Assessment of hybrid FRSC cementitious composite with emphasis on flexural performance of functionally graded slabs

Abstract

The present study is an investigation of the flexural behavior of concrete slabs reinforced with steel, nylon, and combined steel-nylon fibers. The slabs made in the present study include three types: plain concrete slabs, uniformly distributed fiber reinforced concrete slabs [known as “RC slabs”], and non-uniformly distributed fiber reinforced slabs [which are commonly called “functionally graded reinforced concrete (FGRC) slabs”]. All the slabs made in the present study have a fixed volume of 1% fiber, but they are different in terms of type, composition, and manner of fiber distribution. Non-uniform fiber distribution in FGRC slabs is in a way that there is more fiber in the surrounding layers and less fiber in the inner layer of slabs. Three-Point Bending (TPB) test was conducted on the slabs made in the present study. Results of the tests showed that the effect of steel fibers is much more significant than the effect of nylon fibers in improving the flexural performance of concrete slabs. 1% steel, nylon, and combined steel-nylon fibers could increase the flexural strength 2.6, 1.2, and 1.7 times, respectively, in comparison to plain concrete slab. Compared to the RC slabs, the FGRC slabs had better performance in flexural test.