Determination of tensile residual strength of fibre reinforced concrete by a robust and simple test

Abstract

A bending test was selected by modern codes as a reference test for fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) mechanical characterization. However, specimen dimensions, lack of laboratories adequately equipped, and its complexity hinder its use. This study aims to evaluate the so-called Montevideo (MVD) test as an alternative to the results of EN14651 bending tests, simplifying FRC mechanical evaluation. A strong correlation was obtained using the results of experimental campaigns carried out in three countries. Using two linear transformations, MVD loads can be converted to the EN14651 ones, both for the limit of proportionality and for the residual loads, which are valid for all the CMOD reported in EN14651. These general rules seem valid for different types of concretes (conventional, Self-Compacting, Ultra High-Performance, Micro and Sprayed concrete), blended with different fibre types (plastic and steel) and a wide range of contents, which show both softening and hardening behaviour.