Material characterization for RC beam-column joints with and without steel fibers
Description
This research hypothesized that incorporating 0.7% hooked-end steel fibers significantly enhances concrete's mechanical behavior, particularly improving ductility and flexural performance for seismic-resistant structures. The study aimed to demonstrate that steel fibers can effectively complement conventional transverse reinforcement in beam-column joints. Experimental results strongly support these propositions. Fiber-reinforced concrete exhibited superior toughness and deformation capacity in both flexural and compression tests. BSFR specimens showed load-deflection curves with substantially larger area under the curve, indicating higher energy absorption compared to plain concrete (PB). Similarly, CSF cylinders displayed more ductile stress-strain response with greater post-peak deformation capacity. Tensile tests on rebars (Bar numbers 3, 4, and 6) confirmed expected mechanical properties, providing reliable data for numerical modeling. Notable findings include maintained workability (slump 16-18 cm despite fiber addition), substantially improved post-cracking behavior, and reduced brittleness. Comprehensive material characterization ensures full reproducibility. Complete stress-strain and load-deflection curves with mean values and standard deviations facilitate robust statistical analysis. This multifaceted dataset validates numerical models of FRC elements, enables optimized mixture design for seismic applications, and allows direct performance comparison between plain and fiber-reinforced concrete under monotonic loading. Methodology utilized certified universal testing machines (Instron, Tinius Olsen) with precision data acquisition (National Instruments). Instrumentation included LVDTs and extensometers for accurate displacement and strain measurement. All procedures adhered to ASTM and NMX-ONNCCE standards. Data Repository Structure 1. Beam Data and Photos: Flexural test results for fiber-reinforced and plain concrete beams, including Excel sheets with processed data, load-deflection curves, and failure mode photographs showing fiber bridging effects. 2. Aggregate Characterization and Slump Tests: Detailed coarse/fine aggregate properties (gradation, density, absorption) and slump test results for both concrete types in compiled Excel sheets. 3. Cylinder Data and Photos: Uniaxial compression test results categorized into fiber-reinforced, plain concrete, and comparative datasets. Includes stress-strain curves, mechanical properties, and failure mode photographs. 4. Steel Rebar Data and Photos: Tensile test results for Bar numbers 3, 4, and 6, featuring stress-strain curves, mechanical properties, and photographic documentation of specimens.
Files
Steps to reproduce
To reproduce the experimental data, the following procedure was executed: • Characterization of Constituent Materials: The coarse and fine aggregates were characterized for moisture content, absorption, density, and fineness modulus according to ASTM C136, ASTM C33, and Portland Cement Association (PCA) protocols. The reinforcing steel was characterized through tensile tests per NMX-C-407-ONNCCE. • Concrete Mix Design: A concrete mix was proportioned using the ACI 211 method to achieve a target compressive strength of 25 MPa at 28 days, with a water-cement ratio of 0.51. Trial mixes were conducted to verify workability (slump of ≈17 cm, NMX-C-161-ONNCCE) and strength. • Fabrication of Concrete Mixtures: o Plain Concrete: The constituent materials were batched by weight and mixed to achieve a homogeneous plain concrete mixture. o Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Hooked-end steel fibers (0.7% by volume) were added gradually to the base mixture to ensure uniform distribution. • Casting and Curing of Specimens: Cylinders (15 cm × 30 cm) and beams (15 × 15 × 60 cm) were fabricated. Demolding was performed after 24 hours, and curing was carried out under controlled conditions according to ASTM C192 and NMX-C-155-ONNCCE for 28 days. • Compression Tests on Cylinders: An Instron 600 kN machine was used under displacement control (0.8 mm/min). Vertical and horizontal strains were measured with LVDTs. Compressive strength (f’c), modulus of elasticity (E), and Poisson's ratio (μ) were calculated according to ASTM C39 and ASTM C469. • Flexural Tests on Beams: The beams were tested under third-point loading per ASTM C1609 and NMX-C-191-ONNCCE. Deflection was measured with an LVDT, and crack propagation and the fiber bridging effect were photographically documented.
Institutions
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon
Categories
Funders
- Departamento de Ingeniería Estructural y Peritajes