j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l .

2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

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Original Article

Effect of fibers types on fresh properties and

flexural toughness of self-compacting concrete

Abdullah M. Zeyad
Civil Engineering Department, Jazan University, 45142 Jazan, Saudi Arabia

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: This research aimed to experimentally examine the workability and mechanical proper-
Received 17 January 2020 ties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with silica fume (SF) and different types of fibers.
Accepted 11 February 2020 Five types of fibers, namely, hook-end steel (H), mild steel (M), carved-steel (S), basalt rock
Available online 24 February 2020 (R), and polypropylene (P) fibers, were used to produce fiber-reinforced SCC (SCRFCx). Each
fiber type was added to the concrete at a rate of 0.25% of the concrete volume, and a silica
Keywords: fume replacement rate of 30% of the cement mass was applied. The workability of fresh
Bleeding concrete samples was assessed using slump flow, slump flow T50 , L-box, V-funnel, V-funnel
Concrete strength T5 , bleeding, and segregation tests. In addition, the overall strength of hardened concrete
Fibers was investigated by using compressive, indirect tensile, and flexural strength tests. Results
Fresh concrete showed that fiber addition generally reduces the fresh concrete. The slump flow diameter
Wire residue was 670 mm of SCC; moreover, slump flows decreased to 630, 640, 640, 610, and 650 mm
Segregation when H, M, S, P, and R fibers were respectively added to the concrete. The respective com-
Self-compacting concrete pressive strengths were of 34.5, 33.9, 32.1, 36.9, 35.8, and 33.3 MPa when add the fibers of
Toughness index type H, M, S, P, and R, at test age 28 d, respectively.
© 2020 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC
BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

poor resistance to growth cracks and shrinkage [5]. Found that

1. Introduction addition of fibers to SCC improves the properties of hardened
concrete. Application of fibers to concrete offers numerous
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) ensures flow in the interior of
benefits, such as prevention of sudden failure, improvements
construction sections; the concrete fills spaces in these sec-
in fracture energy, reduction of crack width, decreases in
tions and passes through dense reinforcing bars and other
shrinkage, and increases in flexural and tensile strength
obstacles under the action of its own weight [1–4]. The proper-
and toughness [6,7]. However, while some researchers report
ties of SCCs render them good materials for use in structures
that addition of fibers does not significantly increase the
with complicated and narrow sections and minimize the labor
compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete,
needed for casting concrete. In general, however, SCC and
other scholars note that the rate of improvement of con-
normal concrete show low flexural and tensile strength and
crete strength depends on the type and percentage of added
fibers [8,9]. Several researchers emphasize importance study
of behavior SCRFC after the first-crack to evaluation influence
E-mail: azmohsen@jazanu.edu.sa of the fibers on concrete toughness [10–12]. The fibers ten-
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.02.042
2238-7854/© 2020 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
4148 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

