During the last four decades, fiber reinforced concrete has been increasingly used in structural applications. It is generally accepted that addition of steel fibers significantly increases tensile toughness and ductility, also slightly enhances the compressive strength. Although several studies have reported previously the favorable attributes of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), little general data is related to performance modeling. There are studies on the effect of fibers on compression, tension and shear behavior of concrete. As models proposed so far can, at best, describe only a few aspect of SFRC with a given type and amount of fibers, establishing simple and accurate generalized equations to describe the behavior of SFRC in tension, compression and shear that take into account the fiber type and content is essential. Therefore, a comprehensive experimental research on SFRC is conducted in University of Canterbury to develop generalized equations to represent the characteristics of SFRC. In this research, standard material tests of SFRC are carried out in tension, compression and shear to enable the parametric characterization and modeling of SFRC to be conducted. The tests are conducted using two different propriety fiber types (NovotexTM and DramixTM) with volumetric ratios ranging from 0 to 2 percent of the Novotex fibers and with 1 percent Dramix fibers. Compression tests are conducted on small and large cylinders. For characterization of tensile behavior, several different test methods are used including: direct tension of SFRC alone; SFRC with tension applied to an embedded longitudinal rebar; and flexural bending test. Similarly direct shear tests are conducted to investigate the additional shear resistance contributed by steel fibers. Variations in the results of different specimens are reconciled through normalization of stress and strain parameters. Based on the experimental results, empirical relations are derived for modeling and analysis of SFRC.

High performance cementitious composites have been increasingly used for a range of structural applications in many countries. More recently, a notable interest has been focused on structural performance under seismic loading. However, a critical lack of coherent information and experimental/numerical data available in the literature has to be recognized along with the absence of specific and well-accepted code-guidelines for use of FRC in seismic applications. More specifically, when dealing with seismic resistant frame systems, few researchers have investigated in the past the seismic response of beam-column joints reinforced with steel fibres. These preliminary experimental tests have shown that adding steel fibres in joints is an effective method for improving joint behaviour and energy absorption capacity as well as enhancing the damage tolerance of joints and reducing the number of stirrups in seismic joints. However, due to the limited number of experimental tests as well as of the wide dispersion in the type and mechanical properties of the fibres adopted in these independent researches, the actual contributions of concrete, steel fibres and stirrups to the overall joint shear capacity has not yet been clearly identified and understood. This research aims to investigate the seismic behaviour and failure modes of beam-column joint subassemblies reinforced with steel fibres with the intent to provide preliminary suggestions for a simple but rational analytical procedure to evaluate the joint shear strength when either fibres and/or stirrups are adopted. As part of a more comprehensive on-going research campaign on the seismic behaviour of FRC members and systems, six 2-D exterior beam-column joint subassemblies were tested under simulated seismic loading (quasi-static cyclic loading regime) at the Civil Engineering Laboratory of the University of Canterbury. In order to assess the contribution of steel fibres to the joint (panel zone) shear strength, both under-designed systems (with no transverse reinforcement in the joint, following older practice before the pre-1970s) and well designed systems (following the NZ concrete design standard NZS 3101:1995) were adopted as benchmark specimens. The performance of steel fibre reinforced beam-column joints were compared with that of conventional joints. Results showed that using steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) within beam-column joints can significantly enhance the shear resistance capacity of joints. However, using steel fibre reinforcement alone can not prevent buckling of the reinforcing bars when joints are under high intensity seismic loading. Furthermore, the test results also showed that using steel fibre reinforcement is an effective method to reduce the lateral reinforcement in the beam plastic hinge region. As part of the analytical investigation, a simplified procedure to evaluate the joint shear contribution provided by different amounts of fibres with or without the presence of stirrups has been also introduced. Influence of the axial load on the joint nominal shear capacity has been accounted for by adopting principle stresses. Tentative strength degradation curves (principle tensile stress vs. shear deformation) have also been calibrated on the experimental data which confirmed that a tentative relationship between the joint shear contributions provided by concrete, stirrups and steel fibres was a viable tool for designing SFRC joint. Furthermore, joint shear resistance coefficient contributed by steel fibres has been compared with previous experimental test available in literature to obtain an appropriate value for SFRC joint design guidelines. M_N performance based domain visualization has also been used to evaluate the hierarchy of strength and sequence of events of beam-column joint subassemblies.

