USE OF STEEL FIBRE IN M20

CONCRETE
A MAJOR PROJECT REPORT
SUBMITTED BY

ROLL NO.

NAME

CE 3450

RAHUL BHARDAWAJ

CE 3459

SANJAY KUMAR
in partial fulfilment for the award of the degree
of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU GOVT. ENGG. COLLEGE,

SUNDERNAGAR, MANDI -175018
JUNE 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT

Page No.

Cover Page

Acknowledgement

ii

Declaration

iii

Certificate

iv

List of Tables

List of Figures

vi

List of Abbreviation

vii

List of Symbol

viii

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

1.2 Aim of the project

1.3 Advantages of FRC

Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Fibre properties

5
6

2.2 Manufactured Steel Fibres & Turn Steel Fibres

2.3 Casting and Testing

7
7

Chapter 3: PROJECT METHODOLOGY

3.1 General

3.2 Test performed

3.3 Material used

11

3.3.1 Cement

11

3.3.2 Fine Aggregates and coarse aggregates

11

3.3.3 Water

12

3.3.4 Fibre

12

Chapter 4: TEST AND RESULTS

4.1 Determination of index properties

14
15

4.1.1 Determination of grain size distribution

15

4.1.2 Specific gravity and fine aggregates

16

4.1.3 Specific gravity and water absorption test of coarse aggregates

4.2 Determination of engineering properties

17

18

4.2.2 Compression test

18

4.2.2 Flexural strength test

19

Chapter 5: CONCRETE MIX DESIGN RESULT

5.1 Concrete mix design for M20 Grade concrete

Chapter 6: ANALYSIS AND OBSERVATION OF RESULTS

6.1 Analysis and observation obtained

Chapter 7: CONCLUSION &RECOMMENDATIONS

21
22
25
26
31

7.1 Conclusion

32

7.2 Recommendation

32

7.3 Future scope of study

33

Chapter 8: REFERENCE

34

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Before submitting the project report it is pleasure to express deep regard to those who have
been associated with us in minor project work. It is include us great pleasure to express our
gratitude towards project guide Er.Babita and departmental faculty for their special
attention, guidance and helping us for completing our minor project report.
NAME

ROLL NO

RAHUL BHARDAWAJ

CE 3450

SANJAY KUMAR

CE 3459

SIGNATURE OF STUDENTS

DECLARATION
This is to certify that Project Report entitled USE OF STEEL FIBER IN M20 CONCRETE
which is submitted by GROUP bearing Roll no CE3450, CE3459 in partial fulfilment of
the requirement for the award of degree B.Tech. in Civil Engineering in Jawaharlal Nehru
Government Engineering College, Sunder Nagar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh comprises only
my original work and due acknowledgement has been made in the text to all other material
used.

Date:

Name of Students

Roll No.

RAHUL BHARDAWAJ

CE 3450

SANJAY KUMAR

CE 3459

Signature

JAWAHARLAL NEHRU GOVT. ENGG. COLLEGE,

SUNDERNAGAR, MANDI
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Project Report entitled, USE OF STEEL FIBER IN CONCRETE
submitted by group bearing roll no CE3450, CE3459 in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the award of Bachelor of Technology degree in Civil Engineering is carried
out by under my supervision and guidance at the Jawaharlal Nehru Govt. Engineering
College, Sundernagar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

Signature of the project guide

Name of the project guide
Er.Babita
Official Designation
Department of Civil Engg.
J.N.
Govt.Engg.College,
Sundernagar

Signature of the HOD of the Department with date

Name of the HOD : Dr. S.P. Guleria
This project report was evaluated by us on

EXAMINER

20/05/2015

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

Concrete in general has a higher brittleness with increase in strength. This is a major
drawback since brittleness can cause sudden and catastrophic failure, especially in structures
which are subjected to earthquake, blast or suddenly applied loads i.e., impact. This serious
disadvantage of concrete can at least partially be overcome by the incorporation of fibres,
especially, steel.
Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) was invented by French gardener Joseph Monier in 1849
and patented in 1867. The concept of using fibres as reinforcement is not new. This can be
proved by the following: Fibres have been used as reinforcement since ancient times.
Historically, horsehair was used in mortar and straw in mud bricks. In the early 1900s,
asbestos fibres were used in concrete, and in the 1950s the concept of composite materials
came into being and fibre reinforced concrete was one of the topics of interest. There was a
need to find a replacement for the asbestos used in concrete and other building materials
once the health risks associated with the substance were discovered. By the 1960s, steel,
glass (GFRC), and synthetic fibres such as polypropylene fibres were used in concrete, and
research into new fibre reinforced concretes continues today.
In India, domestic waste plastics are causing considerable damage to the environment and
hence an attempt has been made to understand whether they can be successfully used in
concrete to improve some of the mechanical properties as in the case of the steel fibres. The
primary objective of this investigation is to study experimentally the properties of fiber
reinforced concrete containing steel fibers. The properties of concrete, namely, compressive
strength and flexural strength were studied.
Why Fibres are used in Concrete?
Fibres are usually used in concrete for the following reasons: i. To control cracking due to
both plastic shrinkage and drying shrinkage. ii. They also reduce the permeability of
concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water. iii. Some types of fibres also produce greater
impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete. iv. The fineness of the fibres allows them
to reinforce the mortar fraction of the concrete, delaying crack formation and propagation.
This fineness also inhibits bleeding in the concrete, thereby reducing permeability and
improving the surface characteristics of the hardened surface.