sile strength, and the bonds between the fibers and matrix
Table 1 – Properties of Portland cement and silica fume.
must be higher than matrix strength, in addition to sufficient
Oxide Silica fume % Cement %
ductility to enhance flexural strength and toughness [13–17].
Some researchers have demonstrated that the type, length, SiO2 95.3 20.68
mass, ratio of length to diameter, shape, surface roughness, Al2 O3 0.6 6.12
and shape of ends of fibers may directly affect the properties of Fe2 O3 0.3 3.8
CaO 0.3 63.68
fresh and hardened concrete. Fibers with very small diameters
MgO 0.4 1.21
have a high surface area, which increases their distribution in
Na2 O 0.3 0.29
the concrete matrix and negatively affects the workability of K2 O 0.8 0.42
SCC [18–20]. P2 O5 1.2 –
The most common types of fibers are steel, carbon, MnO2 – 1.21
polypropylene, polyester, basalt rock, and glass; these fibers SO3 0.2 2.68
are typically used for concrete structural applications [21–23]. Specific surface area, (cm2 /gm) 19120 3420
Specific gravity 2.64 3.15
Fiber material properties, type, shape, volume and distribu-
tion in the concrete matrix directly influence the properties of
fresh and hardened SCC [24,25]. Some reseachers found that Table 2 – Properties of the fine and coarse aggregates.
fresh properties of SCC may be negatively affected when the
Sieve size (mm) Fine aggregate Coarse aggregates
volume fraction exceed than 0.5% of concrete volume [26,27].
Passing (%)
Ding et al. reported that fresh SCC properties are more affected
by the length of fibers than by their volume fraction; in addi-
25.4 100 100
tion, the fiber distribution in concrete is affected according by 19.5 100 100
the fiber shape [28]. Actually, factories all over the world pro- 12.7 100 97.3
duce hundreds of types of fiber differentiated by geometric 9.5 100 81.5
shape, length, diameter, the end of fiber and size formation 4.75 79.5 10.1
of surface. It is estimated that steel fiber is at 300,000 tons per 2.36 41.7 1. 5
0.30 12.6 0
year and with an annual growth of 20% per year. Therefore,
0.15 5.1 0
the waste fibers which use as fibers to reinforced concrete
0 0 0
production leads to reduce the need for production of ind- Specific gravity 2.60 2.68
strial fiber [3,29]. Thus, this contributes to sustainability of Water absorption (%) 1.10 0.88
concrete industry and disposal of industrial waste. [30,31]. Fineness modulus 2.8 –
Moreover, some previous studies focused on the efficiency of
using industrial waste of steel wires as an element to pro-
2.1.2. Silica fume
duce sustainable concrete [30,32–35]. Consequently, this helps
A locally available mineral admixture, silica fume (SF), was
to find one of the most environmentally and technically appro-
used this study. SF powder was produced locally; the chem-
priate solutions for the disposal and recycling of industrial
ical composition of this material is also shown in Table 1.
waste. Several studies indicated that the internal wires of tires,
Previous results confirm that this SF conforms to ASTM C618
and the residue of wires could be reused as partial or total
specifications [39].
replacement [36,37].
This study evaluates the effect of synthetic fibers of hook-
end steel (H) and polypropylene (P), as well as fibers obtained 2.1.3. Aggregate
from the waste as mild steel (M), curved steel (S), and basalt Crushed limestone coarse aggregates (CA) with a maximum
rock (R) fibers on the fresh and hardened properties of SCC. aggregate size of 12.7 mm was used. Fine aggregates (FA) of
Slump flow diameter, slump flow time, V-funnel flow, V-funnel natural desert sand with a maximum size of 4.75 mm were
flow after 5 min, L-box, segregation, and bleeding tests were also used. Table 2 shows the grades, specific gravities, and
conducted to determine the workability properties of SCC. water absorption rates of FA and CA. These materials met the
Moreover, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, requirements of ASTM C 33 specifications [40].
flexural strength, and flexural toughness tests were conducted
to evaluate the mechanical properties of SCC beams. 2.1.4. Superplasticizer
A new-generation copolymer-based superplasticizer (SP)
designed for the production of high-performance concrete
(Sicka 1050) was used in this work.
2. Experimental
2.1.5. Fibers
2.1. Materials Fig. 1 shows the types of fibers used to produce self-
compacting fiber-reinforced concrete (SCRFC). The hook-end
2.1.1. Cement steel (H) and polypropylene (P) fibers are industrial fibers used
Ordinary Portland cement Type 1 was used in this investiga- to reinforce concrete. While, the mild steel (M) and curved steel
tion. The chemical composition and physical properties of this (S) fibers were collected from waste of wires used. Also, the
cement are shown in Table 1. Previous results confirm that the basalt rock (R) fibers were obtained from the wastes of rock
cement conforms to ASTM C150 specifications [38]. fibers factories. The H, M, P, S, and R fibers had lengths of 60,
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158 4149

Fig. 1 – Fiber types used in this work.

Table 3 – Properties of the fibers.

Type of fiber R H M S P

Length (mm) 30 60 30 30 12
Tensile strength, MPa 550–750 1160 320–500 827 300–400
Specific gravity 2.65–2.8 7.85 7.85 7.85 0.91
Diameter, mm 0.015–0.050 0.90 0.25 0.11 0.01–0.03
Melting temperature, ◦ C 1450 1500 1430–1510 1530 175

H: hook-end steel fibers, M: mild steel fibers, S: carved-steel fibers, R: basalt rocks fibers, P: polypropylene fibers.
4150 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

Fig. 2 – Tests of the fresh concrete.

