Effect of SIFRCCs with Varying Steel Fiber Volume Fractions on Flexural Behavior

Conventional concrete is a brittle material with a very low tensile strength as a result of compressive strength and tensile strain. In this study, the flexural behavior characteristics of slurry-infiltrated fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (SIFRCCs) based on slurry-infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON), such as high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs), were analyzed to maximize the fiber volume fraction and increase resistance to loads with very short working times (such as explosions or impacts). For extensive experimental variables, one fiber aspect ratio and three fiber volume fractions (6%, 5%, and 4%) were designed, and the flexural toughness and strength were figured out with respect to variables. A maximum flexural strength of 45 MPa was presented for a fiber volume fraction of 6%, and it was found that by increasing the fiber volume fraction the flexural strength and toughness increased. The test results with respect to fiber volume fraction revealed that after the initial crack, the load of SIFRCCs frequently increased because of the high fiber volume fraction. In addition to maximum strength, acceptable strength was found, which could have a positive effect on brittle fractures in structures where an accidental load is applied (such as an impact or explosion).