Experimental analysis of the efficiency of steel fibers on shear strength of beams

Abstract The efficiency of steel fibers for shear strength of reinforced concrete beams is assessed. Four beams were evaluated: control consisted of one beam without any steel fibers and three beams with reinforced concrete with steel fibers. All beams were reinforced for shear strength by a minimum reinforcement rate. The influence of fiber content added to concrete, at 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.0%, and the possibility of partial or total replacement of conventional shear reinforcement (stirrups) by steel fibers were evaluated. Results showed a significant increase in ductility and stiffness of the beams with steel fibers and, consequently, changes in the failure mode were observed, of shear (control beam) to flexure behavior (beams with steel fibers).