30, 30, 30, and 12 mm, respectively. Table 3 shows properties was 150 kg/m3 , the water/binder ratio was 0.40, the SP was
of the fibers. 1.4% of the cement mass, and the fiber ratio was 0.25% of the
concrete volume.

2.1.6. Mix proportions

One control (SCC) and five fiber-reinforced concrete mixes
were prepared. The cement content, water–cement ratio, SF
SP dosage, and aggregate and fiber volumes were kept con-
stant in all mixtures. The proportions of the mixes are shown
in Table 4. The cement content was 350 kg/m3 , the SF content
2.2. Proportioning of the concrete samples
CA was first put, followed by the cement, SF, and FA. The mate-
rials were then mixed in the dry state for 2 min. Afterward,
SP was mixed with water, 70% of mixing water was added,
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158 4151

Fig. 3 – Tests of hardened concrete.

the remaining water was added 2 min after wet mixing was
begun. Mixing was continued for another 5 min after addition
of all of the mixing water. The fibers were directly added to
the mixtures after addition of all of the water.
2.3. Procedures for testing
Tests of fresh concrete were conducted within 15 min after
addition of the mixing water. Fresh concrete test methods are
used to measure the workability and rheological behavior of
SCC reinforced with or without fibers. A photos of the testing
equipment are provided in Fig. 2 and Fig.3 . Slump flow, slump
flow T50 , L-bot, V-funnel, and V-funnel T5 tests were employed
in this study according to Ref. [41].
Slump flow is used to assess the free flow of concrete.
Immediately after mixing, a cone was filled with fresh con-
crete. Then, directly moved the cone to the top to allow the
concrete to spread on the surface. The average maximum
diameter of the spread concrete was recorded when the flow
stopped. The slump flow T50 test was carried out by calculat-
ing the time required by the concrete samples to spread over
a diameter of 50 cm.
The V-funnel test was conducted to characterize the flowa-
bility of SCC. Immediately after mixing, the top of the V-funnel
was filled with fresh concrete. Then, the outlet at the bottom
was opened, and the time needed for the concrete to flow
through the outlet was calculated.
4152 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