Main Properties of Fibre in FRC:Type of fibres used, Volume percent of fibre (vf =3% and
5%), Aspect ratio (the length of a fibre divided by its diameter), Orientation and distribution
of the fibres in the matrix, It prevents spalling of concrete, Shape, dimension and length of
fibre is important, Strength of the fibre.
Steel is used as a fibre reinforcing material in concrete for the following reasons: i. It has a
high tensile strength. ii. It is also available by cutting ,grinding during lathing process. iv. It
reinforces the mortar and prevents it from spalling.
1.2 AIM OF PROJECT

Use of steel fibres in M20 concrete and also check the behaviours of these FRC on their
strength property.
1.3 ADVANTAGES OF FRC

Advantages of fibre reinforced concrete: Fibre reinforced concrete has started finding its
place in many areas of civil infrastructure applications especially where the need for
repairing, increased durability arises. FRC is used in civil structures where corrosion is to be
avoided at the maximum. Fibre reinforced concrete is better suited to minimize cavitation
/erosion damage in structures such as sluice-ways, navigational locks and bridge piers where
high velocity flows are encountered. A substantial weight saving can be realized using
relatively thin FRC sections having the equivalent strength of thicker plain concrete
sections. When used in bridges it helps to avoid catastrophic failures. In the quake prone
areas the use of fibre reinforced concrete would certainly minimize the human casualties.
Fibres reduce internal forces by blocking microscopic cracks from forming within the
concrete.

Table1.1 Mechanical properties of commonly used fibres in concrete materials

Type of Fibre

Equivalent
diameter, mm

Specific gravity, Tensile strength, Youngs

Kg/cubic m

Ultimate

MPa

modulus,

elongation, %

Acrylic

0.02 to 0.35

1100

200 to 400

GPa
2

1.1

Asbestos

0.0015 to 0.02

3200

600 to 1000

83 to 138

1.0 to 2.0

Cotton

0.2 to 0.6

1500

400 to 700

4.8

3.0 to 10.0

Glass

0.005 to 0.15

2500

1000 to 2600

70 to 80

1.5 to 3.5

Graphite

0.008 to 0.009

1900`

1000 to 2600

230-415

0.5 to 1.0

Nylon

0.02 to 0.40

1100

760 to 820

4.1

16 to 20

Polyester

0.02 to 0.40

1400

720 to 860

8.3

11 to 13

Polypropylene (PP) 0.02 to 1.00

900 to 950

200 to 760

3.5 to 15

5.0 to 25.0

Jute

0.1 to 0.2

1030

250 to 350

26 to 32

1.5 to 1.9

Steel

0.15 to 1.00

7840

345 to 3000

200

4 to 10

CHAPTER 2
LITRATURE REVIEW

LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 STEEL FIBRE USED IN CONCRETE Dr. B. G. Vishnuram is currently working
as Principal, EASA College of Engineering & Technology, Navakkarai, Coimbatore.
Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials. It can be cast to fit any structural
shape from ordinary rectangular beam or column to a cylindrical water storage tank in a
high-rise building. It is readily available in urban areas at relatively low cost. Concrete is
strong under compression but weak under tension. As such, a form of reinforcement is
needed. The most common type of concrete reinforcement is by steel bars. The advantages
in using concrete include high compressive strength, good fire resistance, high water
resistance, low maintenance, and long service life. The disadvantages in using concrete
include poor tensile strength, and formwork requirement. Other disadvantages include
relatively low strength per unit weight. Tensile strength of concrete is typically 8% to 15%
of its compressive strength. This weakness has been dealt with over many decades by using
a system of reinforcing bars to create reinforced concrete; so that concrete primarily resists
compressive stresses and rebars resist tensile and shear stresses. The longitudinal rebar in a
beam resists flexure (tensile stress) whereas the stirrups, which are wrapped around the
longitudinal bar not only holds the longitudinal bars in position but also resist shear stresses.
In a column, vertical bars resist compression and buckling stresses while ties resist shear
and provide confinement to vertical bars. Cracks in reinforced concrete members extend
freely until encountering a rebar and this is where the need for multidirectional and closely
spaced reinforcement for concrete arises.
Fibres are usually used in concrete to control cracking due to both plastic shrinkage and
drying shrinkage. They also reduce the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of
water. Some types of fibres produce greater impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in
concrete. Generally fibres do not increase the flexural strength of concrete, and so cannot
replace structural steel reinforcement. If the modulus of elasticity of the fiber is higher than
the matrix (concrete or mortar binder), they help to carry the load by increasing the tensile
strength of the material. However, fibres which are too long tend to "ball" in the mix and
create workability problems.

