Effect of steel fibers on static and blast response of high strength concrete

The advantages of High Strength Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HSFRC) in static behavior highlighted by many researchers suggest it is a promising material to withstand dynamic loads. However, available experimental results regarding blast performance of HSFRC structural elements are still limited. The results of exploratory series of tests using a high strength concrete, over 100 MPa compressive strength, reinforced with long hooked-end steel fibers are presented in this paper. The results of static characterization tests performed on prisms and slabs and the results of blast tests on slabs are presented and analyzed. The improvements found in static flexure response with different fibers contents are compared with those found under blast loads. The effects of fibers controlling cracking, scabbing and spalling under close-in explosions are also addressed.