In the V-funnel T5 test, the V-funnel was filled with con-

crete and allowed to rest for 5 min. Then, the outlet at the
bottom was opened, and the time needed for the concrete to
flow through the outlet was calculated.
The L-box test was carried out to characterize the fillability
of SCC. Immediately after mixing, the vertical section of the
box was filled with fresh concrete, and the gate was moved up
to allow the concrete to fill its horizontal section. Concrete fil-
lability was observed by measuring the height of the concrete
at the beginning and end (H1 and H2 ) (Table 4).
Segregation tests of fresh concrete samples were per-
formed according to ASTM C1610 [42]. Here, a cylinder Fig. 4 – Slump flow results of the concrete samples.
measuring 66 cm in height and 20 cm in diameter was filled
with concrete and divided into three parts. From the bottom
of the cylinder, the first part was 16.5 cm in height, the middle
section was 33 cm in height, and the top part was 16.5 cm in
height. After the apparatus was filled, the concrete was left
undisturbed for 15 ± 1 min. Then, the concrete was collected
from the top and bottom parts of the cylinder and washed over
a 4.75 mm sieve to keep on the CA. The CA weight at the top
and bottom of the apparatus was recorded as an indicator of
resistance to segregation.
Bleeding tests were conducted according to ASTM C232
[43]. Immediately recorded the mass of the container. Then,
the container was placed on a level, vibration-free platform
and covered to inhibit water evaporation. The container was
Fig. 5 – Slump flow T50 results of the fibers.
kept covered throughout the test. Suction of the water accu-
mulated on the surface was initiated by a pipette or similar
instrument every 10 min over the first 40 min of the test
and then every 30 min thereafter until cessation of bleeding. SCRFCM, SCRFCC, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR, respectively. Thus, all
Samples for the hardened concrete tests were prepared by fiber types negatively affected slump flow to different extents.
direct pouring of concrete into molds without compaction. The lowest value slump flow diameter (610 mm) was obtained
Here, 12 cylindrical specimens measuring 100 mm (diame- when P fibers were added to concrete, which may be attributed
ter) × 200 mm (height) were cast for the tensile strength tests, to the large surface area of the fibers. A large surface area neg-
and 12 cube specimens of 100 mm were cast for the compres- atively affects the fresh and rheological properties of concrete,
sive strength tests. In addition, 12 beam specimens measuring as a result of its spread over a large area and obstruct the move-
100 mm × 100 mm × 400 mm were cast for the flexural strength ment of fresh concrete. These findings support the results of
and toughness tests. After the concrete was cast in molds, the previous researchers [50].
specimens were covered with wet cloth and kept for 24 h under Fig. 5 shows the slump flow T50 results of SCC with and
laboratory conditions. Curing conditions in accordance with without fibers. Addition of fibers negatively affected slump
ASTM C511 [44]. flow T50 depending on the fiber type and shape. SCC with H
The compressive strength tests were performed in accor- fibers needed 5 s to spread to a diameter of 500 mm, which
dance with standard specifications ASTM C39 [45]. Splitting may be attributed to the effect of the fiber end length of the.
tensile strength tests were performed according to ASTM C496 SCC with P fibers also needed 5 s to spread to a diameter of
[46], the flexural strength tests were performed according to 500 mm, which may be attributed to the effect of fiber type
ASTM C78 [47], the flexural strength tests were performed and surface area. The slump flow T50 results of SCC, SCR-
according to ASTM C78 [48,49] (Fig. 3). FCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR were 4, 5, 4.5, 4,
5, and 3.5 s, respectively. These findings support the results of
previous researchers [3].
3. Results and discussion
3.2. L-box tests
3.1. Slump flow
Fig. 6 shows the L-box results of the samples. The (H2 /H1 ) ratios
Slump flow describes the ability of concrete to flow inside var- of SCC, SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR were
ious structures. In addition, the time required by concrete to 0.88, 081, 0.86, 0.85, 0.80, and 0.86, respectively. These results
flow over a diameter of 50 cm describes its ability to move indicate that all mixtures achieved a rate higher than 0.8 of
easily and without segregation. Fig. 4 shows the slump flow H2 /H1 . The low H2 /H1 ratio of SCRFC-H may be due the fiber
results of SCC with and without fibers. Addition of the fibers end shape, which leads to partial restriction of the movement
decreased the diameter of the slump flow of the samples from of fresh concrete [15].
670 mm for SCC to 630, 640, 640, 610, and 650 mm for SCRFCH,
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158 4153

Table 4 – Proportions of the cement mixes.

Mixes Comet Silica fume Water Super plasticizer Fine aggregate Coarse aggregates Fibers
Kg/m3

SCC 350 150 200 7 813 838 –

SCRFCH 350 150 200 7 806 838 18.5
SCRFCM 350 150 200 7 806 838 18.5
SCRFCS 350 150 200 7 806 838 18.5
SCRFCP 350 150 200 7 806 838 2.37
SCRFCR 350 150 200 7 806 838 6.62

SCC: self-compacting concrete, SCRFCH: self-compacting concrete reinforced by hook-end steel fibers, SCRFCM: self-compacting concrete rein-
forced by mild steel fibers, SCRFCS: self-compacting concrete reinforced by carved-steel fibers, SCRFCP: self-compacting concrete reinforced by
polypropylene fibers, SCRFCR: self-compacting concrete reinforced by basalt rocks fibers.

Fig. 6 – L-box results of the concrete samples. Fig. 8 – V-funnel results of the concrete samples.

Table 5 – Bleeding and segregation results.

Mix Bleeding (ml/kg) Segregation* %

SCC 0.36 7.4

SCRFC H 0.10 8.9
SCRFC M 0.16 9.6
SCRFC S 0.14 11
SCRFC P 0.09 4.1
SCRFC R 0.11 3.8

Segregation*: aggregate and fibers.

Fig. 7 – V-funnel results of the concrete samples.

with P fibers required the longest time to pass the outlet of the
V-funnel, possibly because the fibers have a large surface area,
3.3. V-funnel tests which delays the passing of the fresh concrete [15].

