Improved Tensile Performance with Fiber Reinforced Self-compacting Concrete

The use of self-compacting concrete (SCC) eliminates the need for compaction, which has benefits related to economic production, the durability, the structural performance and working circumstances. SCC is able to transport fibers which can replace in some structures conventional reinforcement. By taking into account tailor-made concrete characteristics, new fields of structural application can be explored. This paper discusses the potential for an improved performance of fibers in self-compacting concrete. In flexural tests significant differences were observed between conventional and self-compacting concrete at a given fiber type and dosage concerning the variation of results and the flexural performance. Mechanical testing and image studies on concrete cross-sections indicate how the flow influences the performance, the orientation and the distribution of the orientation of fibers. Differences between traditionally compacted and flowable concrete are pointed out.