When compared to traditional concrete, steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) shows several enhancements in performance, including improved tensile resistance, toughness and ductility. One potential application for SFRC is in columns where the provision of steel fibres can improve performance under axial and lateral loads. The use of SFRC can also allow for partial replacement of transverse reinforcement required by modern seismic codes. To improve workability, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) can be combined with steel fibres, leading to highly workable SFRC suitable for structural applications. Recent advances in material science have also led to the development of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concretes (UHPFRC), a material which exhibits very high compressive strength, enhanced post-cracking resistance and high damage tolerance. In heavily loaded ground-story columns, the use of UHPFRC can allow for reduced column sections. This thesis presents the results from a comprehensive research program conducted to study the axial behaviour of columns constructed with highly workable SFRC and UHPFRC. As part of the experimental program, twenty-three full-scale columns were tested under pure axial compressive loading. In the case of the SFRC columns, columns having rectangular section and constructed with SCC and steel fibres were tested, with variables including fibre content and spacing of transverse reinforcement. The results confirm that use of fibres results in improved column behaviour due to enhancements in core confinement and cover behaviour. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the provision of steel fibres in columns can allow for partial replacement of transverse reinforcement required by modern codes. The analytical investigation indicates that confinement models proposed by other researchers for traditional RC and SFRC can predict the response of columns constructed with SCC and highly workable SFRC. In the case of the UHPFRC columns, variables included configuration and spacing of transverse reinforcement. The results demonstrate that the use of appropriate detailing in UHPFRC columns can result in suitable ductility. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the improved damage tolerance of UHPFRC when compared to traditional high-strength concrete. The analytical investigation demonstrates the need for development of confinement models specific for UHPFRC.

In the concrete might occur cracks, due to the combination of residual stresses, cure or hydration, fluency effects, retraction and temperature effect. The objetive of incorporating steel fibers to concrete is to control the micro-cracking during aplication of loads and also improve the mechanical and residual resistance to fracturing properties . The toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete is a fundamental property to control cracking and is determinated by flexural bending test of prismatic beams. The advantages to use SFRC in the civil construction are: better cavitation resistance, improves the strength impact plus the shock thermal and increase the ductility by delaying the crack propagation in the concrete structural elements that is subjected to the tension or tension by flexural. This study, examines experimentally the mechanicals behavior of prismatic specimens of SFRC s toughness, according to the international recommendations of ASTM C1609 (2010), EN 14651 (2007) e JSCE-SF4 (1984). On next phase, the research sought to evaluate the influence of compressive strength and the fiber rate s behavior. The experimental program consisted in two matrices of 30 MPa and 40 MPa with two dosages of fibers corresponding to 60 kg/m³ and 30 kg/m³ (0,77 % and 0,38 % in volume) formed four composite of fibers. 64 prismatic specimens were cast to evaluate the tenacity and 132 cylindrical specimens to characterize the SFRC through the compression tests, modulus of elasticity and tensile by diametric compression (Brazilian test). In relation to the method of tests, the result shows that the increasing toughness of SFRC was higher when the fiber content increased the composite compared to the change in compressive strength. The EN 14651 that uses notched specimens, it is interesting method to determine the toughness of steel fiber reinforced concrete, because the method obtained lower coefficient of variation for toughness values and the crack it always propagates in the plane of the notch. / No concreto, a fissuração poder ocorrer devido à combinação das tensões residuais em razão da cura ou hidratação, efeitos de fluência, retração e efeito da temperatura. O objetivo de incorporar as fibras de aço ao concreto é controlar a microfissuração durante o carregamento e também melhorar as propriedades mecânicas e de resistências residuais ao fraturamento. A tenacidade do concreto reforçado com fibras de aço (CRFA) é uma propriedade fundamental para controle de fissuração e é determinada com o ensaio de tenacidade à flexão de vigas prismáticas. As vantagens de se utilizar o CRFA na construção civil são: maior resistência à cavitação, melhoria da resistência ao impacto e ao choque térmico e aumento da ductilidade por atrasar a propagação da fissura nos elementos estruturais do concreto submetido à tração ou à tração na flexão. Este estudo analisa os resultados da tenacidade do CRFA, obtidos experimentalmente em corpos de prova prismáticos conforme as recomendações internacionais da ASTM C1609 (2010), EN 14651 (2007) e