Shear transfer in reinforced fiber concrete

Abstract

The shear transfer problem across an initially uncracked plane in reinforced fiber concrete is investigated both analytically and experimentally. The softened truss model for nonfibrous concrete is modified by incorporating a new stress-strain relationships for fiber concrete in tension and compression, and a series of tests is conducted on push-off specimens. Test parameters investigated include the volume fraction of discrete steel fibers and the ratios of continuous bar reinforcement, both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Test results presented and discussed in this paper indicate that the inclusion of fibers significantly improves the strength and deformation characteristics of the concrete. An increase in the amount of longitudinal reinforcement across the shear plane also increases the shear resistance substantially. But it remains virtually insensitive to the variation in transverse steel ratio if a large amount is used. A comparison of test results with the-oretical predictions of the strength and deformation response shows good agreement.