverse deformed bar reinforcement. The design equations will be developed to be consistent with the approach used in ACI 318 and will be based on a rational shear behavior model developed as part of this research effort. This presentation will discuss the results of the experimental campaign to date and present preliminary findings of the research program.