Strength prediction models for steel, synthetic, and hybrid fiber reinforced concretes

This paper proposes new strength models to predict compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths of steel, synthetic and hybrid fiber reinforced concretes. The strength models depending on fiber reinforcing index, concrete compressive strength, and fiber volume fraction have been developed by multiple regression analyses of the experimental results obtained from a comprehensive experimental program. Twenty-five concrete batches, one control and 24 fiber reinforced concrete with target compressive strength of 40MPa were produced. Steel and synthetic fibers, namely hooked-end steel (HF) and polyamide (PA) synthetic fibers of total volume of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% were added in single and hybrid forms to concrete mixes. Moreover, the predictions of the proposed strength models have been compared with the existing strength models in the literature. The test results clearly showed that the predictions of the proposed strength models are more accurate than the existing strength models for compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths of all the fiber types. Although the existing strength models may be applicable to the prediction of compressive strength of steel, synthetic, hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), they may not be safely used for splitting tensile and flexural strength of steel, synthetic and hybrid FRC.