Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o comportamento pós-pico de pilares com concretos de alta resistência confinados com e sem adição de fibras metálicas, submetidos à flexo-compressão. Para tanto, realizou-se inicialmente uma extensa revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, na qual, elencaram-se os principais fatores que influenciam o comportamento pós-pico desses elementos estruturais. Em seguida, desenvolveram-se estudos paramétricos com o intuito de estabelecer os modos de influência de cada fator. Com base nesses estudos preliminares, um programa experimental, dividido em duas fases, foi proposto. Na primeira fase, ensaiaram-se vinte e seis pilares de concreto armado e 14 pilares de concreto simples. Três fatores foram estudados: a taxa de adição de fibras metálicas, a taxa de armadura transversal e a resistência à compressão do concreto. Os pilares possuíam seções transversais quadradas com dimensões 15 cm x 15 cm e altura de 50 cm e foram ensaiados à compressão centrada com controle de deslocamento. Observou-se que os três fatores analisados influenciam diretamente a ductilidade desses elementos estruturais e que, por meio de adição de fibras metálicas, é possível garantir índices de ductilidade aceitáveis para os pilares com concreto de alta resistência. Outrossim, analisando-se os diagramas força vs. deformação dos pilares, observou-se que para o primeiro pico de força, toda a seção resiste a esforços de compressão e que a adição de fibras melhora o trabalho conjunto entre o cobrimento e o núcleo do pilar. Finalizando esta fase, propuseram-se modificações para o modelo para concreto confinado de Cusson e Paultre (1995), de modo que, permitisse ao mesmo modelar o comportamento do concreto confinado com e sem adição de fibras metálicas. Na segunda fase do programa experimental, quinze pilares de concreto armado foram ensaiados a compressão excêntrica. Essa fase teve como objetivo investigar a influência da excentricidade, da taxa de armadura transversal e da taxa de adição de fibras metálicas no comportamento pós-pico desses elementos estruturais. Os pilares, nessa fase, possuíam seção transversal quadrada com dimensões de 15 cm x 15 cm e altura de 170 cm. Para realização dos ensaios foi confeccionado um par de rótulas unidirecionais, as quais apresentaram excelente desempenho, conseguindo transferir integralmente o momento externo aplicado ao pilar. Observou-se que, tanto a flambagem das barras da armadura longitudinal, quanto a perda de massa de concreto nesses pilares ocorrem de modo bem mais crítico que nos pilares submetidos à compressão centrada. Constatou-se, ainda, que quando os valores dos três fatores analisados são elevados, a ductilidade desses elementos estruturais é melhorada. Finalmente, foi observado que o efeito da flexão faz com que as tensões de confinamento se distribuam de modo diferenciado dentro da seção transversal dos pilares; contudo, observou-se que a tensão de confinamento na região comprimida da seção transversal pouco é modificada. / This thesis aims to investigate the ductility of high strength concrete columns, with confinement and/or with steel fibre addition, under combined axial load and bending. For this, an extensive survey was performed, and the main factors, which influence the column ductility, were pointed out. Then, parametric studies were done, aiming to establish the mode of influence of each factor. Based on these preliminaries studies, an experimental investigation, divided in two steps, was proposed. In the first part, twenty-six reinforced concrete columns and fourteen concrete columns were tested and three factors were analysed: the ratio of fibre addition, the transversal reinforcement ratio and the concrete compressive strength. The columns have 15 cm x 15 cm square cross section and were 50 cm high. They were tested under concentric load with displacement control. It was observed that all factors interfere in the columns\' ductility, and that, by adding fibre in the concrete, is possible to provide acceptable ductility index to high strength concrete columns. The load vs. column strain diagrams were studied and it was verified that for the first load peak, all the column cross section resists the axial load. Besides that, it was observed that the fibre addition improves the work together between the cover and the column core. Finally, several modifications to the concrete confinement model of Cusson and Paultre (1995) were proposed to allow this model to analyse the compressive behaviour of the confined concrete with or/not fibre addition. In the second part of the experimental program, fifteen reinforced concrete columns were tested under eccentric load. The effects of the load eccentricity, the ratio of steel fibre addition and the transversal reinforcement ratio on the column ductility were investigated. The columns have 15 cm x 15 cm square cross section and were 170 cm high. A pair of unidirectional hinges was design, which presented exceptional performance, transferring integrally the external applied moment to the columns. A most critical model of longitudinal reinforcement buckling and mass lost was observed. In addition, it was verified that when the values of all factors were increased, the column ductility was improved. Finally, a different distribution mode of the confinement pressure on the column cross section was observed, when combined axial load and bending is applied. Nevertheless, the confinement pressure on the compressive region of the column cross section is not modified.

