Strength and Durability Studies on Steel Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete

Abstract

This paper presents the studies on the strength and durability properties of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC) of different grades. Compressive strength and durability performance of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC) using hooked end steel fibres is reported in terms of Chemical Resistance, Initial Absorption Test (ISAT). The rational mix design procedure is used for designing the SCC mixes satisfying the EFNARC (2005) guidelines. In the first phase, the mechanical properties like compressive strength and in the second phase durability properties like Acid-Durability factors, sorptivity were studied for the Plain SCC (SCCP) and Steel Fibre Reinforced SCC (SFRSCC) and comparisons are made. Based on the studies, it is observed that the compressive strengths of the SFRSCC were found to be about 2% to 10% more compared to SCCP. The Sorptivity of SFRSCC is found to be reduced, with the addition of steel fibres and increase in the grade of concrete. Acid weight loss factor, the loss of dimension stability, acid strength loss percentage decreases with increase in grade of concrete. With increase in the period of immersion of the concrete in 5% concentration of acids and sulphates like Na₂SO_4, HCL, H₂SO₄, there was a damage of concrete near the corners of the cubes and such disruption in SFRSCC was less than that in SCCP. When compared to the plain SCC, the SFRSCC was found to be more durable against both acids and sulphates.