Cracking localization and reduced ductility in fiber-reinforced concrete beams with low reinforcement ratios

The effect of adding steel fibers to concrete mixes on the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams was studied experimentally. Tests were conducted on conventionally reinforced beams with different reinforcement ratios, with and without fibers. Results show that the application of steel fibers leads to a pronounced reduction in flexural ductility of beams with low conventional reinforcement ratios (rho < similar to 0.5%). Ductility ratios of fibrous RC beam specimens were reduced by 50-80% compared with corresponding ratios measured on control specimens with the same reinforcement ratios but without fibers. The effects of added fibers on the flexural behavior of RC beams were examined and three aspects were reported: ductility ratio (based on deflection), distribution of curvature, and load-carrying capacity. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.