Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, cilt.470, sa.140521, ss.1-13, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This article offers exhaustive experimental research on the effect of different fiber volumes (1.00 % and 1.50 %) and combinations (single and hybrid) instead of compression reinforcing bars on the structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams fabricated from high-strength self-compacting concrete (SCC). Within the scope of the research, the fresh concrete properties of five different designed SCC mixes were determined in accordance with EFNARC guidelines. A total of ten full-scale SCC beams with the sizes of 200 × 300 × 2000 mm, two from each mix, were manufactured and tested under bending load after a curing period of 90 days. The test outcomes were compared and analyzed in detail with respect to key structural behavior parameters, such as the load-midspan deflection relationship, toughness, ductility, crack patterns, and failure modes. Additionally, a design approach for predicting the nominal flexural capacity of high-strength SCC beams containing high-volume steel fibers is proposed with some assumptions as per the ACI 544. The experimental results indicate that the inclusion of steel fibers instead of compression reinforcing bars in high-strength SCC beams markedly improved the structural performance; specifically, the high-volume hybrid steel fiber reinforcement (1.20 % macro steel and 0.30 % micro steel by volume) resulted in outstanding structural performance compared to other fiber volumes and combinations reinforcement. That is to say, the peak load, toughness, and deflection ductility index values of the SCC beams incorporating this high-volume hybrid steel fiber were obtained at 1.36, 2.01, and 1.39 times higher, respectively, in comparison to the non-fiber Control SCC beams with compression reinforcing bars. All in all, the use of high-volume hybrid steel fiber in place of intensive compression reinforcing bars to cover long spans in RC beams can significantly cut time in the construction process, as well as reduce labor and material costs, allowing for a more eco-friendly and cost-effective design process.