Influence of fiber reinforcement on the blast resistance and fracture behavior of high-strength concrete slabs

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) is an effective material for structures that must endure dynamic events like impacts, earthquakes, and explosions.Recent studies highlight the role of mechanical properties related to fracture in how concrete responds to blast loads.This study examines high-strength SFRC slabs subjected to such loads.Three self-compacting concrete mixes were developed to explore the effects of varying fiber content on structural performance.Concrete A, with low reinforcement, had 40 kg/m of 13-mm long fibers.Concrete B and C added 20 kg/m and 40 kg/m of 30-mm long fibers to concrete A, respectively.Testing showed distinct softening behaviors among the mixes.After blast tests, concrete B had a higher crack density than concrete A due to greater hardening, while concrete C exhibited superior resistance to crack initiation, resulting in fewer cracks.These results demonstrate that higher fiber content enables better energy dissipation through crack propagation and stress redistribution, enhancing the overall performance of the concrete.