SFRC Slabs Longitudinally Reinforced with High Strength Steel

Abstract

Combining steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) and high strength longitudinal reinforcement in a structural member creates the potential for increased strength and durability compared to conventional reinforced concrete members. There is however limited research into the structural behaviour of this member configuration. The objectives of the current study were twofold. First, the size effects in both compression and flexural tension at the material scale in SFRC were examined through testing of geometrically scaled cylinders and prisms. Second, the size and strain effects on the shear behaviour of structural slabs were examined through the testing of six large scale specimens in three point bending. The overall member height and longitudinal reinforcement ratio were the primary variables of interest while the shear span to effective depth ratio was held constant at 3. No transverse reinforcement was included. Comparisons of the specimen performance to existing design provisions for reinforced concrete members were completed.