Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced Desert Sand Concrete

To study the effect of steel fibers on the mechanical properties of desert sand concrete (DSC), three lengths (12 mm, 16 mm, and 20 mm) of steel fibers and five volumetric admixtures (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, and 1.6%) of steel fibers were selected to make 13 groups of concrete specimens (78 cubic specimens and 39 prismatic specimens). Compressive test, splitting test and flexural test were carried out on the specimens of DSC after curing for 28 days. According to the test results, the influence law of each parameter on the mechanical properties of DSC was analyzed, and the working principle of steel fibers to improve the mechanical properties of DSC was described by combining macroscopic and microscopic methods. The results showed that the addition of steel fibers can effectively improve the damage pattern of DSC, and all the mechanical properties of DSC are improved; 12 mm steel fibers were relatively effective in enhancing the compressive strength of DSC and 20 mm steel fibers were relatively effective in enhancing the splitting and flexural strength of DSC; Both macroscopic and microscopic results showed that the addition of appropriate amount of steel fibers can effectively fill the internal pores of DSC. The results can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the engineering application of steel fiber reinforced DSC.