Experimental and Theoretical Analysis Using FEA of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Beam Flexural Performance

Abstract

An experimental and theoretical program was conducted to enhance comprehension with regard to how variations in fibre ratio affect the structural performance of concrete beams. In this research a concrete mix with Three fibre volume fractions of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%were tested to evaluate the fibre effect on concrete strength. The results showed that the fibre increased the tensile strength by a maximum of 86% (1.05MPa Vs 1.95MPa) and the compressive strength by 8%. The research also included testing four beams under four-point loading tests to evaluate the flexural strength. The tests showed that adding fibre increased the flexural strength of the beam by 17%, the initial stiffness by 77%, and flexural toughness by 20%. A three-dimensional finite element model was created using ABAQUS to simulate the beam behaviour, the model was calibrated using the experimental data and good agreement was obtained from the model. It was concluded that increasing the fibre content generally enhanced the material up to the point where the concrete workability of the concrete was adversely affected by increasing fibre content .