Title: Shear Behavior and Crack Control Characteristics of Hybrid Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Panels

Author(s): Stamatina G. Chasioti and Frank J. Vecchio

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 114

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 209-220

Keywords: cyclic; initial damage; panels; shear; steel fibers; synergy

DOI: 10.14359/51689164

Date: 1/1/2017

Abstract:
This paper investigates the beneficial influence of fiber hybridization on the shear strength of prismatic elements in terms of strength, deformation capacity, and cracking properties. Fourteen tests were performed using the Panel Element Tester Facility at the University of Toronto. Hooked-end steel macrofibers and straight short microfibers were combined in a normal-strength concrete matrix. The parameters examined were: the total fiber volumetric ratio, the performance of hybrid steel fiber-reinforced concrete (HySFRC) versus its single fiber counterparts with the same total amount of fibers, the effect of cyclic loading, the influence of pre-cracking in longitudinal tension on shear response, and the effect of biaxial tensile stresses combined with shear. Test results showed that shear strength and effective stiffness were enhanced through fiber hybridization. For example, in panels having a total fiber volumetric ratio of 1.5%, the HySFRC panel exhibited a 10% enhancement in shear strength compared to its counterpart with macrofibers only. Synergy in shear increased with increasing fiber ratio. Crack widths and spacing were not affected by load reversals.