Use of fibers to improve the performance of concrete

Abstract

This work creates a simple test method to determine the effectiveness of macro synthetic fibers and steel fibers inside concrete by analyzing data from laboratory mixtures with a series of different fiber types and dosages. Comparisons are made between the different fibers for different concrete properties. The goal of this research was to develop a simple test method, called the Split Beam Test, to test the effectiveness of different fibers in comparison to one another. The performance of the fibers is based on how well the fibers can control the crack width before ultimate failure. The research also looks into the effect that each of these fibers has on the ability to finish the surface of the concrete, the slump, and the compressive strength. The Split Beam Test showed to produce consistent results within mixtures and provides a simple way to compare fiber types and dosages to one another. Promising results were also shown by The Split Beam test to show that the use of fibers in concrete can be used to decrease the crack width of a beam.