Relation between fibre distribution and post-cracking behaviour in steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete panels

Abstract

In this research, the influence of the fibre distribution and orientation on the post-cracking behaviour of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) panels was studied. To perform this evaluation, SFRSCC panels were cast from their centre point. For each SFRSCC panel, cylindrical specimens were extracted and notched either parallel or perpendicular to the concrete flow direction, in order to evaluate the influence of fibre dispersion and orientation on the tensile performance. The post-cracking behaviour was assessed by both splitting tensile tests and uniaxial tensile tests. To assess the fibre density and orientation through the panels, an image analysis technique was employed across cut planes on each tested specimen. It is found that the splitting tensile test overestimates the post-cracking parameters. Specimens with notched plane parallel to the concrete flow direction show considerable higher post-cracking strength than specimens with notched plane perpendicular to the flow direction.