Os pisos industriais são elementos que estão presentes em muitas obras da construção civil. Devido a isso, estudos devem ser procedidos para melhorar seu desempenho. Concretos reforçados com fibras metálicas são alternativas para a produção de pisos, pois as fibras melhoram o comportamento do concreto transformando-o de um material quase-frágil em um material com comportamento pseudo-ductil. Diversas manifestações patológicas vêm sendo constatadas em pisos, como fissuras, e o emprego destas fibras visa minimizar estas deficiências. Assim, nesta pesquisa, foi estudado o traço 1: 2,5: 3,1 a/c 0,55, com adição de três teores diferentes de fibras: 0,25%; 0,35% e 0,60%, em volume de concreto, e dois fatores de forma FF/65 e FF/80. Para avaliar características do concreto foram realizados ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos, flexão a três pontos, módulo de elasticidade e resistência à compressão axial. A partir destes ensaios pode-se verificar o comportamento de cada teor em relação: à tenacidade, às variações na carga de pico, à capacidade de manter a resistência residual pós-ruptura e à abertura da fissura. Também foram avaliadas as diferenças do comportamento em relação à moldagem dos CPs, devido ao fato que foram moldados CPs cilíndricos convencionais e extraídos de blocos. Verificou-se que a inserção de fibras não causa significativas alterações na resistência à compressão axial e também no módulo de elasticidade. Quando a análise é realizada para o tipo de moldagem verificou-se que os CPs cilíndricos convencionais obtiveram melhor desempenho, em comparação aos extraídos. Na avaliação dos ensaios de flexão observou-se que o teor exerce maior influência no desempenho se comparado com a mudança no fator de forma. padrão de fissuração nas vigas foi o esperado para teores abaixo do volume crítico. Verificou-se uma menor variabilidade dos resultados de flexão a três pontos em relação ao ensaio de flexão a quatro pontos. Constatou-se um aumento da energia de fratura com o aumento do teor de fibras. Com as propriedades estimadas experimentalmente foi dimensionado um piso industrial para uma aplicação específica, ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa. Concluindo que nesta pesquisa a variação no FF não causou impactos no desempenho final ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa, para o dimensionamento. / Industrial floors are elements that are present in many works of construction. Because of this, studies should be proceeded to improve their performance. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers are alternatives for the production of floors, because the fibers improve the concrete behavior making it a quasi-brittle material in a material with pseudo-ductile behavior. Several pathological manifestations have been observed in floors, such as cracks, and the use of these fibers is to minimize these deficiencies. Thus, in this research, we studied the trace 1: 2.5: 3.1 a / c 0.55, with addition of three different levels of fiber: 0.25%; 0.35% and 0.60% in volume of concrete, and two form factors FF / 65 and FF / 80. To evaluate specific characteristics of flexure tests were conducted at four points, the three points bending, modulus of elasticity and resistance to axial compression. From these tests can verify the behavior of each content regarding: the tenacity, to changes in peak load, the ability to maintain the post-break residual strength and the opening of the crack. They were also evaluated behavioral differences in relation to the molding of CPs due to the fact that were shaped conventional cylindrical CPs and extracted blocks. It was found that the fiber insertion does not cause significant changes in compressive strength and also the modulus of elasticity. When the analysis is performed for the type of molding it found that conventional cylindrical CPs performed better in comparison to extracted. In the evaluation of bending tests it was observed that the content has the most influence on performance compared with the change in form factor. The pattern of cracks on the beams was expected to levels below the critical volume. There was less variation of bending results at three points over the flexure test at four points. It was found an increased fracture energy with increased fiber content. With the properties estimated experimentally has been designed an industrial floor for a specific application, pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative. Concluding that this research variation in FF caused no impact on final performance pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative for the design.

