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The application of steel-fibres as concrete reinforcement in Australia: from material to structure

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Abstract

After 40 years of research in the development and placement of fibres in reinforced concrete, the concept has matured to the stage where it is finding increasing use in practice. This paper reviews the research on and application of fibre reinforced concrete for structural applications in Australia, at the material and at the structural levels. The paper also summarises the latest experimental observations obtained from radiographic imaging techniques for FRC test specimens in shear and in tension taken under load in the laboratory. Lastly, the development of a behavioural model for modes I and II fracture is outlined and the application to FE modelling demonstrated.

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Acknowledgements

The fibre reinforced studies presented within have been funded via Australian Research Council (ARC) discovery grants DP0211516 2002–2004, DP0559742 2005–2007 and an ARC linkage grant with VSL (Aust). The support of the ARC is acknowledged with thanks. Figure 2 was supplied by Mark Rebentrost of VSL (Aust) and is acknowledged with thanks.

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  1. School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Centre for Infrastructure Engineering and Safety, The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Stephen J. Foster

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Correspondence to Stephen J. Foster.

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Foster, S.J. The application of steel-fibres as concrete reinforcement in Australia: from material to structure. Mater Struct 42, 1209–1220 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-009-9542-7

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