Title: Testing of Fiber-Reinforced Structural Concrete Elements

Author(s): Sidney Mindess, Perry Adebar and Julien Henley

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 172

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 495-516

Keywords: Beams (supports); columns (supports); compression; fibers; shear properties; structural design; tests

DOI: 10.14359/6149

Date: 12/1/1999

Abstract:
An experimental study aimed at investigating the influence of hooked steel fibers on improving the structural performance of high strength concrete (HSC) members is described. Six columns were tested to investigate the ability of fibers to prevent premature cover spalling in HSC columns. While the final appearance of the columns was influenced by the presence of fibers, the axial capacity was unaffected. Eight elements constructed with concretes ranging in strength from 25 to 95 Mpa were tested under shear dominated loading. The addition of fibers changed the failure mode from brittle shear to a more ductile flexure/shear mode (diagonal cracking after significant flexural ductility). Eleven large size (600 mm deep) beam elements were also tested. Due to the addition of fibers, shear strength increases as high as 117 % were observed in these members.