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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications
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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2022) | Viewed by 40517

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Weena Lokuge

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Future Materials (CFM), School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
Interests: sustainable construction materials; mechanical properties; structural performance and durability properties; bridge rehabilitation using FRP; sandwich panels with recycled products
Dr. Chamila Gunasekara

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering (C&I), RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia
Interests: advanced construction materials & characterisation; concrete durability; fibre-reinforced concrete; structural performance; Sustainability & life cycle assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete is the second most used material in the world after water. Unfortunately, concrete can be brittle, which means that it requires frequent repairs (thereby increasing its cost), has a reduced service life, and if that brittleness is not dealt with properly, there may be catastrophic consequences. Fibre-reinforced concrete has been researched in the past to overcome this issue by, for example, minimising crack propagation and hence providing resistance for water ingress. However, the incorporation of fibres leads to a reduced workability, and it is thus difficult to achieve a workable mix. Nevertheless, fibre-reinforced concrete is popular as it provides increased ductility and energy absorption compared to plain concrete. More recently, this area of research has attracted increased interest due to its sustainability, especially considering the potential use of recycled fibres and/or different fibre types/sizes.

This Special Issue aims to focus on three broad areas of the use of fibres in concrete: material characterisation in terms of general mechanical properties as well as durability properties; structural performance leading to the design of structures with this material; and the application fibre-reinforced concrete in general.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Weena Lokuge
Dr. Chamila Gunasekara
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fibre-reinforced concrete
  • masonry structure
  • ductility
  • energy absorption
  • material characterisation
  • durability
  • applications
  • structural performance
  • design

Published Papers (20 papers)

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35 pages, 17374 KiB  
Article
Relation between Shear Stresses and Flexural Tensile Stresses from Standardized Tests of Extracted Prismatic Specimens of an SFRC Bridge Girder
by Alfredo Quiroga Flores, Rodolfo Giacomim Mendes de Andrade, Michèle Schubert Pfeil, Joaquim A. O. Barros, Ronaldo Carvalho Battista, Olga Maria Oliveira de Araújo, Ricardo Tadeu Lopes and Romildo Dias Toledo Filho
Materials 2022, 15(23), 8286; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15238286 - 22 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1379
Abstract
Experimental research on the direct shear behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete is often carried out using prisms molded with specific dimensions for a standardized test. However, the flow of fresh concrete in these molds can be different than in the case of a full-scale [...] Read more.
Experimental research on the direct shear behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete is often carried out using prisms molded with specific dimensions for a standardized test. However, the flow of fresh concrete in these molds can be different than in the case of a full-scale structural element. This is important considering that the flow direction highly influences the distribution and orientation of fibers. In addition, most of the studies did not relate their shear results to other mechanical properties. In contrast, this study attempted to deepen the experimental knowledge of the crack propagation of a steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) used in a full-scale prototype of a bridge box girder built in the laboratory. Prismatic specimens were sawn from webs and top flanges of this prototype. Serving as references, additional specimens were molded in wooden boxes. In a previous study of our research group, both had been tested under a three-point notched bending configuration maintaining test conditions proportional to the EN14651 specifications. From each of the previously flexurally tested specimens, two prismatic specimens suitable for the Fédération Internationale de la Précontrainte (FIP) shear test setup were extracted by adopting a cutting methodology that avoided the damage induced by the flexural tests to be part of the FIP specimens. These FIP specimens were tested in almost pure shear loading conditions for assessing the performance of SFRC. Computer tomography images and photos of the shear failure faces were used to determine the distribution and density of fibers. The results demonstrated that the peak loads were proportional to the fiber density at the shear failure section. Assuming that the SFRC conditions of the webs were representative of a common batching procedure in the construction industry, the results from the tests in specimens extracted from these webs were adopted to establish shear stress/flexural tensile stress ratios vs. crack mouth opening displacement curves. The curves belonging to cross-sections of a similar fiber density in the shear and flexural cases allowed for the proposal of a normalized crack-dilatancy relation composed of three stages of the crack propagation. In addition, a trilinear crack width–slip relation was established using the same set of specimens. The relevancy of this proposal is that the shear response can be estimated from a widely accepted standardized flexural test, which demands a simpler instrumentation and is also easier to execute than the shear setup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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32 pages, 12655 KiB  
Article
Application of Biomineralization Technology to Self-Healing of Fiber-Reinforced Lightweight Concrete after Exposure to High Temperatures
by How-Ji Chen, Hsien-Liang Chang, Chao-Wei Tang and Ting-Yi Yang
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7796; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217796 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1268
Abstract
In the field of civil engineering, concrete self-healing technology plays an important role. Concrete self-healing should be able to effectively heal cracks, not only improving the internal structure, but also improving the mechanical properties and durability of the concrete structure. The biomineralization-repair method [...] Read more.