2.1 Fiber Properties

The fibre strength, stiffness, and the ability of the fibres to bond with the concrete are
important fibre reinforcement properties. Bond is dependent on the aspect ratio of the fibre.
Steel fibres have a relatively high strength andmodulus of elasticity. They are protected from
corrosion by the alkaline environment. and their bond to the matrix can be enhanced by

mechanical anchorage or surface roughness. Long term loading does not adversely influence
the mechanical properties of steel fibres. In particular environments such as high
temperature refractory applications, the use of stainless steel fibres may be required. Various
grades of stainless steel, available in fibre form, respond somewhat differently to exposure
to elevated temperature and potentially corrosive environments.
2.2 Manufactured Steel Fibres & Turn Steel Fibres
Round, straight steel fibres are produced by cutting or chopping wire, typically wire having
a diameter between 0.25 to 1.00 mm. Flat, straight steel fibres having typical cross sections
ranging from 0.15 to 0.64 mm thickness by 0.25 to 2.03 mm width are produced by shearing
sheet or flattening wire. Crimped and deformed steel fibres have been produced with both
full-length crimping, or bent or enlarged at the ends only. Some fibres have been deformed
by bending or flattening to increase mechanical bonding. Some fibres have been collated
into bundles to facilitate handling and mixing. During mixing, the bundles separate into
individual fibres.
Fibres are also produced from cold drawn wire that has been shaved down in order to make
steel wool. The remaining wires have a circular segment cross-section and may be crimped
to produce deformed fibres. Also available are steel fibres made by a machining process that
produces elongated chips. These fibres have a rough, irregular surface and a crescent-shaped
cross section.
Steel fibres are also produced by the melt-extraction process. This method uses a rotating
wheel that contacts a molten metal surface, lifts off liquid metal, and rapidly solidifies it into
fibres. These fibres have an irregular surface, and crescent shaped cross-section.
In this study the scraps from the lathe shops are used as the steel fibres.
2.3 CASTING AND TESTING
Casting and testing of concrete cubes, beams were done as per IS code recommendations.
The proportioning of concrete mixes consists of determination of the quantities of respective
ingredients necessary to produce concrete having adequate, but not excessive, workability
and strength for the particular loading and durability for the exposure to which it will be
subjected. Emphasis is laid on making the most economical use of available materials so as
to produce concrete of the required attributes at the minimum cost. The basic assumption
made in mix design is that the compressive strength of workable concrete is governed by the
water cement ratio. The concrete mix adopted was M20 concrete with varying percentage of
fibres ranging from 0, 3 & 5% by weight of concrete.

CHAPTER 3 PROJECT
METHODOLOGY

3.1 GENERAL
The methodology adopted to test the mechanical properties and strength of hair reinforced
concrete is governed by: i. Compressive Strength, ii. Flexural Strength
Various cubes and beams are tested and analysed for finding the effect of using hair as fibre
reinforcement.
The methodology adopted for the project is as follows:

Testing of various material used in major project

Design mix M20 concrete.
Concrete cube casting and beam casting
Curing of concrete cube and beam
Various test on concrete cube and beam

3.2 TEST PERFORMED

For determining the effect of steel fibre in concrete following tests were performed: i.
Compression test: It is the most common test conducted on hardened concrete as it is an
easy test to perform and also most of the desirable characteristic properties of concrete are
qualitatively related to its compressive strength. The compression test is carried out on
specimens cubical in shape as shown in figure 1 of the size 150 150 150 mm. The test is
carried out in the following steps: First of all the mould preferably of cast iron, is used to
prepare the specimen of size 150 150 150 mm. During the placing of concrete in the
moulds it is compacted with the tamping bar with not less than 35 strokes per layer. Then
these moulds are placed on the vibrating table and are compacted until thespecified
condition is attained. After 24 hours the specimens are removed from the moulds and
immediately submerged in clean fresh water. After 28 days the specimens are tested under
the load in a compression testing machine. ii. Flexural Strength test: Direct measurement of
the tensile strength of concrete is difficult. Neither specimens nor testing apparatus have
been designed which assure uniform distribution of the pull applied to the concrete. The
value of the extreme fibre stress in bending depends on the dimensions of the beam and
manner of loading. The system of loading used in finding out the flexural tension is Thirdpoint Loading Method as shown in fig 3. In this method the critical crack may appear at any
section, not strong enough to resist the stress within the middle third, where the bending
moment is maximum. The test is carried out in the following steps: First of all the mould
preferably of cast iron, is used to prepare the specimen of size 140 50 50 mm as shown