Os pisos industriais são elementos que estão presentes em muitas obras da construção civil. Devido a isso, estudos devem ser procedidos para melhorar seu desempenho. Concretos reforçados com fibras metálicas são alternativas para a produção de pisos, pois as fibras melhoram o comportamento do concreto transformando-o de um material quase-frágil em um material com comportamento pseudo-ductil. Diversas manifestações patológicas vêm sendo constatadas em pisos, como fissuras, e o emprego destas fibras visa minimizar estas deficiências. Assim, nesta pesquisa, foi estudado o traço 1: 2,5: 3,1 a/c 0,55, com adição de três teores diferentes de fibras: 0,25%; 0,35% e 0,60%, em volume de concreto, e dois fatores de forma FF/65 e FF/80. Para avaliar características do concreto foram realizados ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos, flexão a três pontos, módulo de elasticidade e resistência à compressão axial. A partir destes ensaios pode-se verificar o comportamento de cada teor em relação: à tenacidade, às variações na carga de pico, à capacidade de manter a resistência residual pós-ruptura e à abertura da fissura. Também foram avaliadas as diferenças do comportamento em relação à moldagem dos CPs, devido ao fato que foram moldados CPs cilíndricos convencionais e extraídos de blocos. Verificou-se que a inserção de fibras não causa significativas alterações na resistência à compressão axial e também no módulo de elasticidade. Quando a análise é realizada para o tipo de moldagem verificou-se que os CPs cilíndricos convencionais obtiveram melhor desempenho, em comparação aos extraídos. Na avaliação dos ensaios de flexão observou-se que o teor exerce maior influência no desempenho se comparado com a mudança no fator de forma. padrão de fissuração nas vigas foi o esperado para teores abaixo do volume crítico. Verificou-se uma menor variabilidade dos resultados de flexão a três pontos em relação ao ensaio de flexão a quatro pontos. Constatou-se um aumento da energia de fratura com o aumento do teor de fibras. Com as propriedades estimadas experimentalmente foi dimensionado um piso industrial para uma aplicação específica, ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa. Concluindo que nesta pesquisa a variação no FF não causou impactos no desempenho final ressaltando que o teor de 0,35% seria a melhor alternativa, para o dimensionamento. / Industrial floors are elements that are present in many works of construction. Because of this, studies should be proceeded to improve their performance. Concrete reinforced with steel fibers are alternatives for the production of floors, because the fibers improve the concrete behavior making it a quasi-brittle material in a material with pseudo-ductile behavior. Several pathological manifestations have been observed in floors, such as cracks, and the use of these fibers is to minimize these deficiencies. Thus, in this research, we studied the trace 1: 2.5: 3.1 a / c 0.55, with addition of three different levels of fiber: 0.25%; 0.35% and 0.60% in volume of concrete, and two form factors FF / 65 and FF / 80. To evaluate specific characteristics of flexure tests were conducted at four points, the three points bending, modulus of elasticity and resistance to axial compression. From these tests can verify the behavior of each content regarding: the tenacity, to changes in peak load, the ability to maintain the post-break residual strength and the opening of the crack. They were also evaluated behavioral differences in relation to the molding of CPs due to the fact that were shaped conventional cylindrical CPs and extracted blocks. It was found that the fiber insertion does not cause significant changes in compressive strength and also the modulus of elasticity. When the analysis is performed for the type of molding it found that conventional cylindrical CPs performed better in comparison to extracted. In the evaluation of bending tests it was observed that the content has the most influence on performance compared with the change in form factor. The pattern of cracks on the beams was expected to levels below the critical volume. There was less variation of bending results at three points over the flexure test at four points. It was found an increased fracture energy with increased fiber content. With the properties estimated experimentally has been designed an industrial floor for a specific application, pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative. Concluding that this research variation in FF caused no impact on final performance pointing out that the 0.35% level would be the best alternative for the design.