JSCE-SF4 (1984). Em segundo momento buscou-se avaliar a influência da resistência à compressão e o teor de fibra neste comportamento. O programa experimental consistiu em duas matrizes com fck de 30 MPa e 40 MPa e duas dosagens de fibras correspondente a 60 kg/m³ e 30 kg/m³ (0,77% e 0,38% em volume), formando quatro compósitos. Foram moldados 64 corpos de prova prismáticos para avaliar a medida de tenacidade e 132 corpos de prova cilíndricos para caracterizar o CRFA através dos ensaios de compressão, módulo de elasticidade e tração por compressão diametral. Em relação aos métodos de ensaio, os resultados indicam que o aumento de tenacidade do CRFA foi maior quando se aumentou o teor de fibra no compósito, se comparado à alteração na resistência à compressão. O método EN 14651, que utiliza corpos de prova com entalhe, é um método interessante para determinação da tenacidade de concreto reforçado com fibras de aço, pois o método obteve menor coeficiente de variação dos valores de tenacidade e a fissura sempre se propaga no plano do entalhe. / Mestre em Engenharia Civil

The dominant reinforcement used widely for concrete structures is conventional steel bars (rebars). Nevertheless, the perpetual effort toward evolution and development could not exclude the engineering field, thus new innovative and sophisticated methods are introduced. It is true that, due to lack of extended regulations and standards, the fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) was limited to non-structural applications. However, the last years the situation is changing rapidly and already the applications of FRC include actual structural members. The subject of the current thesis was a tramway’s track slab from “Sparvag City” project in Stockholm. The aim was to evaluate the track slab, in terms of alternative reinforcing ways. In particular three models were examined; model I – conventional reinforcement, model II – steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and model III – SFRC with conventional reinforcement. The assessment was performed from structural, regulations – compliance, economic and ergonomic perspective. A static linear analysis of the track slab was performed using Abaqus; a finite element analysis (FEA) software. The track slab was subjected only to mechanical loads (selfweight and traffic actions) and thus, the design internal forces were extracted. Thereafter, Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1, 2004) and Swedish standards for FRC structures (SS 812310:2014) were utilized for the reinforcement design of the models. The design was performed in ultimate limit state (ULS), for bending moment and shear resistance, and in serviceability limit state (SLS), for stress limitation and crack control. Model I and III were successfully designed abiding with the respective regulations and requirements, while “only fibres” model was considered valid only for bending moment resistance according to SS 812310:2014. Consequently only models I and III were compared with each other. From the economic comparison it was obtained that model I was less expensive than model III, but on the other hand its construction time was larger. Furthermore model III contained significantly less total rebars’ mass in comparison to model I. This particularity was crucial for the ergonomic assessment. The human factors, that were relevant to the ergonomic assessment, improved the quality of the comparison and the extracted inferences, but also introduced aspects impossible to be put against economic facts as an equal quantity. Thus, there was not a final proposal as the best solution for the thesis subject. / Armeringen av betongkonstruktioner domineras av konventionell armering (armeringsjärn). Med den ständiga strävan mot utveckling och förbättring har inom teknikområdet nya innovativa och avancerade metoder introducerats. Det är på grund av bristen på normer, standarder som fiberarmerad betong begränsats till icke- bärande ändamål. Däremot har situationen förändrats under de senaste åren, redan idag kan man se konstruktioner där fiberarmering används till bärande ändamål. Amnet for den aktuella masterexamen var betongplatta i projektet ”Sparvag City” i Stockholm. Syftet var att utvärdera betongplattan, i form av att undersöka alternativa armeringsmöjligheter. I synnerhet undersöktes tre modeller; modell I- konventionellt armerad platta, modell IIstålfiberarmerad platta och modell III stålfiberarmerad platta kombinerad med konventionell armering. Modellernas möjligheter att uppfylla regelverkens krav undersöktes, men de jämfördes även ur ekonomiskt samt ergonomiskt perspektiv. En statisk linjär analys av betongplattan genomfördes i ett finit element program, Abaqus. Betongplattan utsattes för mekanisk belastning (egenvikt samt trafiklast) för vilken dimensionerande krafter extraherats. Därefter användes Eurocode 2 (EN 1992-1-1, 2004) och den svenska standarden för fiberarmerade betong konstruktioner (SS 812310:2014) för vidare konstruktionsberäkningar. Konstruktionsberäkningarna för betongplattan genomfördes i brottgränstillstånd för böjmoment samt tvärkraft, i brukgränsmotståndet undersöktes betongplattan för spänningsbegränsningar samt sprickkontroll. Konstruktionsberäkningarna kunde genomföras för modell I och III med de existerande föreskrifterna och kraven, men modellen med ”endast fibrer” kunde endast dimensionerna för böjmoment enligt SS 812310:2014. Därför kunde endast modell I och III fortsättningsvis jämföras med varandra. Från den ekonomiska jämförelsen erhölls det att modellen I var billigare än modell III, men att konstruktionstiden var längre. Dessutom var behoven för konventionell armering (armeringsjärn) betydligt mindre för modell III till skillnad från modell I. Modellernas innehåll av konventionell armering var avgörande för den ergonomiska bedömningen. Den mänskliga faktorn, som var relevanta för den ergonomiska bedömningens, gav jämförelsen av modellerna en annan dimension, där de viktiga mänskliga faktorerna