In the field of civil engineering, concrete self-healing technology plays an important role. Concrete self-healing should be able to effectively heal cracks, not only improving the internal structure, but also improving the mechanical properties and durability of the concrete structure. The biomineralization-repair method is characterized by its potential for long-lasting, rapid, and active crack repair potential. Biomineralization repair has an effective bond ability, is compatible with concrete components, and is also environmentally friendly. This study used biomineralization to explore the self-healing of fiber-reinforced lightweight concrete after its exposure to high temperatures. Concrete specimens of a control group (using lightweight aggregate without bacterial spores and a nutrient source) and an experimental group (using lightweight aggregate containing bacterial spores and a nutrient source) were prepared. The repair effect of the microbial self-healing concrete after the exposure to high temperature was observed by a crack-width gauge, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the EDS and XRD analyses, the precipitate formed at the crack was calcium carbonate. After 28 days of self-healing, the water absorption rate of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. This is because the specimens of the penetration test were taken from the middle of the concrete cylinder after high temperature, and their bacterial survival rate was higher, which made the mineralization more significant. However, the mechanical test results of the control and experimental groups after the self-healing in the water were not substantially different, which indicated that the bacterial mineralization in the experimental group was slow in the absence of an adequate source of nutrients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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21 pages, 11424 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Compression Mechanical Properties of Polyoxymethylene-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
by Luxin Guo, Rongxin Guo, Yong Yan, Yubo Zhang, Zhenhui Wang and Yifan Mu
Materials 2022, 15(21), 7784; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217784 - 4 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1499
Abstract
The excellent overall performance of polyoxymethylene (POM) fiber enables it to show great potential for engineering applications. The effect of POM fibers on the dynamic compression mechanical properties of concrete is an important issue for its application in engineering structures such as airport [...] Read more.
The excellent overall performance of polyoxymethylene (POM) fiber enables it to show great potential for engineering applications. The effect of POM fibers on the dynamic compression mechanical properties of concrete is an important issue for its application in engineering structures such as airport pavement and bridges. It is necessary to investigate the dynamic compressive mechanical properties of POM-fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC) under impact loading. The PFRC specimens with various POM fiber lengths (6, 8, 12, 16, and 24 mm) and ordinary-performance concrete (OPC) specimens were tested by utilizing the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). We studied the effect of fiber length and strain rate on the dynamic compression mechanical properties of PFRC and established a damage dynamic constitutive model for PFRC. The results indicate that the dynamic compressive strength, peak strain, ultimate strain, dynamic peak toughness, dynamic ultimate toughness, and dynamic increase factor (DIF) of the PFRC increased obviously with the increase in strain rate. POM fiber was found to be able to effectively improve the deformation ability and impact toughness of concrete. The dynamic compressive strength and impact toughness of PFRC with a fiber length of 8 mm was optimal at different strain rates. The POM fibers with 16 mm and 24 mm lengths negatively affected the dynamic compressive strength of the concrete. The fiber length variation had an insignificant effect on the DIF of PFRC. The established damage dynamic constitutive model for PFRC was fitted and analyzed, and it was found that the model is able to describe the dynamic characteristics of PFRC well. This study can extend POM fibers to engineering structures that may be subjected to impact loading and act as a reference for the design of PFRC under impact loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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15 pages, 3564 KiB  
Article
Research on Splitting-Tensile Properties and Failure Mechanism of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Based on DIC and AE Techniques
by Tao Luo, Xiaofeng Pan, Liyun Tang, Qiang Sun and Jiaojiao Pan
Materials 2022, 15(20), 7150; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15207150 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
Concrete presents different internal micro-structure and damage characteristics because of the different content of steel fibers and the randomness of its distribution. Therefore, the failure process of steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) should be divided into different stages and the damage types should be classified [...] Read more.