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar o comportamento pós-pico de pilares com concretos de alta resistência confinados com e sem adição de fibras metálicas, submetidos à flexo-compressão. Para tanto, realizou-se inicialmente uma extensa revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, na qual, elencaram-se os principais fatores que influenciam o comportamento pós-pico desses elementos estruturais. Em seguida, desenvolveram-se estudos paramétricos com o intuito de estabelecer os modos de influência de cada fator. Com base nesses estudos preliminares, um programa experimental, dividido em duas fases, foi proposto. Na primeira fase, ensaiaram-se vinte e seis pilares de concreto armado e 14 pilares de concreto simples. Três fatores foram estudados: a taxa de adição de fibras metálicas, a taxa de armadura transversal e a resistência à compressão do concreto. Os pilares possuíam seções transversais quadradas com dimensões 15 cm x 15 cm e altura de 50 cm e foram ensaiados à compressão centrada com controle de deslocamento. Observou-se que os três fatores analisados influenciam diretamente a ductilidade desses elementos estruturais e que, por meio de adição de fibras metálicas, é possível garantir índices de ductilidade aceitáveis para os pilares com concreto de alta resistência. Outrossim, analisando-se os diagramas força vs. deformação dos pilares, observou-se que para o primeiro pico de força, toda a seção resiste a esforços de compressão e que a adição de fibras melhora o trabalho conjunto entre o cobrimento e o núcleo do pilar. Finalizando esta fase, propuseram-se modificações para o modelo para concreto confinado de Cusson e Paultre (1995), de modo que, permitisse ao mesmo modelar o comportamento do concreto confinado com e sem adição de fibras metálicas. Na segunda fase do programa experimental, quinze pilares de concreto armado foram ensaiados a compressão excêntrica. Essa fase teve como objetivo investigar a influência da excentricidade, da taxa de armadura transversal e da taxa de adição de fibras metálicas no comportamento pós-pico desses elementos estruturais. Os pilares, nessa fase, possuíam seção transversal quadrada com dimensões de 15 cm x 15 cm e altura de 170 cm. Para realização dos ensaios foi confeccionado um par de rótulas unidirecionais, as quais apresentaram excelente desempenho, conseguindo transferir integralmente o momento externo aplicado ao pilar. Observou-se que, tanto a flambagem das barras da armadura longitudinal, quanto a perda de massa de concreto nesses pilares ocorrem de modo bem mais crítico que nos pilares submetidos à compressão centrada. Constatou-se, ainda, que quando os valores dos três fatores analisados são elevados, a ductilidade desses elementos estruturais é melhorada. Finalmente, foi observado que o efeito da flexão faz com que as tensões de confinamento se distribuam de modo diferenciado dentro da seção transversal dos pilares; contudo, observou-se que a tensão de confinamento na região comprimida da seção transversal pouco é modificada. / This thesis aims to investigate the ductility of high strength concrete columns, with confinement and/or with steel fibre addition, under combined axial load and bending. For this, an extensive survey was performed, and the main factors, which influence the column ductility, were pointed out. Then, parametric studies were done, aiming to establish the mode of influence of each factor. Based on these preliminaries studies, an experimental investigation, divided in two steps, was proposed. In the first part, twenty-six reinforced concrete columns and fourteen concrete columns were tested and three factors were analysed: the ratio of fibre addition, the transversal reinforcement ratio and the concrete compressive strength. The columns have 15 cm x 15 cm square cross section and were 50 cm high. They were tested under concentric load with displacement control. It was observed that all factors interfere in the columns\' ductility, and that, by adding fibre in the concrete, is possible to provide acceptable ductility index to high strength concrete columns. The load vs. column strain diagrams were studied and it was verified that for the first load peak, all the column cross section resists the axial load. Besides that, it was observed that the fibre addition improves the work together between the cover and the column core. Finally, several modifications to the concrete confinement model of Cusson and Paultre (1995) were proposed to allow this model to analyse the compressive behaviour of the confined concrete with or/not fibre addition. In the second part of the experimental program, fifteen reinforced concrete columns were tested under eccentric load. The effects of the load eccentricity, the ratio of steel fibre addition and the transversal reinforcement ratio on the column ductility were investigated. The columns have 15 cm x 15 cm square cross section and were 170 cm high. A pair of unidirectional hinges was design, which presented exceptional performance, transferring integrally the external applied moment to the columns. A most critical model of longitudinal reinforcement buckling and mass lost was observed. In addition, it was verified that when the values of all factors were increased, the column ductility was improved. Finally, a different distribution mode of the confinement pressure on the column cross section was observed, when combined axial load and bending is applied. Nevertheless, the confinement pressure on the compressive region of the column cross section is not modified.

