Fracture Mechanics based Analysis of Self Compacting Concrete with Steel Fibers using Finite Element Modelling

Abstract

—Self-compacting concrete is a highly-workable concrete. It compacts under its own weight without any
vibration or impact; While, Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is a concrete in which small and discontinuous fibers are
spread uniformly. The addition of fibers into concrete mass can dramatically change properties of concrete. The finite
element modeling and analysis of Self Compacting Concrete beam subjected to three point bending load is done in
ANSYS Workbench 17.2.
This paper analyzed the effect of fiber addition on rheological properties and fracture energy of self compacting
concrete. Rheological properties like J Ring, U Box, L Box are determined as per EFNARC standards. Fracture energy
(GF) measured using the three-point bending test on pre-notched beams prescribed by RILEM recommendations. Grade
of concrete used is M40 for the beam. The beam is of overall dimension of 430×150×100 mm. The beam is studied for
the ultimate load, load-deflection and load-strain behaviour for this case and compared with the experimental values.
The result shows that workability of SCC decreases with addition of fibers but fracture energy increases with addition of
fibers in self compacting concrete. The study also indicates that finite element modeling is properly able to simulate the
behaviour and fracture properties of SCC beam under flexure. The Comparison study shows that the FEA predicts a 10%
variation in the deflection studies.