The V-funnel results of all SCFRC mixtures were observed over
a flow time of 8–12 s and found to be influenced by the fiber
type, as shown in Fig. 7. The V-funnel times of SCC, SCRFCH,
SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR were 8, 11, 10, 11, 12,
and 9 s, respectively. Concrete mixed with P fibers required 12 s
to pass the outlet of the V-funnel because these fibers have
a large surface area, which delays the pass of fresh concrete
through outlet [51].
The V-funnel T5 results of all SCFRC mixtures showed flow
times of 11–15 s and appeared to be influenced by the fiber
type, as shown in Fig. 8. The results of the V-funnel T5 test
were highly identical to those of the V-funnel test in terms
of trend and were 11, 14, 13, 13, 15, and 12 s for SCC, SCRFCH,
SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR, respectively. Concrete
3.4. Bleeding and segregation
Table 5 shows the bleeding and segregation results of the
SCRFCs. The bleeding test results reflect the ability of fresh
concrete to resist bleeding, and the segregation test results
represent the ability of fresh samples to resist segregation.
Findings show that bleeding and segregation are related to
fiber type. Inclusion of fibers reduced concrete bleeding by
72%, 56%, 61%, 75%, and 69% in SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS,
SCRFCP, and SCRFCR, respectively, compared with that of SCC.
The high resistance of bleeding in the mix containing P fibers
may be due to the latter’s large high surface area, which
restricts the upward movement of water movement in the
fresh concrete [52].
4154 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

Fig. 9 – Relationship between segregation and bleeding. Fig. 10 – Compressive strength (MPa) results of the concrete
samples.

In the segregation test, results varied depending on the

fiber type. Whereas concrete mixed with steel fibers showed
considerable segregation, concrete mixed with P and R fibers
showed less segregation when compared with that of SCC. The
low segregation of SCRFCR and SCRFCP may be due to the wide
spread of fibers inside the concrete, which restricts the down-
ward movement of CA [53]. Table 5 shows the bleeding and
segregation results of the concrete samples.
Fig. 9 shows a strong relationship between segregation and
bleeding. Segregation and bleeding are measured after placing
the concrete in the test mold because these two tests have a
common factor that allows the formation of concrete inside
the mold and achieve self-compacting and affects the move- Fig. 11 – Indirect tensile strength results of the concrete
ment of water and CA. These results support the findings of samples.
some researchers [54,27]. The increase in the bleeding rate was
strongly correlated with the increased segregation rate. Con-
sequently, Eq. (1) can be used to infer bleeding results from been explained by the fact that the air trapped around the
segregation results or vice versa. fibers contributes to reducing the compressive strength [55].
This supposition is based on the results of fresh concrete,
Y = 52.725x − 1.9175 (1) which showed that addition of fibers reduces the efficiency
of the fresh concrete properties compared with those of SCC,
where; which was not added with fibers [28,56].
Y is the bleeding,
X is the segregation. 3.6. Indirect tensile test
In general, illustrated from the above results that all types
of fiber had a negative effect on slump, V-funnel and L-box The indirect tensile strength of fiber-reinforced concrete is
results. On the other hand, the fiber contributed to improve an important parameter. Fig. 11 shows the indirect tensile
resistance of self-compacting concrete to the bleeding and strength of the concrete samples. Addition of fibers generally
segregation. These results correspond to many studies that improved the tensile strength of SCRFCx. The tensile strengths
used different types of fibers with self-compacting concrete of SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR respec-
[30,51,27]. tively increased by 154%, 137%, 141%, 128%, and 113% after
aging for 7 days and by 140%, 125%, 131%, 111%, and 106%
3.5. Compressive strengths

Fig. 10 shows compressive strength of SCC and SCRFCx sam-

ples at test ages of 7, 14, 28, and 90 days. The respective
compressive strength of SCC, SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCR-
FCP, and SCRFCR were 21.6, 22, 23.7, 21.5, 22.9, and 21.2 MPa at
7 days of test age, and 37.6, 36.4, 38.6, 39.7, 39.8, and 38.1 MPa
at 90 days of test age. The decrease in compressive strength of
SCRFCH at both ages may be due to the effects of fiber
length and end shape (hook-end) on the compacting effi-
ciency of the concrete mix, thus led to an increase in the
non-compacted internal parts. In addition, some researchers
indicated that there is a variation in the compressive strength
of the concrete containing the fibers, and this variation has Fig. 12 – Flexural strength results of the concrete samples.
 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158 4155