While the increase in shear strength of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) is well recognized, it has yet to be found common application of this material in building structures and there is no existing national standard that treats SFRC in a systematic manner. The aim of the diploma work is to investigate the shear strength of fibre reinforced concrete beams and the available test data and analyse the latter against the mostpromising equations available in the literature. The equations investigated are:Narayanan and Darwish’s formula, the German, the RILEM and the Italian guidelines. Thirty articles, selected among over one hundred articles taken from literature, have been used to create the database that contains almost 600 beams tested in shear. This large number of beams has been decreased to 371 excluding all those beams and test that do not fall within the limitation stated for this thesis. Narayanan and Darwish’s formula can be utilized every time that the fibre percentage, the type of fibres, the beam dimensions, the flexural reinforcement and the concrete strength class have been defined. On the opposite, the parameters introduced in the German, the RILEM and the Italian guidelines always require a further characterization of the concrete (with bending test) in order to describe the post‐cracking behaviour. The parameters involved in the guidelines are the residual flexural tensile strengths according to the different test set‐ups. A method for predicting the residual flexural tensile strength from the knowledge of the fibre properties, the cylindrical compressive strength of the concrete and the amount of fibres percentage is suggested. The predictions of the shear strength, obtained using the proposed method for the residual flexural tensile strength, showed to be satisfactory when compared with the experimental results. A comparison among the aforementioned equations corroborate the validity of the empirical formulations proposed by Narayanan and Darwish nevertheless only the other equations provide a realistic assessments of the strength, toughness and ductility of structural elements subjected to shear loading. Over the three investigated equations, which work with the post‐cracking characterization of the material, the Italian guideline proposal is the one that, due to its wide domain of validity and the results obtained for the gathered database of beams, has been selected as the most reliable equation.

En svensk standard, SS 812310­ – Dimensionering av fiberbetongkonstruktioner, har nyligen tagits fram som skall säkerhetsställa kvalitén och underlätta dimensioneringen av stålfiberbetongkonstruktioner. Tidigare har det inte funnits en dimensioneringsstandard som täcker in området stålfiberbetong. Det har varit upp till enskilda konstruktörer att dimensionera utifrån metoder angivna ur ”Svenska Betongföreningens rapport nr 13”. Materialdata har hämtats från stålfiberleverantörer eller balkprovning. Detta har ibland medfört felaktiga dimensioneringar och en osäkerhet till användandet av stålfiberbetong som material. Förhoppningen med den nyutkomna standarden är att den skall underlätta dimensioneringen av konstruktioner med stålfiberbetong och därigenom att materialet börjar användas i bredare utsträckning. Syftet med examensarbetet är att granska den nyutkomna standarden genom att applicera dess beräkningsmetoder på en konkret dimensioneringsuppgift. I examensarbetet har två olika fält av ett bostadsbjälklag, med olika randvillkor, undersökts. Dimensionering med hänsyn till moment- och tvärkraftskapacitet har utförts i brottgränstillstånd, och med hänsyn till sprickbredd och deformationer i bruksgränstillstånd. Dimensioneringen har utförts dels med enbart traditionell armering och dels i en kombination av traditionell armering och stålfibrer. Resultatet av arbetet visar att användandning av stålfibrer i kombination med armeringsjärn ger en betydande minskning av sprickbredden, deformationerna blir mindre och tvärkraftskapaciteten ökar. Vi kunde dra slutsatsen att det är bra att en svensk standard för stålfiberbetong har tagits fram så att konstruktionsföretag i Sverige har något att förhålla sig till. Den behöver dock förtydligas i vissa avseenden samt revideras där vi upptäckte några brister. / A Swedish standard, SS 812310 – Design of Fibre Concrete Structures, have recently been developed to ensure the quality and facilitate