Mechanical Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete: Comparative Analysis and Structural Implications

Abstract

This study evaluates the mechanical properties of different types of fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCC), namely steel fiber (SFSCC), glass fiber (GFSCC), and polypropylene fiber (PFSCC), compared to plain SCC. Compressive strength tests reveal that SFSCC achieves the highest strength improvements, reaching 40.41 MPa at 0.5% fiber dosage. While SFSCC shows slightly lower split tensile strength values than plain SCC, GFSCC and PFSCC exhibit increasing tensile strength with higher fiber dosages. Flexural strength enhancements are observed across all fiber-reinforced SCC types, with SFSCC leading in performance. Moreover, SFSCC consistently demonstrates superior shear strength, particularly at higher shear span to depth ratios, compared to GFSCC, PFSCC, and plain SCC. These findings highlight the significant benefits of fiber reinforcement in enhancing the mechanical properties of SCC, offering tailored solutions for improving structural durability and performance in construction applications. Future research could focus on optimizing fiber dosages and combinations to further enhance specific performance criteria in diverse engineering contexts.