Effects of fibres on the flexural behaviour of sound and damaged RC beams

ZERBINO, R.; TORRIJOS, M. C.; GIACCIO, G.; CONFORTI, A.

Fibre Reinforced Concrete: Improvements and Innovations.

Springer

Año: 2021; p. 423 - 432

The incorporation of fibres in Reinforced Concrete (RC) beamscontrols the width and evolution of cracks leading to positive effects on thedurability of the element. The study of damage processes in concrete and theireffects on the residual properties represents a key point related to the service lifeof RC structures. The contribution of fibres on the bending behaviour of soundand damaged RC beams was investigated. In order to use alkali silica reaction asa damaging tool, RC beams with and without fibres and reactive aggregateswere subjected to service loading conditions during eight months in an environment with high humidity. The evolution of deformations and the distributionand propagation of cracks were recorded. As reference, similar RC beamswithout reactive aggregates were also evaluated. After the treatment, all RCbeams were loaded up to failure. The free expansion, the compressive strengthand the bending residual capacity of plain and fibre concrete were measured oncompanion specimens for material characterization. The effect of both fibres andalkali silica reaction on bearing capacity and ductility of RC beams wereanalysed. Results showed that alkali silica reaction damage provokes a significant reduction of RC beam ductility, while the flexural strength is preserved.