Fig. 13 – Toughness indices of the concrete samples.

after aging for 90 days relative to that of SCC. These findings
are supported by the results of previous researcher [17].
3.7. Flexural strength test
The flexural strength of fiber-reinforced concrete is a prop-
erty directly affected by fiber addition and the fiber type. The
flexural strength of SCRFCx significantly improved after addi-
tion of the fibers, as shown in Fig. 12. The flexural strengths
of SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and SCRFCR respec-
tively increased by 152%, 144%, 150%, 119%, and 113% after
aging for 7 days and by 130%, 127%, 131%, 124%, and 116%
after aging for 90 days relative to those of SCC. The results
clearly show that steel fibers provide optimum flexural and
indirect tensile strength when compared with P and R fibers.
This observation may be attributed to the effect of strength
4156 j m a t e r r e s t e c h n o l . 2 0 2 0;9(3):4147–4158

Table 6 – Toughness index.

First-crack load kN First-crack strength MPa First-crack deflection mm Toughness index

I3.5 I5.5

SCC 12.2 4.36 0.44 1 1

SCRFC H 17.4 7.83 0.51 4.68 7.72
SCRFC M 14.9 6.71 0.38 3.82 5.44
SCRFC S 15.6 7.02 0.52 4.49 6.52
SCRFC P 14.2 6.39 0.41 2.66 3.37
SCRFC R 13.95 6.28 0.46 2.70 3.72

of fiber tensile. These findings are supported by the results of hock-end with length 60 mm SCRFCH, while were 4.36, 7.83,
previous researcher [17]. 6.71, 6.36, and 6.28 for SCC, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and
SCRFCR, respectively.
3.8. Toughness index

The toughness index is used to measure the energy absorbed

by fiber-reinforced concrete. Fig. 13 shows the load–deflection
curves of the samples obtained after addition of various types
of fibers at a rate of 0.25% of the concrete volume.
Table 6 shows the toughness indices of the samples at
the 3.5 × first-crack (I3.5) and 5.5 × first-crack (I5.5) of con-
crete strength. SCRFCx was tougher than SCC, which indicates
that addition of fibers improves concrete toughness. Moreover,
the fiber type greatly affected concrete toughness. Addition
of H and S fibers yielded concrete samples with the high-
est toughness, as shown in Table 5. The fibers can absorb
energy and improve the toughness index of the samples. The
toughness indices of SCRFCH, SCRFCM, SCRFCS, SCRFCP, and
SCRFCR at I5.5 were 7.72, 5.44, 6.52, 3.37, and 3.72, respectively.
These findings support the results of other researchers [3,17]
(Table 6).
4. Conclusion
1. The following conclusions can be drawn from this study.
2. Addition of fiber to concrete mixes changes the latter’s
fresh and hardened properties; these changes vary posi-
tively and negatively depending on the type of fiber and its
forms.
3. The negative effect of fibers on the slump flow, slump flow
T5, L-box, and V-funnel results of fresh concrete was espe-
cially pronounced when P and H fibers were added to the
mixes.
4. Addition of P and R fibers decreased segregation by 44.6%
and 48.6%, respectively, while addition H, M, and S fibers
increased segregation by 20%, 29.7%, and 48.6%, respec-
tively.
5. Addition of H, M, S, P, and R fibers decreased the bleeding
results of SCC (0.36) to 0.10, 0.16, 0.14, 0.09, and 0.11 ml/kg,
respectively.
6. Compressive strength was affected to different extents by
the fiber type. The compressive strength of SCRFC-H aged
for 90 days was lower than that of other concrete mixes due
to the negative effect of fiber length; the length of H fibers
was 60 mm.
7. The toughness of the concrete samples was affected by
the fiber type. The toughness of concrete from first-crack
strength were 7.02 of the concrete containing steel fiber of
Conflicts of interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary material related to this article can be
found, in the online version, at doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/
j.jmrt.2020.02.042.
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