Influence of Extra-Short Extra-Fine Steel Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete with Single-Doped Fly Ash

Abstract

This study assesses the influence of extra-short extra-fine steel fibers on the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) modified with fly ash. Replacing standard steel fibers with volume fractions ranging from 0%, 1.5%, 3%, 5% and 6%, the study optimizes the mix design for enhanced workability and mechanical properties. The findings reveal that, although the addition of steel fibers had a negative effect on the flowability, the cohesion is significantly improved, providing a basis for a significant improvement in the mechanical properties. The optimal fiber content is identified at 5%, achieving the highest compressive strength of 71.7 MPa, split tensile strength of 8.2 MPa, and flexural strength of 12.8 MPa at 28 d. However, further increases in fiber content beyond 5% lead to a deceleration in compressive and splitting tensile strength improvement and a 27.5% drop in flexural strength at 28 d. The study also emphasizes the good dispersion within the concrete, which helps to enhance its ductility and crack resistance, to some extent.