Simplified Diverse Embedment Model for Steel Fiber- Reinforced Concrete Elements in Tension

Abstract

A simplified version of the Diverse Embedment Model (DEM) for steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) is derived by eliminating the double numerical integration, which complicates the calculation procedure of the DEM. To simplify the DEM, fiber slip on the longer embedded side is not considered in the calculation of the fiber tensile stress at a crack, while coefficients for frictional bond behavior and mechanical anchorage effect are incorporated to prevent overestimation of the tensile stress attained by fibers. The tensile stress behavior of SFRC predicted by the Simplified DEM (SDEM) shows good agreement with that obtained from the DEM; hence, the model’s accuracy has largely been retained despite the simplification. In comparisons with test results reported in the previous literature, the SDEM is shown to simulate not only the direct tensile behavior but also the flexural behavior of SFRC members. The SDEM can easily be implemented in currently available analysis models so that it can be useful in the modeling of structural behavior of SFRC members or structures.