Concrete presents different internal micro-structure and damage characteristics because of the different content of steel fibers and the randomness of its distribution. Therefore, the failure process of steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) should be divided into different stages and the damage types should be classified to further clarify the strengthening mechanism of steel fibers. The role of volume fractions of steel fibers in the splitting-tensile strength of concrete was investigated by split tensile tests for concrete with four different volume fractions of steel fibers (0.0%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%). The acoustic emission energy and horizontal displacement of concrete in the splitting-tensile process were monitored by combing digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) techniques, and the microscopic failure mechanism of SFRC was analyzed emphatically. The results showed that the addition of steel fibers improved the splitting-tensile strength of concrete. With the increase of the volume fraction of steel fibers, the splitting-tensile strength of concrete increased first and then decreased, and reached the maximum value of 5.294 MPa when the content was 1.5%. It was observed that the overall failure mechanism could be divided into four stages: slow accumulation of elastic energy (I); rapid accumulation of elastic energy (II); rapid accumulation of dissipated energy (III); a slow decrease of elastic energy and a slow increase of dissipated energy (IV). Tensile failure dominated the failure process of concrete splitting-tensile resistance, while there was a part of shear failure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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14 pages, 2819 KiB  
Article
Optimization Based on Toughness and Splitting Tensile Strength of Steel-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Incorporating Silica Fume Using Response Surface Method
by Fuat Köksal, Ahmet Beycioğlu and Magdalena Dobiszewska
Materials 2022, 15(18), 6218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186218 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1424
Abstract
The greatest weakness of concrete as a construction material is its brittleness and low fracture energy absorption capacity until failure occurs. In order to improve concrete strength and durability, silica fume SF is introduced into the mixture, which at the same time leads [...] Read more.
The greatest weakness of concrete as a construction material is its brittleness and low fracture energy absorption capacity until failure occurs. In order to improve concrete strength and durability, silica fume SF is introduced into the mixture, which at the same time leads to an increase in the brittleness of concrete. To improve the ductility and toughness of concrete, short steel fibers have been incorporated into concrete. Steel fibers and silica fume are jointly preferred for concrete design in order to obtain concrete with high strength and ductility. It is well-known that silica fume content and fiber properties, such as aspect ratio and volume ratio, directly affect the properties of SFRCs. The mixture design of steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) with SF addition is a very important issue in terms of economy and performance. In this study, an experimental design was used to study the toughness and splitting tensile strength of SFRC with the response surface method (RSM). The models established by the RSM were used to optimize the design of SFRC in terms of the usage of optimal silica fume content, and optimal steel fiber volume and aspect ratio. Optimum silica fume content and fiber volume ratio values were determined using the D-optimal design method so that the steel fiber volume ratio was at the minimum and the bending toughness and splitting tensile strength were at the maximum. The amount of silica fume used as a cement replacement, aspect ratio, and volume fraction of steel fiber were chosen as independent variables in the experiment. Experimentally obtained mechanical properties of SFRC such as compression, bending, splitting, modulus of elasticity, toughness, and the toughness index were the dependent variables. A good correlation was observed between the dependent and independent variables included in the model. As a result of the optimization, optimum steel fiber volume was determined as 0.70% and silica fume content was determined as 15% for both aspect ratios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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12 pages, 4716 KiB  
Article
Effects of Wollastonite Fiber and Styrene–Butadiene Latex Polymer on the Long-Term Durability of Cement-Based Repair Materials
by Yeon Jae Choo, Geon Hee Lee, Su-Jin Lee and Chan-Gi Park
Materials 2022, 15(15), 5433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155433 - 7 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1358
Abstract
Concrete structures are constructed in various geographical environments and climates, and frequently fail to fulfill their original functions over time due to issues such as aging and damage. Research on concrete structure repair materials is being conducted to solve these problems. This study [...] Read more.
