Failure mode in shear of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams

Experimental tests were carried out to assess the failure model of steel fiber reinforced concrete beams. Experimental research was focused on observing changes in the behavior of the tested elements depending on the amount of shear reinforcement and the fiber. Model two-span beams with a cross-section of 80x180 mm and a length of 2000 mm were tested. The beams had varied stirrup spacing. The following amounts of steel fibres in concrete were used: 78.5 kg/m(3) (1.0%) i 118 kg/m(3) (1.5%). Concrete beams without fibres were examined at the same time. The beams were loaded in a five-point bending test until they were destroyed. Shear or bending capacity of the element was observed. Fibre reinforced concrete beams were not destroyed rapidly, but they kept their shape consistent under load. Larger number of diagonal cracks with a smaller width were observed in fibre reinforced concrete beams. Failure of concrete beams without fibres was rapid, with a characteristic brittle cracking. Steel fibres revealed the ability to transfer significant shear stress after cracking in comparison to plain concrete.