Correlation between bending test and Barcelona tests to determine FRC properties

The use of fiber reinforced concretes (FRC) as a substitute for reinforcement meshes, particularly in the construction of tunnels, frequently faces quality control problems because the specifications and acceptability criteria are based on parameters obtained from the flexion test of standard EN-14651, which is very difficult to perform at works. Considering the advantages presented by the Barcelona test, in this paper, equivalences are established between both tests, which allow estimating the FRC toughness and residual strengths. The predictions of these properties obtained using the Barcelona tests results present a maximum difference of less than 20%.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft