The Impact of Steel Fiber Length and Dosage on Microstructure and Mechanical Performance in UHPFRC: A Hybrid Approach.

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of steel fiber length (6 and 13 mm) and dosage on the microstructural and mechanical properties of an ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). The incorporation of 6 mm fiber significantly improved the material's workability characteristics. Microscopic evidence indicates better alignment and distribution of 13 mm fibers within the concrete matrix compared to 6 mm fibers, resulting in reduced porosity and enhanced matrix-fiber interaction. Mechanical testing confirmed that the inclusion of 13 mm steel fibers at various dosages consistently outperformed 6 mm fibers in enhancing compressive and flexural strengths. The optimal dosage, among those tested, for compressive strength was found to be 196 kg/m³ with 13 mm fibers, while the best performance in flexural strength was observed at 226 kg/m³.  To address the complex casting challenges inherent in UHPFRC—specifically the intricate metallic fiber distribution and limited workability prompted a comprehensive investigation into fiber mixture optimization strategies. Hybrid fiber approach was explored by substituting 10%, 20%, and 30% of the 13 mm fiber dosage (196 kg/m³) with 6 mm steel fibers. Among these, the mix containing 80% of 13 mm steel fibers and 20% of 6 mm steel fibers demonstrated the highest flexural strength, even than those with higher steel fiber content (226 kg/m³). This hybridization suggests an optimized combination of fiber lengths for enhanced flexural performance without compromising compressive strength, providing insights into effective fiber-reinforcement strategies for UHPFRC applications.