Title:
Effect of synthetic fibers on the quasi-static and blast behaviour of reinforced concrete beams
Author(s):
Aoude, H.; Li, Y.; Bastami, R.; Ibrahim, F.M.
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
343
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
292-301
Keywords:
Blast, Shock-tube, FRC, SNFRC, Synthetic fibers, Shear, Flexure, Extreme loads.
DOI:
Date:
10/1/2020
Abstract:
This paper presents the results of a study examining the effect of synthetic fibers on the
flexural and shear behaviour of beams tested under quasi-static and blast loading. In total, ten
beams built with normal-strength concrete and synthetic fibers are studied, with five specimens
tested under quasi-static four-point bending and a companion set of five beams tested under
simulated blast loads using a high-capacity shock-tube. Test parameters include the effect of
concrete type (plain vs. fiber-reinforced concrete), fiber type (two types of macro-synthetic
fibers) and transverse reinforcement (in plain and fiber-reinforced concrete beams). Under
slowly applied loads, the provision of synthetic fibers is shown to improve the residual shear
capacity of beams built without stirrups, while the combined use of synthetic fibers and stirrups
is found to improve flexural ductility. The effect of synthetic fibers on blast capacity is
examined by comparing the mid-span displacements, failure modes and damage of beams tested
under gradually increasing blast pressures. The results show that the use of synthetic fibers
increases the blast capacity of beams built without transverse reinforcement, delaying shear
failure. When combined with stirrups the use of synthetic fibers is shown to enhance damage
tolerance and allow for better control of residual mid-span displacements at equivalent blasts.