Varying volume fractions of steel fibers on mechanical properties of concrete

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of different volume fractions of a type of novel steel fiber material on the fundamental mechanical properties of ordinary concrete. By selecting steel fibers with volume fractions of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural tests were conducted using cube and rectangular specimens. After a curing period of 28 days, mechanical property tests were performed according to the CECS13:2009 Standard test methods for fiber reinforced concrete. The results showed that there was significant improvement in compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength for steel fiber reinforced concrete compared to ordinary concrete, with an increase of up to 11.6%, 45.6%, and 41.6% respectively. Through analysis of the test results, a relationship curve equation between the volume fraction of steel fibers and the mechanical properties of concrete was established, providing valuable reference guidance for engineering design. This study serves as an important foundation for the application of novel steel fiber materials in concrete.