Structural Behavior of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams in Shear

Abstract

The structural behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams in shear is studied. A comprehensive experimental program has been set up and several series of reinforced concrete beams with steel fibers have been tested. The test variables include the volume contents of steel fibers and stirrups. The fiber contents varies from 0% to 2% by volume. It is seen from these tests that the cracking and ultimate shear strengths increase as fiber contents increase. The present study indicates that fiber reinforcement can reduce the amount of shear stirrups to obtain same strength. The combination of fibers and stirrups may accomplish strength requirements as well as ductility requirements. A theoretical approach is proposed to predict the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams containing steel fibers and good correlation is obtained with test data. The present study allows more efficient structural application of steel fibers for shear reinforcement in reinforced concrete structures.