Effect of Aluminium and Steel Fibers on Flexural Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beam

Abstract

Introduction: Fibers are widely used in concrete to reduce water absorption, surface permeability, curling, shrinkage cracks, and improve durability and strength. Steel and aluminium fibers can be easily extracted from scraped materials and affordable compare to other fibers. In this study, the combined steel and aluminium fibers are mixed in concrete with percentage varies from 0.5 to 2.5.  The fifteen fibrous reinforced concrete beam were prepared to analyses the impact of steel and aluminium fibers on the flexural behavior of the reinforced concrete beam. The test results of steel and aluminium fiber RC beam specimens are compared to concrete beam samples. In contrast to typical concrete beam specimens, the failure patterns seen in steel and aluminium fiber reinforced concrete specimens are different. When fibers are used, RC beams can support higher loads than regular reinforced concrete beams. The flexural strength of the beam specimens was improved by addition of the fibrous material in reinforced concrete beam. The study finds that adding steel and aluminium fibers to reinforced concrete improves its flexural strength as well ductility. It is also found that use of steel and aluminium fiber in concrete a good substitute to improve performance of flexural member.