The effect of steel fibres on the earthquake-resistant design of reinforced concrete structures

The results of an experimental investigation are presented, studying the effect of fibres on the behaviour of reinforced-concrete (RC) structures designed in accordance with Eurocode 8. Twelve two-span continuous RC columns, eight with and four without steel fibres, were tested to failure, under constant axial force and monotonic or cyclic lateral displacement. Specimens without fibres suffered in some cases premature brittle failure, reflecting the incompatibility between post-peak concrete behaviour and the theoretical model underlying RC design. It was shown that it is possible to correct for this incompatibility through the use of steel fibres, resulting in a behaviour that satisfied current performance requirements for strength and ductility.