Diverse Embedment Model for Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete in Tension: Model Verification

Abstract

Results obtained from the Diverse Embedment Model (DEM) for analysis of steel fiber-reinforced concrete, described in an accompanying paper, are compared with experimental results produced by several independent researchers. Variation of the fiber orientation factor, which accounts for the effects of finite member dimensions on fiber orientation and embedment, is also theoretically investigated and compared with experimental data. Verification studies show that the proposed model provides accurate predictions of the tensile stress and crack width relationship of uniaxial tension specimens containing straight or end-hooked steel fibers. In addition, the proposed model provides accurate calculations of the distribution of tensile stress provided by fibers. The proposed model is also shown to be useful in modeling aspects of the tensile behavior, such as crack spacing and tension stiffening, of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) members reinforced with ordinary steel reinforcing bars.