Effect of Fibre Aspect-Ratio on the Fresh and Strength Properties of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of investigation, which was instigated to assess the effects of fibre aspect-ratio on the fresh and mechanical properties of SCC. The investigational parameters were aspect-ratio of the fibre and fibre addition rate. Two different aspect-ratios (64 and 73) of steel fibre were used and the fibre addition rate was between 0.2% and 1.0% with the increment of 0.2% and the fibres were added to the SCC in volume fraction. A series of tests were performed to determine the impact of fibre aspect-ratio and fibre inclusion rate on the engineering/mechanical properties of SCC. The presence of steel fibre in the SCC lessened the workability; furthermore, the upsurge in the inclusion rate of steel fibre abridged the workability further. The inclusion of fibre boosted the compressive strength of the SCC moderately, and conversely, an overwhelming increase in flexural and tensile strength was observed. The rise in the fibre aspect-ratio caused a 2.53% augmentation in the compressive strength of the SCC. Nevertheless, more than 11% improvement in tensile strength was observed, because of the bridging/anchorage established by the fibre. From the obtained results, it can be inferred that the impact of fibre aspect-ratio on the compressive strength of the SCC is not substantial; however, the tensile strength properties of the SCC can be enhanced moderately by increasing the fibre aspect-ratio.