Effects of aggregate grading on the properties of steel fibre-reinforced concrete

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of changing the aggregate grading and maximum aggregate size (D-max) on the workability and mechanical properties of steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC). Four different gradations and two different D-max were used to produce SFRC mixtures with constant cement dosages and water/ cement ratios. Twelve different concrete series were tested. To observe the properties of fresh concrete, slump and Ve-Be tests were performed immediately after the mixing process to investigate the effects of time on workability. The hardened properties, such as the compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths, were also evaluated. In addition, the toughness of the SFRC was calculated. Based on our test results, we can conclude that the grading of the aggregate and the D-max have remarkable effects on the properties of fresh and hardened SFRC. In addition, the toughness of the SFRC was influenced by changing the grading of the aggregate and the D-max.