the design of steel fiber concrete. Previously, there was no design standard that covered the material steel fiber concrete. It was up to the individual engineer to design the constructions based methods from the Swedish report “Svenska Betongföreningens rapport nr 13”. Material data was gathered from the steel fibre suppliers or beam test. This sometimes led to incorrect designs and also an uncertainty to the use of steel fiber concrete as a material. The expectation with the newly published standard is to ease the process of designing the constructions of steel fiber concrete and thereby the material will be used in a wider extent. The purpose of this thesis is to examine the recently published standard by applying its calculation methods on a design task. In this thesis, two different slab panels of a residential floor, with different boundary conditions, was investigated. Design with respect to moment- and shear force capacity has been carried out in the ultimate limit state, and with respect to crack width and deflections at serviceability limit state. The dimensioning has been performed partly with only traditional reinforcement and partly with traditional reinforcement in combination (Svenska Betongföreningen, 2008) with steel fibers. The result of this thesis shows that the use of steel fibers combined with reinforcing bar provides a significant reduction in crack width, the deformations become smaller and the shear resistance increases. We could conclude that it is good that a Swedish standard for steel fiber concrete has been developed so that construction companies in Sweden have something to relate to. However, it needs to be clarified at some aspects and revised because of some deficiencies we discovered.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) is the most prominent fibre reinforced concrete composite that was engineered to enhance the material’s post-cracking behaviour. In certain situations it is utilised to replace conventional reinforcement and considered to be more cost-efficient. The purpose of this research is to characterise the moment redistribution behaviour of a statically indeterminate SFRC structure with varying volumes of fibres, with the focus on the development of the moment redistribution accompanied by the rotation of the plastic hinges at the critical sections in the structure. The material properties were characterised with a series of experimental tests. The compression behaviour was obtained with uniaxial compression tests while the uniaxial tensile behaviour was obtained with an inverse analysis performed according to flexural test results. These properties were utilised to derive a theoretical moment-curvature relation for each SFRC member which supplied the basis for the characterised moment-rotation behaviour and the finite element analyses (FEA) performed on the statically indeterminate structure. Experimental tests were conducted on the statically indeterminate structure in laboratory conditions to validate the theoretical findings. For the different SFRCs the material properties in compression were similar, while it resulted in an increased tensile resistance with an increase in the volume steel fibres. The theoretical momentcurvature and moment-rotation responses also indicated an increased structural capacity and member ductility with an increase in the volume fibres. From the finite element analyses the computational moment redistribution-plastic rotation relations were obtained. It was found that the final amount of moment redistribution decreased with an increase in the fibre volume, but that the rotational capacity increased. It was found that the experimental moment-curvature and moment-rotation results correlate well with the theoretical predictions. Also, unexpected structural behaviour was observed, but the issue was addressed with applicable computational analyses which confirmed the possible causes. It was concluded that the computational moment redistribution approximations were reasonably accurate. A parameter study indicated that the crack band width differed among the different SFRC members. