Durability of steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete

Abstract

For conventional concrete without steel fibers, although still an aspect under discussion, there are some commonly used durability indicators. However, for steel fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete (SFRSCC) literature is sparse and the aspects of durability, particularly corrosion resistance, still deserve deeper research, mainly the corrosion of the fibers, since its influence on the appearance and on the serviceability limit states of a SFRSCC structure can be a concern. Therefore, in the ambit of an ongoing research project dealing with the development of SFRSCC sandwich panels, durability tests were executed to compare the performance of SFRSCC and self-compacting concrete (SCC) specimens. Nine different tests were performed, applied to SFRSCC and SCC in order to characterize their mechanical properties (elasticity modulus, compressive strength and flexural behaviour) and to evaluate its durability indicators normally used for plain concrete, namely: water absorption by immersion and by capillarity, permeability to air, electrical resistivity, chloride diffusion by migration under nonsteady state and carbonation. The results for the different concretes and curing times up to 28 days are presented and analyzed.