Concrete structures are constructed in various geographical environments and climates, and frequently fail to fulfill their original functions over time due to issues such as aging and damage. Research on concrete structure repair materials is being conducted to solve these problems. This study evaluated the durability of a repair material composed of ultra-rapid hardening cement, styrene–butadiene (SB) latex polymer, and wollastonite mineral fiber. The performance targets were as follows: compressive strength of 20 MPa at 1 day of age and 45 MPa at 28 days of age, chloride ion charge passed of less than 1000 Coulombs, carbonation depth of 20 mm or less, and resistance to repeated freezing and thawing (relative dynamic modulus of elasticity) of 80% or more. The ultra-rapid hardening cement:silica sand ratio of 1:1.5 was the experimental variable, and the unit weight of each material in the mix proportion was determined to satisfy the flow requirement of 200 ± 5 mm. This flow ensured sufficient fluidity for spraying, which is the most widely used method for applying repair material. Wollastonite mineral fiber and SB latex polymer were added at 3% and 5% of the unit weight of the binder, respectively. The mechanical property of the repair material was evaluated through compressive strength, and durability was evaluated through chloride ion penetration, alkali resistance, resistance to carbonation, water absorption, and repeated freezing and thawing tests. The compressive strength satisfied both target values, regardless of the addition of SB latex polymer and wollastonite mineral fiber. The chloride ion penetration test, which was used as an indicator of durability, showed that mixtures without SB latex and wollastonite mineral fiber were not satisfied the target charge passed of 1000 Coulombs, while mixtures with latex and mineral fiber reached the target value. Notably, the co-addition of latex and wollastonite fiber showed the highest resistance to chloride ion penetration, alkali ion, carbonation, repeated freezing and thawing, and the least absorption. The results confirmed that the durability of the repair material based on ultra-rapid hardening cement was most effectively improved by the co-addition of SB latex polymer and wollastonite mineral fiber. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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20 pages, 10340 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Impact Strength of Prepacked Aggregate Fibrous Concrete Using Asphalt-Coated Aggregates
by Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin, Gunasekaran Murali, Sallal R. Abid, Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo, Bassam A. Tayeh and Saurav Dixit
Materials 2022, 15(7), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15072598 - 1 Apr 2022
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 1801
Abstract
The brittleness of plain concrete represents a significant issue to the integrity of concrete structures when subjected to impact loading. Recent rapid industrialization has attracted researchers to find a solution for concrete brittleness and enhance its ductility. In light of this, the prepacked [...] Read more.
The brittleness of plain concrete represents a significant issue to the integrity of concrete structures when subjected to impact loading. Recent rapid industrialization has attracted researchers to find a solution for concrete brittleness and enhance its ductility. In light of this, the prepacked aggregate fibrous concrete (PAFC) with single and double precoated coarse aggregates using asphalt is proposed and examined. Nine different mixtures were designed using polypropylene and steel fibre of 3% dosage with single and double asphalt-coated aggregates. Specimens were prepared with natural aggregate and 100% C-graded asphalt-coated aggregate to evaluate their impact strength. The ACI Committee 544 drop-weight impact standard was followed in the testing of all specimens. Results indicated that using asphalt-coated aggregate can improve the impact energies of concrete. The impact energy at cracking and failure of the single asphalt-coated aggregate specimen was 1.55 and 2.11 times higher, while the double-coated aggregate specimens exhibited 1.73 and 2.56 times greater than the natural aggregate specimen, respectively. The contribution of fibres in enhancing the impact resistance is remarkable compared to the single- and double-coated aggregates used in PAFC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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18 pages, 17851 KiB  
Article
Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Waste Fibres from the Production of High-Quality Construction Textiles
by Ana Baričević, Katarina Didulica, Marina Frančić Smrkić and Marija Jelčić Rukavina
Materials 2022, 15(4), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15041611 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2006 | Correction
Abstract
In general, 20–25% of the original fibre weight is considered waste in the production of high-quality textiles for the construction sector. A market analysis has shown that in the Republic of Croatia alone, up to 327 tonnes of this waste is produced annually, [...] Read more.
In general, 20–25% of the original fibre weight is considered waste in the production of high-quality textiles for the construction sector. A market analysis has shown that in the Republic of Croatia alone, up to 327 tonnes of this waste is produced annually, which is enough to reinforce 50 to 150 thousand m3 of cementitious composites. This preliminary study aims to evaluate the contribution of glass, basalt and carbon fibres generated as waste in the local production of high-performance technical textiles, to the fresh and hardened properties of fibre reinforced mortars. In order to investigate the influence of fibres, three types of fibres in two different lengths (5 and 10 mm) were used, while the amount of fibres was constant. The obtained results show that due to the fibre presence, workability is reduced regardless of the type and length of the fibre. The tested fibres have a negligible effect on compressive strength, but the use of basalt and carbon fibres increases the tensile strength. Furthermore, all three types have positive influence on the toughness and volumetric deformations, although to a greater extent in the use of 10 mm long fibres and carbon fibres. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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17 pages, 4134 KiB  
Article
A Design Method to Induce Ductile Failure of Flexural Strengthened One-Way RC Slabs
by Huy Q. Nguyen, Tri N. M. Nguyen, Do Hyung Lee and Jung J. Kim
Materials 2021, 14(24), 7647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247647 - 12 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Strengthening existing reinforced concrete (RC) slabs using externally bonded materials is increasingly popular due to its adaptability and versatility. Nevertheless, ductility reduction of the rehabilitated flexural members with these materials can lead to brittle shear failure. Therefore, a new approach for strengthening is [...] Read more.
