Title:
Split Tensile Behavior of Recycled Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Prepublished)
Author(s):
Tohid Asheghi Mehmandari, Mehdi Shokouhian, Meysam Imani, Kong Fah Tee, Ahmad Fahimifare
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
digital image correlation (DIC); fiber interface transition zone (FITZ); recycled steel fibers (RSF) ; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); split tensile behavior, sustainable fiber-reinforced concrete
DOI:
10.14359/51744375
Date:
11/22/2024
Abstract:
This study investigates the behavior of recycled steel fibers recovered from waste tires (RSF) and industrial hooked-end steel fibers (ISF) in two single and hybrid reinforcing types with different volume content, incorporating microstructural and macrostructural analyses. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to study the microstructure and fractures, focusing on crack initiation in the fiber interface transition zone (FITZ). The macrostructural analysis involves using digital image correlation (DIC) software, Ncorr, to analyze the split tensile behavior of plain and FRC specimens, calculating strain distribution, and investigating crack initiation and propagation. The SEM study reveals that industrial fibers due to the presence of hooked ends promoted improved mechanical interlocking, anchors within the matrix, frictional resistance during crack propagation and significantly improved load transfer have better bonding, crack bridging, and crack deflection compared to recycled fibers. Recycled steel fibers significantly delay crack initiation and enhance strength in the pre-peak zone. The study suggests hybridizing recycled fibers from automobile tires with industrial fibers as an optimum strategy for improving tensile performance and utilizing environmentally friendly materials in FRC.