Análise de Viabilidade do Uso de Fibras Metálicas em Tubos de Concreto. Parte 1: Campanha Experimental Viability Analysis of Metallic Fibers Application in Concrete Pipes. Part 1: Experimental program

Abstract This is the first part of a research study focusing the viability analysis of metallic fibers application for concrete sewage and water rain systems pipes. In this work is presented the methodology, materials, and test procedures used in the study, together with some results obtained in tests carried out in Brazil. For the experimental program concrete pipes were produced with ordinary rebar reinforcement, together with others made with the same conditions but using steel fibers. Both test programs were accomplished with the intention of verify the technical feasibility of the ordinary reinforcement replacement by metallic fibers, depending on geometric characteristics of the pipe and the strength requirements. Other secondary objectives of the study are: (1) to demonstrate that the continuous three-edge-bearing test (TEBT) or crushing strength test provides reliable information for the fiber reinforced concrete pipes (the Brazilian NBR 8890:07 and European NBN-EN 1916 standards prescribe the cycled test with the intention to verify the post-crack performance of the fibers); (2) to confirm the possibility of fiber reinforcement to present similar performance to ordinary rebar reinforcement; (3) to produce results to calibrate a non-linear model Tubos de Hormigon (ATH) implemented in order to simulate the crushing test response of concrete pipes with fibers and/or with traditional reinforcement. Concrete pipes with conventional reinforcement and with steel fiber consumption of 40kg/m