Strengthening existing reinforced concrete (RC) slabs using externally bonded materials is increasingly popular due to its adaptability and versatility. Nevertheless, ductility reduction of the rehabilitated flexural members with these materials can lead to brittle shear failure. Therefore, a new approach for strengthening is necessary. This paper presents a methodology to induce ductile failure of flexural strengthened one-way RC slabs. Ultimate failure loads can be considered to develop the proposed design methodology. Different failure modes corresponding to ultimate failure loads for RC slabs are addressed. Flexural and shear failure regions of RC slabs can be established by considering the failure modes. The end span of the concrete slab is shown for a case study, and numerical examples are solved to prove the essentiality of this methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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27 pages, 14250 KiB  
Article
Flexural Response and Failure Analysis of Solid and Hollow Core Concrete Beams with Additional Opening at Different Locations
by Ibrahim A. Sharaky, Ahmed S. Elamary and Yasir M. Alharthi
Materials 2021, 14(23), 7203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14237203 - 25 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1859
Abstract
It is essential to make openings in structural concrete elements to accommodate mechanical and electrical needs. To study the effect of these openings on the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, a numerical investigation was performed and validated using previous experimental work. The [...] Read more.
It is essential to make openings in structural concrete elements to accommodate mechanical and electrical needs. To study the effect of these openings on the performance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, a numerical investigation was performed and validated using previous experimental work. The effect of the position and dimension of the opening and the beam length on the response of the beams, loads capacities, and failure modes was studied. The simulated RC beams showed different responses, loads capacities, and failure modes depending on the position and dimension of the opening. The transversal near support opening (TNSH) and longitudinal holes (LH) showed lower effects on the load capacities of the beams than the transversal near center opening (TNCH). The supreme reduction percentages of the load capacity (µu%) for beams with TNCH and TNSH were 37.21% and 30.34%, respectively (opening size = 150 × 150 mm2). In addition, the maximum µu% for beam with LH was 17.82% (opening size = 25% of the beam size). The TNSH with a width of less than 18.18% of the beam shear span (550 mm) had trivial effects on the beam’s load capacities (the maximum µu% = 1.26%). Although the beams with combined LH and TNCH or LH and TNSH showed different failure modes, they experienced nearly the same load reductions. Moreover, the length of the beam (solid or hollow) had a great effect on its failure mode and load capacity. Finally, equations were proposed and validated to calculate the yield load and post-cracking deflection for the concrete beams with a longitudinal opening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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26 pages, 13710 KiB  
Article
The Synergy between Bio-Aggregates and Industrial Waste in a Sustainable Cement Based Composite
by Cătălina Mihaela Grădinaru, Adrian Alexandru Șerbănoiu, Radu Muntean and Bogdan Vasile Șerbănoiu
Materials 2021, 14(20), 6158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14206158 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1751
Abstract
The effects of the fly ash and of the sunflower stalks and corn cobs within a cement-matrix composite were studied under the aspects of density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and resistance to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In the research were developed [...] Read more.
The effects of the fly ash and of the sunflower stalks and corn cobs within a cement-matrix composite were studied under the aspects of density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and resistance to repeated freeze-thaw cycles. In the research were developed 20 recipes of cement-based composite, including the reference composite. Fly ash was used as partial cement replacement (10, 20 and 30% by volume), and the vegetal aggregates made by corn cobs and sunflower stalks as partial replacement of the mineral aggregates (25 and 50% by volume). The study results revealed that a lightweight composite can be obtained with 50% of vegetal aggregates, and the fly ash, no matter its percentage, enhanced the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the compositions with 50% of sunflower aggregates and the freeze-thaw resistance of all compositions with sunflower stalks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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19 pages, 6211 KiB  
Article
Residual Strength and Drying Behavior of Concrete Reinforced with Recycled Steel Fiber from Tires
by David Revuelta, Pedro Carballosa, José Luis García Calvo and Filipe Pedrosa
Materials 2021, 14(20), 6111; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14206111 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Fiber reinforcement of concrete is an effective technique of providing ductility to concrete, increasing its flexural residual strength while reducing its potential for cracking due to drying shrinkage. There are currently a wide variety of industrial fibers on the market. Recycled steel fibers [...] Read more.