When compared to traditional concrete, steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) shows several enhancements in performance, including improved tensile resistance, toughness and ductility. One potential application for SFRC is in columns where the provision of steel fibres can improve performance under axial and lateral loads. The use of SFRC can also allow for partial replacement of transverse reinforcement required by modern seismic codes. To improve workability, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) can be combined with steel fibres, leading to highly workable SFRC suitable for structural applications. Recent advances in material science have also led to the development of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concretes (UHPFRC), a material which exhibits very high compressive strength, enhanced post-cracking resistance and high damage tolerance. In heavily loaded ground-story columns, the use of UHPFRC can allow for reduced column sections. This thesis presents the results from a comprehensive research program conducted to study the axial behaviour of columns constructed with highly workable SFRC and UHPFRC. As part of the experimental program, twenty-three full-scale columns were tested under pure axial compressive loading. In the case of the SFRC columns, columns having rectangular section and constructed with SCC and steel fibres were tested, with variables including fibre content and spacing of transverse reinforcement. The results confirm that use of fibres results in improved column behaviour due to enhancements in core confinement and cover behaviour. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the provision of steel fibres in columns can allow for partial replacement of transverse reinforcement required by modern codes. The analytical investigation indicates that confinement models proposed by other researchers for traditional RC and SFRC can predict the response of columns constructed with SCC and highly workable SFRC. In the case of the UHPFRC columns, variables included configuration and spacing of transverse reinforcement. The results demonstrate that the use of appropriate detailing in UHPFRC columns can result in suitable ductility. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the improved damage tolerance of UHPFRC when compared to traditional high-strength concrete. The analytical investigation demonstrates the need for development of confinement models specific for UHPFRC.

The purpose of this study is to examine American perceptions of Russia as a problem between 2001 and 2021, specifically the perceptions present in the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC). It tries to answer two questions: 1) how the perceptions have developed, and the perceived reasons driving this development, and 2) the differences between Republican and Democratic senators. This is done with a qualitative content analysis of the seven hearings for United States Secretary of State held between 2001, in the beginning of George W. Bush’s presidency, to 2021, the beginning of Joe Biden’s presidency. The study makes use of actor-specific theory and Kaplowitz’ theory on the perception of enemies as its theoretical framework. The result of the study is that the perception has developed from a cautious view of a Russia that is unstable, but not hostile, to one of Russia as actively hostile and problematic. The question of party differences indicates that there are few differences between the two parties other than their view on Donald Trump and his connections to Russia, although this finding is not as conclusive.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research in concrete has advanced to such an extent that it is now possible to add steel fibres to concrete in order to improve its durability and ductility. This led to a research group in Europe, FIB, who has provided guidelines to designing Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) structures. They have found that it is possible for SFRC beams in flexure to be in static equilibrium. However, the time-dependent behaviour of SFRC has not been researched fully and it requires further investigation. When looking at a concrete beam in flexure there are two main stress zones, the compression zone and the tension zone, of which the tensile zone will be of great interest. This study will report on the investigation of the tensile time-dependent behaviour of SFRC in order to determine how it differs from conventional concrete. The concrete has been designed specifically to exhibit strain-softening behaviour so that the material properties of SFRC could be investigated fully. Factors such as shrinkage and tensile creep of SFRC were of the greatest importance and an experimental test setup was designed in order to test the tensile creep of concrete in a simple and effective manner. Comparisons were be made between the tensile creep behaviour of conventional concrete and SFRC where emphasis was placed on the difference between SFRC specimens before and after cracking occurred