Investigation of fiber-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete for steel-concrete-steel sandwich structures

Abstract

Three types of generally used and commercially available fibers are investigated for comparison study. The objective is to select one type with best performance as infill material for sandwich panel to be employed in double-hull construction. The main parameters that are investigated are fiber types and fiber volume fraction. From the test results, it is concluded that fiber reinforced LWAC using hook-ended steel fiber with 2% volume fraction shows the best performance on static flexural strength, toughness and fatigue. If cost is taken into consideration, fiber reinforced LWAC using hook-ended steel fiber with 1% volume fraction is the best choice by Performance/Cost index.