Research on effect of the quantity and aspect ratio of steel fibers on compressive and flexural strength of SIFCON

Abstract

SIFCON (Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Reinforced Concrete) is a composite which occur hardening of the matrix phase, consists of cement, water, mineral additives, fine sand, water reducing plasticizer, and reinforced with high volume fiber (5–20%). The main difference from the high strength concrete (HSC) is the ductile behaviour at failure. However, the brittleness increases with the strength increase in HSC, SIFCON has a ductile behaviour because of the high volume fiber content, low permeability, high durability. Despite fiber content is 2-3% in fiber reinforced concrete, fiber content may be ten times more in SIFCON and ductility is gained. This concrete is suggested to be used in military buildings against explosion, industrial grounds, airports, and bridge feet. In this study, in order to investigate the compressive and flexural strengths of SIFCON, the aspect ratio and fiber volume of steel fibers were chosen as variable and the effects of these parameters on compressive and flexural strengths were investigated. In the study, steel fibers with aspect ratio of 40, 55, 65, and 80 were used in 0, 4, 8 and 12% ratios. The water/binder ratio was kept constant at 0.35. Silica fume is used 10% and water-reducing plasticizer is used 1.5% of cement by weight. 7 and 28 days cured samples were subjected to compressive and flexural tests and the results were compared. As a result of the tests carried out, increases in both the compressive and flexural strengths of SIFCON specimens were determined with increasing fiber volume up to 8%. Strength reductions were observed at higher ratios. In cases where the fiber volume is too high, it has been seen that the strengths were decreased. The reason of strength reduction can be explained by the difficulty of passing ability of mortar between the fibers. The highest strengths were obtained from fibers with the aspect ratio of 80. Increase in the aspect ratio as well as increases in compressive and flexural strengths have been found.