in figure 4. During the placing of concrete in the mould it is compacted with the tamping bar
weighing 2 kg, 400 mm long with not less than 35 strokes per layer. Then this mould is
placed on the vibrating table and is compacted until the specified condition is attained. After
24 hours the specimen is removed from the mould and immediately submerged in clean
fresh water. After 28 days (14 days) the specimen is taken out from the curing tank and
placed on the rollers of the flexural testing machine as shown in figure 5 for testing as
shown in figure 3. Then the load is applied at a constant rate of 400 kg/min. The load is
applied until the specimen fails, and the maximum load applied to the specimen during the
test is recorded.
The specimen for both the test is made in the following manner
(i.)Compression test: Three cubes are made for each M-20 with 0%, 3%, 5% steel fibre by
weight of concrete.
(ii.) Flexural Strength test: Three beam is made for each M-20 with 0%, 3%, 5% steel fibre
by weight of concrete and more three cubes and beams are cast for the 28days strength test.
Analysis of Data collected: The analysis of data collected is done in the following manner:
1. Compression test: The results from the compression test are in the form of the maximum
load the cube can carry before it ultimately fails. The compressive stress can be found by
dividing the maximum load by the area normal to it. The results of compression test and the
corresponding compressive stress is shown in table 1.
Let, P = maximum load carried by the cube before the failure A = area normal to the load =
150 150 mm2 = 22500 mm2 = maximum compressive stress (N/mm2)
2. Flexural Strength test: The results from the flexural strength test are in the form of the
maximum load due to which a beam fails under bending compression. Using the
fundamental equation of bending we can find the bending stresses as per figure 6. The
results of flexural strength test and its corresponding bending stress is shown in table 2.
We know that,
M = Moment of Resistance, I = Moment of Inertia about neutral axis, b= Bending stress,
y = Extreme fibre distance from neutral axis, W = Maximum load at which beam fails,
b = width of the beam, d = depth of the beam.

3.3 MATERIAL USED

3.3.1 Cement
ORDINARY Portland cement (43 grade) of ACC brand is used for the experimental work.
The specific gravity of cement is assumed about 3.15 & the required water for normal
consistency is found out.

Fig. 3.1 Cement

3.3.2 Fine Aggregate & Coarse Aggregate
The sand for the above said experiment work is obtained locally. As the sand should have
maximum size of 4.75 mm, thus the sand sieved through 4.75 sieve, so that the sand
particles have size more than 4.75 mm can be eliminated. The sieve analysis of coarse
aggregate is carried out, so as to confirm the zoning grade. It is further ensured that the sand
as procured should not have any organic or inorganic impurities. The sieve analysis is
carried out separately for 10 mm and 20 mm size aggregate. The trial mix, by mixing 20
mm with 10 mm aggregate is further carried out to fix the grading zone.

Fig. 3.2 Aggregates of size 20mm

3.3.3 Water
As prescribed in IS: 456-2000, the potable water free from injurious amounts of deleterious
material should be used. It should be fit for drinking purposes as well as for curing.
3.3.4 Fibres
For this project we have used steel fibre of length 3-4cm and thickness 0.25mm to increase
the compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete structure. The various
specification and advantages of these fibre are as below.

Fig.3.3 Steel fibres

ROLE OF STEEL FIBRE USED

Improve the crack resistance or ductility and post cracking strength
Resistance to wear and tear
Resistance to spalling

Resistance to fatigue
Safe and easy to use

Specifications of steel fibre:

A) STEEL FIBER
Diameter

0.25mm to 1.00mm

Length

12mm to 60mm

Tensile Strength

345 to 3000Ma Pa

Melting point

> 1000C

Dispersion

Excellent

Acid resistance

Excellent

Alkali resistance

Good

Specific gravity

7840Kg/cubic m

Young's Modulus

200 GPa

Ultimate elongation %

4 to 10

Source of fibre : Steel fibre waste in steel industry

Primary Applications:
Manufacture of wide varieties of precast product such as bridge decks & manhole covers.
Footings, foundations, walls and tanks.
Used in slab elements for highways, runways and tunnel linings.

