Statistical analysis of an experimental database on residual flexural strengths of fiber reinforced concretes: performance-based equations

The postcracking capacity of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) mainly depends on the content, material, and geometry of the fibers considered. Even though the general influence of these factors on FRC behavior has been extensively addressed, the uncertainty of the FRC performance prediction along with the variability of the results still poses a challenging issue that needs to be solved to encourage the use of FRC for design and construction purposes. In this line, a database including the results of the flexural residual strength obtained from different experimental programs combined with the results of previous studies has been gathered and analyzed herein to obtain general correlations and trends providing additional information about the influence of the fibers in FRC behavior, these meant to serve for initial design stages (e.g., make decisions on the type and amount of fibers based on technical and economical requirements). The results are analyzed distinguishing between the fiber material, the fiber shape, the aspect ratio and tensile strength. The results presented herein may provide valuable information on the initial prediction of the residual strength of FRC to fully take advantage of the mechanical properties of the material.The authors from UPC wish to express their acknowledgment to the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness of Spain for the financial support received under the scope of the projects BIA2016-78742-C2-1-R and PID2019-108978RB-C32.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version