Effect of Fiber Distribution on the Mechanical Behavior in Bending of Self-Compacting Mortars

Abstract The purpose of this work is to assess the steel fiber distribution effect on physical and mechanical properties of self-compacting mortar. An experimental study was conducted to see the fiber distribution during the implementation of self-compacting mortars that are fluid and on mechanical behavior in bending tensile strength. A method of placing self-compacting mortar in the molds has been developed to highlight the distribution of fibers in the cementitious matrix. The mortars are placed in prismatic molds in three layers. The amount of steel fibers differs from one layer to another. A total quantity of 90 kg /m3 was distributed in prismatic molds of dimensions 40x40x160 mm3. Straight and hooked ends steel fibers were used. The characteristics of mortars containing both types of fibers in the fresh and hardened state were measured and compared to those of self-compacting mortar without fibers. The pouring by layer allowed us to deduce that the distribution of metallic fibers has a significant effect on the hardened properties of the mortar. Indeed, the mechanical strength of the fiber-reinforced mortar depends on the nature and distribution of fibers in the cementitious matrix (mortar). A gain in bending tensile strength of 71.83% was recorded for self-compacting mortars elaborated with hooked end fibers and 52.11% for those containing straight steel fibers. Indeed, mortars containing entirely the same dosage of steel fibers (90 kg/m3) have a bending tensile strength that varies according to the fibers dosage by layers. Mortar samples with higher fiber content in the lower layer have a higher bending tensile strength than other samples with a higher fiber layer in the middle or layer above. However, it should be noted that steel fibers with hooks are much more effective than those without hooks. Indeed, the effect of fiber distribution is more significant for fibers without hooks because the hooks can slow down the movement of the fibers during the pouring of the mortar. The variation of the dosages per layer generated a difference in the deflection values for the mortars. The deflection is much higher for fiber-reinforced mortars (with hooks) compared to fiber-reinforced mortars without hooks.