AN NUMERICAL STUDY ON STEEL FIBER EFFECTS IN HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE SLABS

Civil Engineering

This study explores the impact of incorporating different steel fiber volume ratios on the performance of high-strength concrete slabs. By enhancing the mechanical properties and load-carrying capacity and resistance of the concrete, steel fibers present an opportunity to reduce the reliance on traditional reinforcement bars. This approach aims to improve slab performance while potentially lowering construction costs, offering a more economical solution for structural applications This research involved modeling and analyzing fifteen high-strength concrete slab specimens using the finite element software ABAQUS. Based on their thickness, we categorized the slabs into three groups: 8 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. To study the impact of thickness on the material's overall behavior. A single high-strength concrete mix design was utilized, enhanced with varying steel fiber volumetric contents: 0, 37.5, 75, and 150 kg/m³. Additionally, to comprehensively investigate the mechanical behavior and performance characteristics of the concrete, 24 cylindrical specimens were cast for the purpose of determining the splitting tensile strength and generating the stress-strain relationship curves. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the concrete was assessed by testing 16 cast cubes, ensuring a robust evaluation of its mechanical performance According to the results of the research, adding steel fibers to high-strength concrete slabs has a negligible effect on their compressive strength and density. Consequently, the incorporation of steel fibers into high-strength concrete slabs improves their splitting tensile strength and modulus of rupture, which in turn improves their resistance to cracking under tensile stress. This improvement is particularly relevant for structures exposed to dynamic or cyclical loading, where the risk of cracking and failure is elevated.

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