Methods of Evaluating the Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

AbstractThree of the most important properties of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) are strength, toughness and resistance to cracking. The various methods of evaluating them are compared in terms of underlying rationale, ability to characterize composite material behavior in a readily understandable manner minimally affected by testing variables, and suitability for routine use in specifying and controlling concrete quality. The scope includes dynamic loading tests, slow-rate (static) loading tests, and tests to evaluate cracking induced directly by load or indirectly by restraint during shrinkage or thermal change.Consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the various alternatives shows that slow flexure testing in accordance with the rationale developed by the writer and incorporated into ASTM standard C1018 effectively characterizes the FRC in terms of first-crack strength, toughness, and residual strength after first crack up to any predetermined level of serviceability expressed in terms of maximum permissible deflection. Although not part of the standard, resistance to cracking under load may also be assessed by measuring crack widths at appropriate deflections.