Influence of fiber geometry on the properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete

The influence of fiber diameter, length and volume fraction on the properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete in the fresh and hardened states is reported. The compactibility of fresh fibrous concrete decreases linearly with fiber aspect ratio. There is no unique relationship between fiber aspect ratio and ultimate flexural strength or compressive strength. The dynamic modulus of elasticity of fiber reinforced concrete is little different from that of plain concrete. The fibers, however, show substantial improvements in damping when the concrete is wet. It is shown that the ultimate flexural strength can be predicted by a composite mechanics equation. A unique relationship is also shown to exist between ultimate flexural strength and an “effective spacing” concept.