ABSTRACT
In reinforced concrete flexural members, premature shear failure, which is brittle and occurs suddenly, must be avoided, if maximum flexural bearing capacity in critical areas is to be attained. Steel fibers have been found to enhance the performance of RC beams through stress redistribution after cracking and by transforming the brittle failure to a ductile mode. In this regard and for purposes of development of design guidelines, prediction of the strength and deformation capacity is fundamental. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers have been applied in tunnels, wall cladding, industrial slabs, pipe repair, bridge decks and pavements (Balendar et al. 2001; Rossi 1994). A number of studies have also confirmed the potential of steel fibers as a supplement or replacement of stirrup reinforcements (Madhusudan et al. 1999; Yoon-keun et al. 1999; Pasacal et al. 1997; Colegero et al. 2004). Significant reduction in construction time and cost savings are noted as additional merits (Madhusudan et al. 1999; Greenough et al. 2007).
