EFFECT OF STEEL FIBER PROPORTION ON SIFCON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete (SIFCON) is a relatively new high-performance material that may be thought of as a high-fiber content version of fiber reinforced concrete. This matrix is comprised of flowing mortar that must penetrate the fiber network implanted in the molds sufficiently. SIFCON combines excellent mechanical properties with a high ductility and toughness grade. SIFCON is utilized in applications that demand a high degree of ductility and energy absorption, most notably seismic-resistant reinforced concrete structures and structures exposed to abnormal or explosive loads. Additionally, pavement overlays, prestressed beam repair, and structural reinforced concrete element restoration have all been effective. The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of hooked-end steel fiber and micro-steel fiber on the strength of SIFCON specimens exposed to flexural and splitting loading. Three volume fractions of steel fiber (8,10, and12) % were used in this investigation. By weight of cement in SIFCON slurry, the proportion of Silica Fume SF substitution was 10%. Flexural strength was determined by testing specimens of (100×100×500) mm, and splitting tensile strength was determined at 7 and 28 days using cylindrical specimens with dimensions (150mm × 300m).. The results obtained from these tests were compared with SIFCON containing micro steel fiber. The test results show superior characteristics of SIFCON containing hooked-end steel fiber, as compared with micro steel fiber. For example, the flexural strength and splitting strength are 24.89 MPa and 10.14 MPa, respectively for SIFCON with 8% hooked-end steel fiber and 17.51 MPa and 9.1 MPa for control specimens with micro steel fiber.