ABSTRACT
The numerous advantages that fiber reinforced concrete provides, both in precast and cast-in-situ applications, justify the large use of FRC lining. At ultimate limit state, the presence of steel fibers remarkably reduces the minimum reinforcement ratio of massive structure under bending moment and axial loads, and thus allows the use of pre-curved and self-sustaining steel meshes (Chiaia et al., 2007). Also the shear strength of concrete tunnels, to resist shear loads without using traditional reinforcement (i.e., stirrups), can be improved by the presence of steel fibers (Minelli and Plizzari, 2010).
