Correlation among Fresh State Behavior, Fiber Dispersion, and Toughness Properties of SFRCs
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 20, Issue 7
Abstract
Effective structural use of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) relies on the assumption of uniform dispersion of fibers within the elements. Fiber dispersion related issues hence stand as a cutting edge research and technology development topic. The use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), thanks to its rheological stability and self-placability, which leads to the elimination of compaction by vibration, may be helpful in guaranteeing a uniform dispersion of fibers. With reference to the latter, several techniques [e.g., based on alternate current impedance spectroscopy (AC-IS), microwave reflectometry etc.] have been developed in the last few years for its nondestructive monitoring. Investigation into the connections between fiber dispersion and the performance of the composite in the fresh and hardened state stand as the natural completion for a thorough assessment of the FRC properties, aimed at promoting its wider use for full load bearing structural applications. This paper presents the results of a research project aimed at the above said purpose. Based on a previously calibrated mix-design methodology, suitable specimens were cast with SFRC characterized by different performance in the fresh state (vibration-, self-, and segregation consolidating) and tested in four-point bending, in order to assess the connections among fresh state behavior and fiber dispersion, herein investigated by means of AC-IS, and the performance in the hardened state. The results, highlighting this correlation, point out their importance for a design of the material composition “tailored” to the anticipated mechanical performance and to the specific structural application.
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Acknowledgments
This work was performed during a period spent by the first writer at ACBM, Northwestern University, in the framework of a Fulbright Program, whose support is gratefully acknowledged. The writers also thank Professor T. O. Mason and Dr. S. Wansom, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, for their kind availability during the AC-IS investigations.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 20 • Issue 7 • July 2008
Pages: 493 - 501
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: May 9, 2007
Accepted: Dec 10, 2007
Published online: Jul 1, 2008
Published in print: Jul 2008
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Byung Hwan Oh
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