Quantitative analysis of shear transfer mechanisms in steel fibers reinforced concrete beams

Abstract

The shear behavior of reinforced concrete beams, particularly those with steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), remains a challenge for the scientific community, as it involves complex material behavior. However, the advancement of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique has facilitated the acquisition of essential experimental data for modeling the mechanical behavior of SFRC, contributing to a better understanding of the problem and the shear resistance mechanisms. In this study, eight reinforced concrete beams, with and without steel fibers, were evaluated using the DIC technique to quantify the resistance mechanisms, with a focus on models that may represent the contribution of the fibers. The results revealed that the predominant mechanisms in shear behavior were aggregate interlock and the steel fibers. This study also represents a step towards a more rational understanding of shear behavior, while identifying gaps that require further investigation, such as the influence of fibers on all resistance mechanisms and the formulation of the contribution of steel fibers.