Used in machine foundation blocks, doors and window frames

Used in coal storage bins, stair cases and break waters.
Used in construction of silos and bunkers.
Used in steel fibre reinforced (shotcrete form) in tunnels lining.
Used in industrial floorings (long steel fibres are used) due to its high resistance for

wear and tear.

Less labour is required.
Less construction time is required.

CHAPTER 4
TEST AND RESULT

4.1DETERMINATION OF INDEX PROPERTIES

4.1.1 Determination of Grain Size Distribution by Sieve analysis

Sieve analysis helps to determine the particle size distribution of the coarse and fine
aggregates .This is done by sieving the aggregates as per IS: 2386 (Part I) 1963. In this we
use different sieves as standardized by the IS code and then pass aggregates through them
and thus collect different sized particles left over different sieves. Following procedure is
followed during this test.

IS

Wt.

% Wt.

Cumulativ

% age

Sieve

Retained in

Retain

e % age

Passing

Size

ed

Wt

% Finer

4.75mm

70

7.0

Retained
7.0

2.36mm

130

13.0

20.0

80

1.18mm

230

23.0

43.0

57

Conformin

600mic.

140

14.0

57.0

43

g to

300mic.

245

24.5

81.0

18.5

150mic.

130

13.0

94.5

5.5

75mic.
Pan

5
50

0.5
5.0

95
100

5.0
0

93

grading
zone II

The test sample is dried to a constant weight at a temperature of 110C and weighed. The
sample is then sieved by using a set of IS Sieves. On completion of sieving, the material on
each sieve is weighed. Cumulative weight passing through each sieve is calculated as a
percentage of the total sample weight.

Figure 4.1.1 Sieve analysis

The percentage by weight of the total sample passing through one sieve and retained on the
next smaller sieve, to the nearest 0.1 percent is calculated. The result of the sieve analysis
was recorded graphically with particle size as abscissa and the percentage passing as
ordinate.
4.1.2 Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregates
Specific gravity of fine aggregates is defined as ratio of weight of given volume of
aggregates to the weight of equal volume of distilled particles. It is based upon the principle
of displacement of water by fine aggregates in Pycnometer. The standard temperature for
reporting specific gravity is either 27o c or 4oc.

Figure 4.1.2 Pycnometer

For finding the value of specific gravity of aggregates, the Pycnometer is firstly cleaned and
weighted with its cup. After this oven dried aggregates are inserted into it and weighted.The
remaining part of Pycnometer is filled with distilled water gradually removing the entrapped
air from it. The Pycnometer is then shaked for some time and again weighted. It is then
emptied and washed thoroughly. At last the Pycnometer is filled with distilled water,
driedfrom outside and weighted.
Specific gravity(Gt) =

W2 W1
(W2-W1)-(W3-W4)

W1: Wt. of Pycnometer

W2:Wt. of Pycnometer + Wt. of fine aggregates
W3: Wt. of Pycnometer + Wt. of fine aggregates + Wt. of distilled water
W4: Wt. of Pycnometer + Wt. of distilled water
from calculation
W1= 620 g
W2= 930 g
W3= 1695 g
W4= 1500 g
Specific gravity = 310/145 = 2.60
4.1.3 Specific gravity and water absorption test of coarse aggregates
The specific gravity of aggregate is considered to be measure of strength or quality of the
material. The specific gravity test helps in identification of stone.Water absorption gives an
idea of strength of aggregate. Aggregates having more water absorption are more porous in
nature and are generally considered unsuitable unless they are found to be accepted based
on strength, impact, hardness test. About 2 kg of the aggregate was washed thoroughly to
remove fines and placed in wire basket and immersed in distilled water at a temperature
between 220 and 320 C. Then we lifted the wire basket 25mm above base of tank to remove
the entrapped air in it. Then basket and sample are weighed while suspended in water.

CALCULATIONS
Weight of saturated aggregate suspended in water with basket = W1 g (1760)
Weight of basket suspended in water = W2 g (23500)
Weight of saturated aggregate in water = W3 g (985)
Weight of saturated surface dry aggregate in air = Ws g = (W1 W2)
1) Specific gravity = W4 /(W3 Ws)
2) Water absorption = (W3 W4)100/W4
The specific gravity of ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 ( From calculation 2.46)
The water absorption of aggregates ranges from 0.1 to 2.0 %
4.1.4 Free moisture content in fine aggregates.
(W1) empty wt of container = 22.5g
(W2)Empty wt. of container + moisture fine aggretes = 72.21g
(W3) Empty container +dry f. agg. = 71.32 g
% fine aggregate = (W2-W3 )/(W3-W1) *100
= 1.8 %

4.2 DETERMINATION OF ENGINEERING PROPERTIES:

4.2.1 Compression Test
Compression test is the most common test conducted on hardened concrete, partly because
it is an easy test to perform, and partly because most of the desirable properties of concrete
are qualitatively related to its compressive test.
Firstly we prepared the cube samples by proper compaction and remove them from moulds
after 24 hours. Then we put them in curing tank. Then after proper curing we placed them
under compression testing machine for checking compressive strength. Due to compression
load the cube undergoes lateral expansion owning to poissions ratio effect.