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Staal vesel versterkte beton (SVVB) is die mees vooraanstaande vesel versterkte beton mengsel wat ontwikkel is om die materiaalgedrag na kraakvorming te verbeter. In sekere situasies kan dit gebruik word om konvensionele staal te vervang en lei soms to koste vermindering . Die einddoel van die studie is om die moment herverdeling gedrag te karaktiseer vir ‘n statiese onpebaalbare SVVB struktuur deur die invloed van verskillende volumes vesels en die rotasie kapasiteit by die kritieke posisies in ag te neem. Die materiaal eienskappe was geidentifiseer met ‘n reeks eksperimentele toetse. Die druk gedrag was geïdentifiseer deur eenassige druktoetse, terwyl die eenassige trek gedrag bekom is met die implementasie van ‘n inverse analise van die uitgevoerde buig toetse. Hierdie eienskappe is gebruik om die teoretise moment-kromming verhouding vir elke mengsel te bekom. Hierdie verhoudings word as die basis bestempel vir die teoretiese moment-rotasie verhouding en die eindige element analises (EEA) wat op ‘n staties onbepaalbare struktuur toegepas is. Eksperimentele toetse is op hierdie voorgestelde struktuur toegepas om die teoretiese verwagtings te verifieer. Dit is gevind dat die druk gedrag ooreenstem tussen die verskillende mengsels, alhoewel ‘n toename in die trek kapasiteit ervaar is met ‘n toename in die volume vesels. Die teoretiese momentkromming en moment-rotasie verwantskappe stel ook voor dat die strukturele kapasiteit en duktiliteit toeneem met ‘n toename in die volume vesels. Die teoretiese moment herverdeling-plastiese rotasie verwantskapppe is verkry deur middel van die eindige element analises. Dit is gevind dat die aantal moment herverdeling by faling afgeneem het vir ‘n toename in die volume vesels, maar dat dit to ‘n groter rotasie kapasiteit gelei het. Van die eksperimentele resultate is dit afgelei dat die teoretiese moment-kromming en momentrotasie verwantskappe goeie benaderings voorstel. Sekere invloede van die opstelling het daartoe gelei dat onverwagte strukturele gedrag bekom is, maar die moontlike invloede is verifieer met eindige element analises. Dit is afgelei dat die teoretiese beramings van die moment herverdeling gedrag redelik akkuraat is. ‘n Parameter studie het getoon dat die kraak spasiëring verskil tussen mengsels met verskillende volumes vesels.

It is important to ensure that vulnerable structures (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant to safeguard life and critical infrastructure. In the wake of recent malicious attacks and accidental explosions, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that columns in structures are properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collapse. Research has shown that steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can enhance many of the properties of concrete, including improved post-cracking tensile capacity, enhanced shear resistance, and increased ductility. The enhanced properties of SFRC make it an ideal candidate for use in the blast resistant design of structures. There is limited research on the behaviour of SFRC under high strain rates, including impact and blast loading, and some of this data is conflicting, with some researchers showing that the additional ductility normally evident in SFRC is absent or reduced at high strain loading. On the other hand, other data indicates that SFRC can improve toughness and energy-absorption capacity under extreme loading conditions. This thesis presents the results of experimental research involving tests of scaled reinforced concrete columns exposed to shock wave induced impulsive loads using the University of Ottawa Shock Tube. A total of 13 half-scale steel fibre reinforced concrete columns, 8 with normal strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and 5 with an ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), were constructed and tested under simulated blast pressures. The columns were designed according to CSA A23.3 standards for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre amounts and types. Each column was exposed to similar shock wave loads in order to provide direct comparisons between seismic and non-seismically detailed columns, amount of steel fibres, type of steel fibres, and type of concrete. The dynamic response of the columns tested in the experimental program is predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for SFRC and UHPFRC columns and using single degree of freedom dynamic analysis software, RCBlast. The analytical results are compared to experimental data, and shown to accurately predict the maximum mid-span displacements of the fibre reinforced concrete columns under shock wave loading.

