Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Predicting the flexural load–deflection response of steel fibre reinforced concrete from strain, crack-width, fibre pull-out and distribution data

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Materials and Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A semi-analytical model is presented, based on conventional principles of mechanics, to predict the flexure behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete. The model uses a stress-block approach to represent the stresses that develop at a cracked section by three discrete stress zones: (a) a compressive zone; (b) an uncracked tensile zone; and (c) a cracked tensile zone. It is further shown that the stress-block, and hence flexural behaviour, is a function of five principal parameters: compressive stress–strain relation; tensile stress–strain relation; fibre pull-out behaviour; the number and distribution of fibres across the cracked section in terms of their positions, orientations and embedment lengths; and the strain/crack-width profile in relation to the deflection of the beam. An experimental investigation was undertaken on both cast and sprayed specimens to obtain relationships for use in the model. The results of the study showed a reasonable agreement between the model predictions and experimental results. However, the accuracy of the model is probably unacceptable for it to be currently used in design. A subsequent analysis highlighted the single fibre pull-out test and the sensitivity of the strain analysis tests as being the main cause of the discrepancies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. RILEM TC 162-TDF (2001) Test and design methods for steel fibre reinforced concrete – uni-axial tension test for steel fibre reinforced concrete. Mater Struct 34(1):3–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Casanova P, Rossi P (1996) Analysis of metallic fibre-reinforced concrete beams submitted to bending. Mater Struct 29:354–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Armelin HS, Banthia N (1997) Predicting the flexural postcracking performance of steel fiber reinforced concrete from the pullout of single fibers. ACI Mater J 94(1):18–31

    Google Scholar 

  4. RILEM TC 162-TDF (2002) Test and design methods for steel fibre reinforced concrete – σ-ε design method. Mater Struct 35:262–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Ulfkjaer J, Krek S, Brincker R (1995) Analytical model for fictitious crack propagation in concrete beam. ASCE J Eng Mech 121(1):7–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Hillerborg A (1980) Analysis of fracture by means of the fictitious crack model particularly for fibre reinforced concrete. Int J Cem Compos 2(4):177–184

    Google Scholar 

  7. Wecharatana M, Shah SP (1983) A model for predicting fracture resistance of fiber reinforced concrete. Cem Concr Res 13:819–829

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Robins PJ, Austin SA, Jones PA (1996) Flexural modelling of steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete. In: Sprayed Concrete Technology. Proceedings of the ACI/SCA International Conference on Sprayed Concrete/Shotcrete, Edinburgh, Sept. 1996 E&FN Spon, London, pp 107–114

  9. Robins PJ, Austin SA, Chandler JM, Jones PA (2001) Flexural strain and crack width measurement of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete by optical grid and electrical gauge methods. Cem Concr Res 31(5):719–729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Robins PJ, Austin SA, Jones PA (2002) Pull-out behaviour of hooked steel fibres. Mater Struct 35:434–442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Robins PJ, Austin SA, Jones PA (2003) Spatial distribution of steel fibres in sprayed and cast concrete. Mag Concr Res 55(3):225–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Jones PA (1998) Flexural modelling of steel fibre reinforced sprayed concrete, Ph.D Thesis Loughborough University, England

  13. BS 12 (1992) Specification for Portland Cements, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes

  14. EFNARC (1996) European Specification for Sprayed Concrete, European Federation of National Association of Specialist Repair Contractors and Material Suppliers for the Construction Industry, Aldershot, UK

  15. BS 1881: Part 121 (1983) Method of determination of static modulus of elasticity in compression, British Standards Institution, Milton Keynes

  16. Gopalaratnam VS, Shah SP (1985) Softening response of plain concrete in direct tension. ACI J 82:310–323

    Google Scholar 

  17. Prudencio L, Austin SA, Jones PA, Armelin HS, Robins PJ (2006) Prediction of steel fibre reinforced concrete under flexure load from an inferred fibre pull-out response. Mater Struct 39:599–608

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Gunform Ltd for their assistance with the sprayed concrete field trials.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil & Building Engineering, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU, Loughborough, UK

    P. A. Jones, S. A. Austin & P. J. Robins

Authors
  1. P. A. Jones
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. A. Austin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. P. J. Robins
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. A. Austin.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Jones, P.A., Austin, S.A. & Robins, P.J. Predicting the flexural load–deflection response of steel fibre reinforced concrete from strain, crack-width, fibre pull-out and distribution data. Mater Struct 41, 449–463 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9327-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9327-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation