Assessing fiber reinforced concrete slab-on-grade design methods: insights from a case study
摘要
This study aims to evaluate various design methodologies for fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) slabs and compare the effectiveness of each approach. Strategic structures such as industrial pavements, parking lots, and both airport and conventional runways are often designed as SOG systems, in which fibers are used in place of conventional reinforcement bars. The primary methods considered are the Residual Stress Method and the conventional Toughness Method. To start, a literature review of experimental studies was conducted, focusing on how different fiber types and content influence the toughness of concrete. From this review, one study was selected as a reference for designing an industrial floor using both methods. Slab-on-grade (SOG) thickness decreases with increased fiber content, with steel fibers (SF) offering a more significant reduction than polymeric fibers (PF) at the same content. Among design methods, the Residual Stress Method leads to thicker slabs than the Toughness Method, with the thickness difference ranging from 10 to 30%, depending on the fiber type and content. The dosage rate should therefore be determined not just by post-crack toughness, but also by the required impact, abrasion, and fatigue resistance, as well as other durability needs, following Fiber Force’s recommendations. Finally, a foundation system composed of rectangular stiffed SOG with total area 150 m2 was designed traditionally. Then it was proposed to use short embedded fibers as a replacement for RFT bars which emphasized it’s economical effect. The design of fiber reinforced section was executed depending on residual stress method. Finite element software (SAFE 2000) was used for getting straining actions. The slab thickness was about 150 mm with soil subgrade reaction was 0.01 N/ mm².