Effect of Steel Fibers in Compressive Strength of Concrete Cube and Cylinder Specimens

Research has shown that incorporating steel fibers into concrete effectively reduces its brittleness. When added in specific proportions, steel fibers enhance the compressive strength of concrete and help control cracking. This study aimed to assess and compare the variations in compressive strength between conventional concrete and steel fiber- reinforced concrete (SFRC) by introducing different percentages of steel fibers. Experimental investigations were conducted on concrete cylinders and cubes to evaluate the improvement in compression capacity and observe the load- deflection behavior of SFRC. To achieve this, SFRC specimens with fibers of an aspect ratio of 55 were prepared for both concentric and eccentric loading, alongside control specimens made of plain concrete. Their relative compression capacities were tested. Stone chips (20 mm) were used in the concrete mix, as the inclusion of steel fibers significantly enhances its compressive strength. The study specifically aimed to test the compressive strength of concrete cylinders and cubes with varying steel fiber content (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of the total concrete weight). The compressive strength of the specimens was measured at 3, 7, and 28 days. Additionally, various material tests were performed to assess material properties, and a slump test was conducted to evaluate concrete workability. The findings indicate that the compressive strength of SFRC cylinders and cubes increases with higher steel fiber content, and plain concrete exhibits lower strength compared to SFRC.