Tensile strength and flexural behavior of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete beams

Abstract This manuscript presents a comprehensive investigation into the tensile strength and flexural behavior of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete (SFRC), utilizing a robust dataset comprising 457 meticulously selected data points, including 54 instances of self‐tested experimental data. The study establishes an empirical relationship governing the tensile strength of steel fiber concrete (SFC) based on the fiber reinforcement index (FRI) and the grade of concrete. The experimental study has extended its scope by testing an additional 27 full‐scale SFRC beams (rectangular cross‐sectioned) under monotonic loading to quantify the impact of tensile strength on the overall structural performance. The beam specimens feature continuous longitudinal and transverse reinforcement throughout their span, with steel fibers strategically positioned below the neutral axis. The steel fiber content was systematically varied from 0% to 2% in intervals of 0.25%. This work introduces modifications to the design of SFRC flexural members, emphasizing the consideration of tensile contribution below the neutral axis. The study integrates both experimental and analytical methodologies, providing diverse insights into the flexural behavior of SFRC beams. The proposed design methodology considers the tensile strength contribution from SFC, effectively predicting flexural capacity, particularly in scenarios involving higher volume fractions. Its applicability extends to structural design, offering insights into evaluating structural capacity for both newly designed and existing structures.