Some statistical considerations of steel fiber composites

Because of the decisive influence of the fabrication method on the strength and durability of fiber composites, the design of fiber concrete elements should be based on statistical considerations of their properties. The paper presents a statistical analysis of compressive and flexural strength results of both plain and steel fiber concrete. Fiber concrete results in compression and flexure show larger standard deviations and greater departure from normal distribution. However, there is no need to test more specimens than that required for plain concrete, although the method of compaction should be specified for flexural strength design. Fibers increase compressive strength, and the difference observed from that of plain concrete is not due to chance. No relation exists between maximum load in flexure and the debonding behavior of the fibers.