Fiber reinforcement of concrete is an effective technique of providing ductility to concrete, increasing its flexural residual strength while reducing its potential for cracking due to drying shrinkage. There are currently a wide variety of industrial fibers on the market. Recycled steel fibers (RSF) from tires could offer a viable substitute of industrialized fibers in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. However, mistrust exists among users, based on fear that the recycling process will reduce the performance, coupled with the difficulty of characterization of the geometry of the RSF, as a consequence of the size variability introduced by the recycling process. This work compares the behavior of RSF from tires compared with industrialized steel or polypropylene fibers, evaluating the fresh state, compressive strength, flexural residual strength, and drying behavior. The concept of Equivalent Fiber Length (EFL) is also defined to help the statistical geometrical characterization of the RSF. A microstructural analysis was carried out to evaluate the integration of the fiber in the matrix, as well as the possible presence of contaminants. The conclusion is reached that the addition of RSF has a similar effect to that of industrialized fibers on concrete’s properties when added at the same percentage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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16 pages, 8464 KiB  
Article
Effect of Steel Fibre Reinforcement on Flexural Fatigue Behaviour of Notched Structural Concrete
by Jose A. Sainz-Aja, Laura Gonzalez, Carlos Thomas, Jokin Rico, Juan A. Polanco, Isidro Carrascal and Jesús Setién
Materials 2021, 14(19), 5854; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14195854 - 6 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1745
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges in facilitating the installation of concrete is the development of fibre-reinforced concrete. Although nowadays fibre reinforced concrete is relatively common, it is still necessary to deepen in the study on its behaviour, especially regarding its fatigue behaviour. This [...] Read more.
One of the biggest challenges in facilitating the installation of concrete is the development of fibre-reinforced concrete. Although nowadays fibre reinforced concrete is relatively common, it is still necessary to deepen in the study on its behaviour, especially regarding its fatigue behaviour. This paper proposes a new methodology to analyse the bending fatigue behaviour of notched test specimens. From these tests, it was possible to verify that, despite carrying out the tests with load control, the presence of fibres extends the fatigue life of the concrete after cracking. This effect is of great importance since during the extra lifetime with the cracked concrete, the damage to the concrete will be evident and the corresponding maintenance measures can be carried out. Regarding the analysis of the results, in addition to obtaining a traditional S-N curve, two new criteria have been applied, namely energy and notch growth. From these two new approaches, it was possible to determine critical energy values that can be used as predictive indicators of the collapse of the element. Moreover, from the notch growth analysis, it was possible to determine crack growth rate as a function of the stress conditions for the concrete and the specific geometry. From the comparison among the results obtained from the different tests, a limit cracking index of 0.05 mm can be defined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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17 pages, 7491 KiB  
Article
Sunflower Stalks versus Corn Cobs as Raw Materials for Sustainable Concrete
by Cătălina Mihaela Grădinaru, Adrian Alexandru Șerbănoiu and Bogdan Vasile Șerbănoiu
Materials 2021, 14(17), 5078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14175078 - 5 Sep 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2664
Abstract
Concrete, the most common material in the building industry, involves the use of mineral aggregates that represent an exhaustible resource, despite their large availability. For a series of applications, these mineral aggregates can be replaced by vegetal ones, which represent an easy renewable [...] Read more.
Concrete, the most common material in the building industry, involves the use of mineral aggregates that represent an exhaustible resource, despite their large availability. For a series of applications, these mineral aggregates can be replaced by vegetal ones, which represent an easy renewable natural resource. In this study, two types of vegetal raw materials, namely sunflower stalks and corn cobs, were used in developing 10 compositions of ecological microconcrete, with different percentages involved: 20%, 35%, 50%, 65% and 80%; they were analyzed from the perspectives of density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, resistance to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, modulus of elasticity and thermal conductivity. The results revealed that the microconcretes with sunflower stalks registered slightly higher densities and better results regarding the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and freeze-thaw resistance than those with corn cobs. Lightweight concrete is obtained when more than 50% replacement rates of the mineral aggregates are used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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16 pages, 8590 KiB  
Article
Solid Truss to Shell Numerical Homogenization of Prefabricated Composite Slabs
by Natalia Staszak, Tomasz Garbowski and Anna Szymczak-Graczyk
Materials 2021, 14(15), 4120; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14154120 - 23 Jul 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2713
Abstract
The need for quick and easy deflection calculations of various prefabricated slabs causes simplified procedures and numerical tools to be used more often. Modelling of full 3D finite element (FE) geometry of such plates is not only uneconomical but often requires the use [...] Read more.
