Influence of steel fibers on the flexural behavior of RC beams with low reinforcing ratios: Analytical and experimental investigation

In this work, the results of an experimental program intending to investigate the flexural characteristics of reinforced steel-fiber concrete beams (S/SFRC) are reported and discussed. Hooked end steel fibers with aspect ratios of 45 or 80 were used to produce matrices with fiber content ranging from 0 to 2%, in volume, and high compressive strength . A full mechanical characterization was carried, including the post-peak properties for concrete matrix in tension. Beams with reinforcing ratios of 0.28, 0.44 and 0.70% were analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC) to monitor displacement field and cracking distribution throughout the constant moment region during loading. Data reported included load-deflection and moment-curvature curves, evolution of compressive strains in concrete and neutral axis depth , spacing and openings of cracks and failure modes. Tests revealed gains of capacity ranging from 21 to 109% of R/SFRC with respect to plain RC beams and significant reductions in crack openings for a given rebar stress. R/SFRC beams exhibited sufficient plastic rotation capacity, but with a reduction in plastic hinge length as a consequence of the phenomenon of crack localization . Comparisons with current code provisions show that these are adequate for the design but residual stresses obtained from direct tensile tests are more appropriate.