Comparison of Material Behavior of Steel and Synthetic Fibers in Dry-Cast Application

Abstract

This paper presents a comparison of test results on the material behavior of zero-slump, dry-cast steel and synthetic fiber–reinforced concrete. ASTM C1609 flexural beam test and ASTM C39 compressive strength cylinder tests were conducted for various fiber dosages of each type of synthetic and steel fiber. Synthetic and steel fiber dosages ranged from 4 lb/yd³ to 18 lb/yd³ and 22 lb/yd³ to 88 lb/yd³, respectively. From these tests, material properties were found that included compressive strength, first-peak load, peak load, modulus of rupture, and specimen toughness. These values were all within the range of conventional design parameters used in concrete structures. ASTM beam load–deformation plots were obtained for each fiber beam to show the fiber behavior and strengthening after the initial crack.