It was interesting to note that the restraining effect of plates of testing machine extends over
the entire height of the cube.

Fig. 4.2.1 Compression Testing Machine

4.2.2 Flexural Strength Test
Concrete is relatively strong in compression and weak in tension. In reinforced concrete
members, little dependence is placed on the tensile strength of concrete since steel
reinforcing bars are provided to resist all tensile forces. So knowledge of tensile strength of
concrete is of importance. The value of modulus of rupture depends upon the dimension of
beam and manner of loading. We made the beam specimens for determining flexural
strength and any loose sand or other material were removed from the surfaces of specimen.
Then the specimen was placed in machine in such a manner that the load is applied to the
uppermost surface as cast in the mould along two lines spaced 20 or 13.3 cm apart.
The axis of specimen was aligned with the axis of loading device. The load was applied
without shock and increasing continuously at a rate such that the extreme fibre stress
increases at approximately 0.7kg/sq. cm/min that is, at a rate of loading of 400kg/min for
the specimen. The load is increased until the specimen fails.
The flexural strength of specimen is expressed as the modulus of rupture f b which is given
by
fb =

(P x l)
b xd2

When a is greater than 20cm for 15 cm specimen and

fb =

(3p x a)
bxd2

When a is less than 20 cm but greater than 17 cm for 15 cm specimen.

d Measured depth in cm of specimen at point of failure
l Length in cm of the specimen on which the specimen was supported
p Maximum load in kg applied on the sample

Fig. 4.2.2 Flexural Test Machine

CHAPTER 5
CONCRETE MIX DESIGN, RESULT
AND OBSERVATIONS

5.1 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN FOR M-20 GRADE CONCRETE

Procedure for design of reference concrete mix in according to IS: 10262-1982 and IS: 4562000, Indian standard recommended guidelines.
1. DESIGN STIPULATIONS.
Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days = 20 N/mm2
i.
Maximum size of aggregate
=
ii.
Degree of workability
=
iii.
Degree of quality control
=
iv. Type of exposure
=
v. Standard deviation as per IS: 456-2000
=

20 mm
0.9
Good
Moderate
5.3

2. TEST DATA FOR MATERIALS.

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.

Cement used
=
Specific gravity of cement
=
Specific gravity of Coarse aggregate
=
Specific gravity of Fine aggregate
=
Sieve analysis : fine aggregate conforming to zone 2
Water absorption of coarse aggregates
=
Free moisture content of fine aggregate
=

OPC
3.15
2.1
2.46
0.5 %
1.8 %

3. TARGET MEAN STRENGTH OF CONCRETE

For a tolerance factor of 1.65 and using table 1 of IS: 10262, the target mean strength for
desired characteristics cube strength (20 N/mm2) is:
20+1.65x5.3=29.25 N/mm2
4. SELECTION OF WATER CEMENT RATIO
The w/c ratio required for target mean strength of 33.745N/mm2 is 0.47. Further w/c ratio
for moderate exposure is 0.60.Thus adopting minimum of two values i.e., 0.47.As sand
confirming to zone II of table 4 of IS: 383 -1970 so here we do not need to apply adjustment
in water content and in percentage of sand in total aggregate.

5. SELECTION OF WATER AND SAND CONTENT

As sand confirming to zone II of table 4 of IS: 383 -1970 so here we do not need to apply
adjustment in water content and in percentage of sand in total aggregate.

a) Therefore required sand content as percentage of total aggregates by absolute volume= 35

%
b) Required water content = 186 lit./m^3
6. DETERMINATION OF CEMENT CONTENT
Water cement ratio = 0.42
Water

= 186

Cement = 186/0.47 = 395.8 kg/m3

This cement content is adequate to for moderate exposure conditions as according to IS:
456-2000 minimum cement quantity recommended as 240 kg/m3
7. DETERMINATION OF COARSE AND FINE AGGREGATE CONTENT
From table 3 of IS:10262-1982 for the specified maximum size of aggregate of 20mm size ,
the amount of entrapped air in the wet concrete is 2%. Taking this into account and applying
equations from 3.5.1 of IS: 10262-1982.
a). Fine aggregate
0.98 = [186 + (395.8/3.15) + (Fa / (0.35 x 2.64))]/1000
Fa = 608.426 kg/m3
b). Coarse aggregate
0.98 = [186 + (395.8/3.15) + (Ca / (0.65 x 2.6))]/1000
Ca = 1129.9 kg/m3