The need for quick and easy deflection calculations of various prefabricated slabs causes simplified procedures and numerical tools to be used more often. Modelling of full 3D finite element (FE) geometry of such plates is not only uneconomical but often requires the use of complex software and advanced numerical knowledge. Therefore, numerical homogenization is an excellent tool, which can be easily employed to simplify a model, especially when accurate modelling is not necessary. Homogenization allows for simplifying a computational model and replacing a complicated composite structure with a homogeneous plate. Here, a numerical homogenization method based on strain energy equivalence is derived. Based on the method proposed, the structure of the prefabricated concrete slabs reinforced with steel spatial trusses is homogenized to a single plate element with an effective stiffness. There is a complete equivalence between the full 3D FE model built with solid elements combined with truss structural elements and the simplified homogenized plate FE model. The method allows for the correct homogenization of any complex composite structures made of both solid and structural elements, without the need to perform advanced numerical analyses. The only requirement is a correctly formulated stiffness matrix of a representative volume element (RVE) and appropriate formulation of the transformation between kinematic constrains on the RVE boundary and generalized strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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24 pages, 20710 KiB  
Article
Multivariable Regression Strength Model for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Beams under Torsion
by Ahmed F. Deifalla, Adamantis G. Zapris and Constantin E. Chalioris
Materials 2021, 14(14), 3889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14143889 - 12 Jul 2021
Cited by 54 | Viewed by 2722
Abstract
Torsional behavior and analysis of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is investigated in this paper. The purpose of this study is twofold; to examine the torsion strength models for SFRC beams available in the literature and to address properly verified design formulations [...] Read more.
Torsional behavior and analysis of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is investigated in this paper. The purpose of this study is twofold; to examine the torsion strength models for SFRC beams available in the literature and to address properly verified design formulations for SFRC beams under torsion. A total of 210 SFRC beams tested under torsion from 16 different experimental investigations around the world are compiled. The few strength models available from the literature are adapted herein and used to calculate the torsional strength of the beams. The predicted strength is compared with the experimental values measured by the performed torsional tests and these comparisons showed a room for improvement. First, a proposed model is based on optimizing the constants of the existing formulations using multi-linear regression. Further, a second model is proposed, which is based on modifying the American Concrete Institute (ACI) design code for reinforced concrete (RC) members to include the effect of steel fibers on the torsional capacity of SFRC beams. Applications of the proposed models showed better compliance and consistency with the experimental results compared to the available design models providing safe and verified predictions. Further, the second model implements the ACI code for RC using a simple and easy-to-apply formulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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11 pages, 2479 KiB  
Article
Energy Absorption Capacity of SBR Latex-Modified Ordinary Portland Cement by Charpy Impact Test
by Tri N. M. Nguyen and Jung J. Kim
Materials 2021, 14(10), 2544; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14102544 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1809
Abstract
The present study deals with tests on the energy absorption capacity and compressive strength of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex-modified cementitious materials. Different polymer–cement ratios (P/C) of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% were carried out with the Charpy impact test at 7, 14, [...] Read more.
The present study deals with tests on the energy absorption capacity and compressive strength of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex-modified cementitious materials. Different polymer–cement ratios (P/C) of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% were carried out with the Charpy impact test at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The observations showed an increase in the energy absorption capacity of the SBR latex-modified cement paste in correspondence with the increase in curing times, as well as the increase in the P/C ratios. The P/C ratio of 10% was the optimal ratio for observing the highest energy absorption capacity of the SBR latex-modified cement paste, with a 43% increase observed. In addition, a linear relationship between compressive strength and the energy absorption capacity at 28 days was proposed. Based on that, the energy absorption capacity of SBR latex-modified cement paste can be analyzed or predicted by the compressive strength results, regardless of the P/C ratios. Finally, the two-parameter Weibull distribution was proved to fit by the observation data from the Charpy impact test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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13 pages, 11840 KiB  
Article
Effect of Steel Fiber Content on Shear Behavior of Reinforced Expanded-Shale Lightweight Concrete Beams with Stirrups
by Changyong Li, Minglei Zhao, Xiaoyan Zhang, Jie Li, Xiaoke Li and Mingshuang Zhao
Materials 2021, 14(5), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051107 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 1889
Abstract
To determine the validity of steel fiber reinforced expanded-shale lightweight concrete (SFRELC) applied in structures, the shear behavior of SFRELC structural components needs to be understood. In this paper, four-point bending tests were carried out on reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups and a [...] Read more.
