Comparative performance analysis of ground slabs and beams reinforced with macro polypropylene fibre, steel fibre, and steel mesh

Abstract

This study examines the structural performance of concrete slabs and beams reinforced with various types of reinforcement under centrally concentrated loading until failure. Three types of reinforcement were studied, including steel meshes (A142), steel fibers (30 kg/m3), and macro polypropylene (PP) fibers (6 kg/m3). The study discusses the fracture behavior of ground slabs and the enhancement in performance resulting from the inclusion of PP and steel fibers in terms of load–strain and load–deflection responses, deflection profiles, and crack patterns. In addition, the study compared the flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete beams to determine the effectiveness of using various fibers in beams and slabs. The results revealed a significant increase in the flexural strength of steel fiber or steel mesh reinforced slabs on the ground as compared to the reference specimen while slabs reinforced with PP fibers showed favorable results in post-cracking performance and energy absorption compared to steel fibers. The use of PP fibers, steel fibers, and steel meshes can improve the flexural cracking strength of concrete slabs by 28%, 47%, and 79%, respectively. However, predictions based on the beam tests and physical properties of steel mesh overestimated the flexural strength of ground slabs by 12%, while the corresponding predictions of PP fiber-reinforced slabs and steel fiber-reinforced slabs were 45% and 24% higher than the experimental results. This study provides insights into the performance of different types of reinforcements in concrete slabs and beams, which can be valuable in designing and constructing reinforced concrete structures.