Title: Steel Fiber Reinforced Concretes (SFRC): An Example of French Research

Author(s): Pierre Rossi

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 91

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 273-279

Keywords: fibers; mechanical properties; mix proportioning; models; reinforced concrete; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/4333

Date: 5/1/1994

Abstract:
A methodology to study the mix design and mechanical behavior of SFRCs is proposed. This methodology is based on two general principles: the optimization of an SFRC (including the choice of type of fiber to use, the percentage to incorporate, and the formulation of the matrix) depends on the industrial application, and the study of its mechanical behavior must clearly distinguish the influence of the fibers on the scale of the material and on the scale of the structure. An example of application of the approach is proposed; it concerns SFRCs for reinforced concrete structures. The mean results concerning this type of application can be summarized in the following: the minimum percentage of fibers needed is around 1 percent by volume; the composition of the matrix is completely modified, and the quantity of cement paste and water-cement ratio increase significantly; the compressive and uniaxial tensile strengths decrease compared to those of a normal concrete. The replacement of stirrups by SFRCs is considered from the viewpoint of French regulations. It is shown that the application of these regulations to the dimensioning of SFRC structures with respect to shear force leads to an inoperative result. An alternative approach to these traditional regulations that develops powerful numerical models is needed. An example of this type of model is presented.