Neste trabalho investiga-se o comportamento resistente de lajes-cogumelo de concreto armado, analisando-se as possibilidades de melhoria de desempenho com relação ao fenômeno de punção, pelo emprego de concreto de alta resistência, pelo reforço com fibras de aço e pelo uso de armaduras transversais de combate à punção, através de ensaios de modelos de lajes-cogumelo quadradas que representam a ligação laje-pilar para o caso do pilar interno. Apresenta-se também uma revisão de conhecimentos sobre as lajes-cogumelo, o seu comportamento estrutural com ênfase no fenômeno da punção, e os principais conceitos sobre os concretos de alta resistência e os compósitos constituídos de matriz de cimento reforçada com fibras. Doze modelos de laje-cogumelo foram ensaiados com diferentes combinações de concreto de alta resistência, concreto de resistência convencional, armadura transversal e volume de fibras (0%, 0,75% e 1,5%). Um acréscimo significativo de resistência à punção foi observado, devido ao uso de concreto de alta resistência e à adição de fibras. A combinação de concreto de alta resistência com 1,5% de volume de fibras e armadura transversal proporcionaram o dobro de aumento na resistência à punção em relação ao modelo de concreto convencional sem armadura transversal e sem adição de fibras. A adição de fibras é a suposta responsável por cerca de 50% de acréscimo de resistência e o aumento da ductilidade. Outras comparações incluindo as previsões teóricas (Texto Base da NB1/94, CEB/90, AGI 318/89 e EUROCODE N.2) são comentadas. / This work investigates the behavior of reinforced concrete flat slabs, analysing the possibility of performance improvement, in relation to punching shear phenomenon, regarding to the use of high strength concrete, the addition of steel fibres and the use of transversal steel reinforcement against punching shear, through tests of flat slab square models that represent the slab-column connection, for the case of an interior column. lt introduce a revision of knowledge of flat slabs, their structural behavior with emphasis on the punching shear phenomenon, and the main concepts about high strength concretes and the composites made of cement matrix reinforced with fibres. Twelve flat slab models were tested in different combinations of high strength concrete, ordinary strength, shear reinforcement and steel fibre volume fraction (0%, 0,75% e 1,5%). A significant increase in the punching shear strength was observed, either due to the use of high strength and the addition of steel fibres. The combination of high strength concrete with 1,5% fibre volume fraction and shear reinforcement provide twice the punching shear resistance of an ordinary concrete strength model without shear reinforcement and without fibre. Fibre addition is supposed to be responsible by about 50% of the resistance improvement and the increase of ductility. Other comparisons including theoretical previsions (Texto Base da NB1/94, CEB/90, ACI 318/89 e EUROCODE N.2) are commented.

It is important to ensure that vulnerable structures (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant to safeguard life and critical infrastructure. In the wake of recent malicious attacks and accidental explosions, it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that columns in structures are properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collapse. Research has shown that steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) can enhance many of the properties of concrete, including improved post-cracking tensile capacity, enhanced shear resistance, and increased ductility. The enhanced properties of SFRC make it an ideal candidate for use in the blast resistant design of structures. There is limited research on the behaviour of SFRC under high strain rates, including impact and blast loading, and some of this data is conflicting, with some researchers showing that the additional ductility normally evident in SFRC is absent or reduced at high strain loading. On the other hand, other data indicates that SFRC can improve toughness and energy-absorption capacity under extreme loading conditions. This thesis presents the results of experimental research involving tests of scaled reinforced concrete columns exposed to shock wave induced impulsive loads using the University of Ottawa Shock Tube. A total of 13 half-scale steel fibre reinforced concrete columns, 8 with normal strength steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) and 5 with an ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC), were constructed and tested under simulated blast pressures. The columns were designed according to CSA A23.3 standards for both seismic and non-seismic regions, using various fibre amounts and types. Each column was exposed to similar shock wave loads in order to provide direct comparisons between seismic and non-seismically detailed columns, amount of steel fibres, type of steel fibres, and type of concrete. The dynamic response of the columns tested in the experimental program is predicted by generating dynamic load-deformation resistance functions for SFRC and UHPFRC columns and using single degree of freedom dynamic analysis software, RCBlast. The analytical results are compared to experimental data, and shown to accurately predict the maximum mid-span displacements of the fibre reinforced concrete columns under shock wave loading.