The confining effect of geo-grid on the mechanical properties of concrete specimens with steel fiber under compression and flexure

• This study examines the feasibility of geo-grid application in structural engineering.
• Geo-grid confined concrete under compression and split tension is investigated.
• Composite action of SFRC and geo grid enhanced the confinement and dissipation property.
• Geo grid provides an effective crack bridging mechanism.
• Flexural and compression behavior authenticates the feasibility of geo grid in structural work.

An experimental investigation has been carried out for the use of geo-grid as a confinement in concrete specimens with steel fibers. This paper is focused on the confining effect of geo-grid on the mechanical properties of concrete under compression and flexure as well as to examine the bond between geo-grid and concrete. The effect of geo-grid with the steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has also been investigated. Experimental results indicate that geo-grid may be an effective alternative material to confine the concrete as compared to conventional confining techniques. The axial stress–strain behavior of concrete specimens confined with geo-grid is further improved by the use of SFRC. The performance of cylindrical specimens under split tension also proves the significance of geo-grid confinement with and without steel fibers. The flexure test on beam specimens reveal that the strength of geo-grid and its number of layers play a vital role in improving the load–deformation behavior as well as crack propagation. The stress transfer mechanism of geo-grid under flexure confirms that geo-grid may also be an alternative of tensile reinforcement in reinforced concrete specimens.