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.