To determine the validity of steel fiber reinforced expanded-shale lightweight concrete (SFRELC) applied in structures, the shear behavior of SFRELC structural components needs to be understood. In this paper, four-point bending tests were carried out on reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups and a varying volume fraction of steel fiber from 0.4% to 1.6%. The shear cracking force, shear crack width and distribution pattern, mid-span deflection, and failure modes of test beams were recorded. Results indicate that the shear failure modes of reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups were modified from brittle to ductile and could be transferred to the flexure mode with the increasing volume fraction of steel fiber. The coupling of steel fibers with stirrups contributed to the shear cracking force and the shear capacity provided by the SFRELC, and it improved the distribution of shear cracks. At the limit loading level of beams in building structures at serviceability, the maximum width of shear cracks could be controlled within 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm with the volume fraction of steel fiber increased from 0.4% to 0.8%. Finally, the formulas are proposed for the prediction of shear-cracking force, shear crack width, and shear capacity of reinforced SFRELC beams with stirrups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 1794 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Use of SFRC in Structures and Its Current State of Development in the Construction Industry
by Dhanasingh Sivalinga Vijayan, Arvindan Sivasuriyan, Devarajan Parthiban, Aleksandra Jakimiuk, Hydayatullah Bayat, Anna Podlasek, Magdalena Daria Vaverková and Eugeniusz Koda
Materials 2022, 15(19), 7012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15197012 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2811
Abstract
In recent years, concrete technology has advanced, prompting engineers and researchers to adopt advanced materials to improve strength and durability. Steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) represents the substantial modification of concrete materials to improve their structural properties, particularly their flexural and tensile strength. Whether SFRC [...] Read more.
In recent years, concrete technology has advanced, prompting engineers and researchers to adopt advanced materials to improve strength and durability. Steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) represents the substantial modification of concrete materials to improve their structural properties, particularly their flexural and tensile strength. Whether SFRC is stronger than conventional concrete depends on a variety of variables, including the volume, size, percentage, shape, and distribution of fibers. This article provides a comprehensive discussion of the properties of SFRC, such as durability, fire resistance, and impact resistance or blast loading, as well as the application of SFRC in structural members including beams, columns, slabs, and walls. The application of steel fibers in various types of concrete, including pre-stressed, pre-cast, self-compacting, and geopolymer concrete, was also examined in this comparative analysis review, and recommendations for the future scope of SFRC were identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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20 pages, 4058 KiB  
Review
Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: A Systematic Review of the Research Progress and Knowledge Mapping
by Muhammad Nasir Amin, Waqas Ahmad, Kaffayatullah Khan and Ayaz Ahmad
Materials 2022, 15(17), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15176155 - 5 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2717
Abstract
This study performed a scientometric-based examination of the literature on steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) to identify its key elements. Typical review papers are limited in their capacity to link distinct segments of the literature in an organized and systematic method. The most challenging [...] Read more.
This study performed a scientometric-based examination of the literature on steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) to identify its key elements. Typical review papers are limited in their capacity to link distinct segments of the literature in an organized and systematic method. The most challenging aspects of current research are knowledge mapping, co-occurrence, and co-citation. The Scopus search engine was used to search for and obtain the data required to meet the goals of the study. During the data evaluation, the relevant publication sources, keyword assessment, productive authors based on publications and citations, top papers based on citations received, and areas vigorously involved in SFRC studies were recognized. The VOSviewer software tool was used to evaluate the literature data from 9562 relevant papers, which included citation, abstract, bibliographic, keywords, funding, and other information. Furthermore, the applications and constraints related to the usage of SFRC in the construction sector were examined, as well as potential solutions to these constraints. It was determined that only 17 publication sources (journals/conferences) had published at least 100 articles on SFRC up to June 2022. Additionally, the mostly employed keywords by authors in SFRC research include steel fibers, fiber-reinforced concrete, concrete, steel fiber-reinforced concrete, and reinforced concrete. The assessment of authors revealed that 39 authors had published at least 30 articles. Moreover, China, the United States, and India were found to be the most active and participating countries based on publications on SFRC research. This study can assist academics in building collaborative initiatives and communicating new ideas and techniques because of the quantitative and graphical depiction of participating nations and researchers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Design, Characterization, and Applications)
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