8. THE MIX PROPORTIONS ARE:

Unit

Water

Cement

Fine

Coarse

Total

of

(ltr)

(kg)

aggregate

aggregate

aggregate

batch
1) 1 cum of 186
concrete
2)Cement

0.47

395

(kg)
608.5

(kg)
1129.9

(kg)
2319.4

1.54

2.8

5.34

unit

TABLE 5.1 Mix Proportions

CHAPTER 6
ANALYSIS AND OBSERVATIONS OF
THE RESULT

6.1 ANALYSIS AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE RESULTS OBTAINED

Compressive Strength Result

(A) At 14 Days
1.At the age of 14 days, the compressive strength of the control mix was 22.31MPa

Record No. 00195

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
5.2
430.46KN
22.31MPa

Table 6.1 TESTING NOMINAL CUBE AT 14 DAYS.

2 . With the addition of steel fibres with composition 3%, 5% results are as shown as below.

Record No. 00195

Shape: Beam
(225sq.cm)

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

5.2
765.5KN
34.60MPa

Table 6.2 RESULTS USING STEEL FIBRE (3%) IN CUBE AT 14 DAYS

Record No. 00195

Shape: Beam
(225sq.cm)

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

5.2
914.2KN
40.63MPa

Table 6.3 RESULTS USING STEEL FIBRE (5%) IN CUBE AT 14 DAYS

42
40.63

40
38

Copmpressive Strength(MPa)

36
34.6

34
32
30
3

% of FIBRE

Fig. 4.1 Compressive strength for the control mix and with 3% and 5% STEEL FIBRE at 14
days.
The compressive strength of concrete using steel fibre varies with varying the content of
steel fibre. In the case study of our project we have used steel fibre with 3% and 5% by
weight of concrete as per replacement of sand, cement and aggregates.
4.3.2 Compressive strength results
(B) At 28 Days
1.At the age of 28 days, the compressive strength of the control mix was 28.21MPa

Record No. 00195

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
5.2
633.3KN
28.21MPa

Table 6.4 TESTING NOMINAL CUBE AT 28 DAYS

2. With the addition of steel fibres with composition 3%, 5% results are as shown as below.

Record No. 00195

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
5.2
835.41KN
37.27MPa

6.5 RESULTS USING STEEL FIBRE (3%) IN CUBE AT 28 DAYS

Record No. 00195

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
5.2
992.31KN
44.29MPa

6.6 RESULTS USING STEEL FIBRE (5%) IN CUBE AT 28 DAYS

46
44.29

44
42
40

Copmpressive Strength(MPa)

38
37.27
36
34
32
3

Fig 4.2
Compressive strength for the control mix and with 3% and 5% STEEL FIBRE at 28 days.
4.3.3 FLEXURALSTRENGTH (USING STEEL FIBRE IN BEAM )
(A) AT 14 DAYS
1) At the age of 14 days, the flexural strength of the control mix was 5.02 MPa.

2) At the age of 14 days, the flexural strength of control mix with 3% steel fibre was 6.09
MPa
3) With the addition of 5% of steel fibre by weight of concrete the strength of concrete mix
was found to 6.13MPa.
(B) AT 28 DAYS:
1) At the age of 28 days, the flexural strength of the control mix was 6.82MPa.
2) With the addition of 3% & 5% dose of steel fibre by weight of concrete the strength of
concrete mix was found to be increased to 8.32MPa and 8.74MPa.

FIG 5.3 TESTING OF SPECIMEN IN FLEXURE STRENGTH TESTING MACHINE

Record No. 00202

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
0.52
17.06 KN
6.82MPa

Table 6.7 RESULT OF CONTROL MIX

Record No. 00202
Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
0.52
22.24 KN
8.32MPa

Table 6.8 RESULT AT 3 % STEEL FIBRE ON 28 DAYS

Record No. 00202

Pace @ (KN/sec.)
Peak Load
Peak Stress

Shape: Beam
0.52
23.04 KN
8.74MPa

Table 6.9 RESULT AT 5% STEEL FIBRE ON 28 DAYS

FIG 5.8 BEAM FAILURE UNDER CTM

CHAPTER -7CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 CONCLUSION
The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of steel fibre in M-20 grade of
concrete on the following properties of concrete:

Compressive strength

Flexural strength

Samples of plain concrete and fibres reinforced concrete with the addition of 3% and 5%
steel fibre were prepared. The various tests like compressive strength, flexural strength were
conducted. Tests were performed at the ages of 14 days. But at the age of 28 days the
compressive strength of specimens was found to be increased. It was further observed that
with the increase in fibre dose. The increase in dose of fibres makes the fibres difficult to
mix and thus creates more voids. In M-20 grade of concrete the addition of 1% of fibres by
weight gives better values of rebound hammer test which indicates better densification and
cohesiveness in concrete as per references or literature review.

