An experimental investigation into the effectiveness of steel fibre-reinforced concrete relative to conventional mesh-reinforced concrete in thin shell construction

This report presents the results of an investigation into the suitability of steel-fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) as a building material. The performance of the SFRC is gauged relative to conventional steel mesh-reinforced concrete. The report begins with the historical background of fibre-reinforcing, its development and diversity in modern times. The theoretical principles governing the strength of SFRC are formulated, followed by an extensive review of factors influencing the fibre's potential and its subsequent effect on the mechanical properties of a concrete matrix. The experimental program is thereafter detailed in two stages: the "Efficiency and Proving Phase" followed by the "Application Phase". The former involves a series of tests to determine the most promising fibre of the five types available, while the latter compares the strength properties of slabs and arches reinforced with this fibre to those reinforced with wire mesh. The test results obtained from the two phases are evaluated and discussed in the succeeding two sections and the report ends with the conclusions drawn and recommendations regarding the effectiveness of SFRC relative to mesh-reinforced concrete.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Civil Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

1988

Author dc:creator

• Neumann, Michael J E

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kratz, Rolf Dietmar

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8313

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8313