in order to determine the influence of steel fibre pull-out. The addition of steel fibres significantly reduced the shrinkage and tensile creep of concrete when un-cracked. It was however found that the displacement of fibre pull-out completely overshadowed the tensile creep displacements of SFRC. It was necessary to investigate what effect this would have on the deflection of SFRC beams in flexure once cracked. Viscoelastic behaviour using Maxwell chains were used to model the behaviour of the tensile creep as found during the tests and the parameters of these models were used for further analyses. Finite Element Analyses were done on SFRC beams in flexure in order simulate creep behaviour of up to 30 years in order to determine the difference in deflections at mid-span between un-cracked and pre-cracked beams. The analyses done showed that the deflections of the pre-cracked SFRC beams surpassed the requirements of the Serviceability Limit States, which should be taken into account when designing SFRC beams. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing in beton het gevorder tot so ‘n mate dat dit nou al moontlik is om staal vesels by die beton te voeg sodat dit beton se duursaamheid en duktiliteit te verbeter. Dit het gelei tot ‘n groep in Europa, FIB, wat dit moontlik gemaak het om Staal Vesel Beton (SVB) strukture te ontwerp. Hulle het gevind dat dit moontlik is vir SVB balke om in statiese ewewig te wees tydens buiging. Die tyd afhanklike gedrag van SVB is egter nog nie deeglik ondersoek nie en benodig dus verdure ondersoek. Wanneer ‘n balk in buiging aanskou word kan twee hoof spanningzones identifiseer word, ‘n druk zone en ‘n trek zone, waarvan die trek zone van die grootste belang is. Hierdie studie gaan verslag lewer oor die ondersoek van tyd-afhanklike trekgedrag van SVB om te bepaal hoe dit verskil van konvensionele beton. Die beton was spesifiek ontwerp om vervormingsversagtende gedrag te wat maak dat die materiaal eienskappe van SVB ten volle ondersoek kan word. Faktore soos krimp en die trekkruip van SVB was van die grootste belang en ‘n eksperimentele toets opstelling was ontwerp om die trekkruip van beton op ‘n eenvoudige en effektiewe manier te toets. Daar was vergelykings getref tussen die trekkruip gedrag van konvensionele beton en SVP en groot klem was geplaas op die verskil tussen SVB monsters voor en na die monsters gekraak het om te bepaal wat die invloed was van staalvesels wat uittrek. Die byvoeging van staalvesels het beduidend die kruip en trekkruip van beton verminder. Daar was alhoewel gevind dat die verplasing van die uittrek van staalvesels heeltemal die trekkruip verplasings van SVB oorskadu het. Dit was nodig om te sien watse effek dit op die verplasing van SVB balke in buiging sal hê. Viskoelastiese gedrag deur Maxwell kettings was gebruik om die gedrag van trekkruip, soos gevind deur die toetse, te modelleer en die parameters van hierdie modelle was verder gebruik vir analises. Eindige Element Analises was gedoen op SVB balke in buiging om die trekkruip gedrag tot op 30 jaar te simuleer op die verskil tussen die defleksies by midspan tussen ongekraakte en vooraf gekraakte balke te vind. Die analises het gewys dat die defleksies van die vooraf gekraakte balke nie voldoen het aan die vereistes van die Diensbaarheid limiete nie, wat in ag geneem moet word wanneer SVB balke ontwerp word.

It is well known that crack spacings and widths can be reduced with the addition of steel fibres to a concrete mix. However, test data for the tensile behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete members containing conventional steel reinforcement (R/FRC members) are scarce relative to those of reinforced concrete (RC) specimens and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) specimens without reinforcing bars. In this research program, uniaxial tension tests were conducted on 12 RC and 48 R/FRC specimens in order to observe cracking and tension stiffening behaviour. The parameters under observation were fibre volumetric content, fibre length and aspect ratio, conventional reinforcement ratio and steel reinforcing bar diameter. ‘Dog-bone’ tension tests and bending tests were also performed in order to determine tensile material properties. It was discovered that currently available crack spacing formulae significantly overestimate the average stabilized crack spacing for R/FRC; therefore, an improved crack spacing model was developed and proposed.

It is well known that crack spacings and widths can be reduced with the addition of steel fibres to a concrete mix. However, test data for the tensile behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete members containing conventional steel reinforcement (R/FRC members) are scarce relative to those of reinforced concrete (RC) specimens and fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) specimens without reinforcing bars. In this research program, uniaxial tension tests were conducted on 12 RC and 48 R/FRC specimens in order to observe cracking and tension stiffening behaviour. The parameters under observation were fibre volumetric content, fibre length and aspect ratio, conventional reinforcement ratio and steel reinforcing bar diameter. ‘Dog-bone’ tension tests and bending tests were also performed in order to determine tensile material properties. It was discovered that currently available crack spacing formulae significantly overestimate the average stabilized crack spacing for R/FRC; therefore, an improved crack spacing model was developed and proposed.