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of conclusion, following recommendations are suggested. However it is also
suggested that before adopting the steel fibres for development of concrete at constructional
site, it has to be tested and verified in the laboratory, as the field results may vary due to
certain uncontrolled parameters. Specified literature may also be referred in designing and
developing concrete with the addition of steel fibres. Further, codal provision as given in IS
456-2000 are also referred to be being taken into considerations, while designing concrete
with the steel fibres.

Concrete mix with steel fibers a lot of care has to be taken up, as non homogeneous
mixing forms voids in the concrete mix and reduces the compressive strength of
concrete mix.

Steel fibre is high strength material which enhance the durability of concrete.

Due to introduction of steel fibre in concrete it increases the load wearing capacity.

Maximum quantity of steel fibre used in concrete will decrease the strength , so
limit the quantity of steel fibre to 1%-6% by weight of concrete.

6.3 FUTURE SCOPE OF STUDY

The present study was undertaken to study the effect of Steel fibres when added in the
concrete of grade M20. Further the future studies can be planned to cover the following
aspects:

Effect of hair fibres along the steel fibres on compressive strength of concrete.

Effect on the compressive strength of cement mortar when mixed with 12 mm to 15

mm size of plastic fibres.

Study of use of polyesterfibres in higher grade of concrete.

Use of polyesterfibres in high performance concrete.

Use of steel fibre with addition of coconut fibre as reinforced concrete.

Effect on abrasion strength and the resistance to external chemical attack.

Comparison of compressive strength of Recron fibres reinforced concrete for

different types of cement.

CHAPTER 7
REFRENCES

7.1 REFERENCES
[1] A. Adeyanju and K. Manohar, Effects of Steel Fibres and Iron Filings
on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Concrete for Energy Storage
Application 2011, Journal of Minerals & Materials Charac-terization &
Engineering, Vol. 10, No.15, pp.1429-1448..
[2] D. V. Soulioti, N. M. Barkoula, A. Paipetis, T. E. Matikas. Effects of
Fibre Geometry and Volume Fraction on the Flexural Behaviour of
SFRC, June 2011, International journal of applied mechanics, Volume
47, Issue Supplement s1, pages 535541,.

[3] Ganeshan N. Indira P V, Structural Behavior of steel fibre reinforced

concrete wall panels in two way in plane actions, The Indian Concrete
Journal, October 2010, Volume 84 no:10 pp 21 28 .
[4] Had Bayasi and Henning Kaiser (2001); Steel fibres as crack
arrestors in concrete; Indian concrete journal, 75, 215-219.
[5] Henager, C.H. "Steel Fibrous, Ductile Concrete Joint for Seismic
Resistant Structures. Reinforced Concrete Structures in Seismic
Zones, SP 53-14, American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1977, pp.371386.
[6] Michael Gebman, Application of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete In
Seismic Beam-Column Joints A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of San
Diego State University.
[7] Narayanan, R. and Kareem Palanjian. A.S. (1984); Effect of fibre
addition on concrete strength; Indian Concrete Journal, Vol-23.
[8] P. Ramadoss and K. Nagamani Structural Engineering Division,
Department of Civil Engineering, Anna University, Chennai, India.
Tensile Strength And Durability Characteristics Of High-Performance
Fibre Reinforced Concrete.
[9] S Pant Avinash,R Suresh Parekar Steel Fibre Reinforced concrete
beams under combined torsion-bending-shear Journal of Civil
Engineering(IEB), 38(1)(2010) pp31-38.
[10] State-of-the-Art Report on Fiber Reinforced Concrete Reported by
ACI Committee 544. ACI Committee 544.1R, (1996) Fibre reinforced
concrete, American Concrete Institute, Michigan, USA.
[11]
Steel
Fiber
Reinforced
Concrete
(SFRC).
http://www.3co.com/Pro/Contractors/ Special_Concrete/sfrc.htm.
[12] Ziad Bayasi, Fang H. Chou ,James Burns; Application of steel fibre
reinforced concrete in seismic beam-column joints; Journal of Civil
Engineering (IEB), 38(1) (2010) 31.
7.2 IS CODES
[1] IS 10262:1982,2009; Mix design of concrete.
[2] IS 456:2000; Plain and Reinforced concrete code of Practice.
[3] IS 383:1970; Specification for coarse and fine aggregates from
natural sources for concrete
[4] IS 10086:1982; Specification for moulds for use in tests of cement
and concrete
[5] IS 516: 1959; Methods of tests for Strength of concrete
[6] IS 5816:1999 ; Splitting tensile strength of concrete method of test