Title:
Contribution of Steel Fibers to the Strength Characteristics of Lightweight Concrete Slab-Column Connections Failing in Punching Shear
Author(s):
D. D.Theodorakopoulos and Narayan Swamy
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
90
Issue:
4
Appears on pages(s):
342-355
Keywords:
columns (supports); connections; elasto-plastic behavior; fibers; flat concrete slabs; punching shear; reinforced concretes; shear strength; Structural Research
DOI:
10.14359/3957
Date:
7/1/1993
Abstract:
Presents a comprehensive study on the influence of steel fibers on the strength characteristics and behavior of lightweight aggregate concrete slab-column connections designed to fail in punching shear. The slabs tested were one-to-one models of a prototype structure, and the variables investigated included fiber volume, type of fiber, reduction in conventional steel reinforcement, loaded area, and concrete strength. Extensive measurements were made during the tests. Data are presented to show how fibers modify the strength of plain concrete slabs at all stages of loading. Special emphasis is given to the role of fibers in enhancing ductility and energy-absorbing properties, in preserving continuity and integrity of the structural element after failure, and in transforming brittle failures to ductile ones. The results provide conclusive and extensive proof that steel fibers can act effectively as shear reinforcement in punching shear failures, and that they can also substantially compensate for the reduced elastic modulus and lower tensile splitting strength of lightweight concrete. 272-593