Application of steel fibers in beam–column joints of rigid-framed railway bridges to reduce longitudinal and shear rebars

The effects of reducing steel rebars in beam–column joints and use of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) were investigated in this study. A control specimen was prepared following the structural design of existing railway bridges in Japan. Further, three more specimens were prepared with reduced longitudinal rebars and hoops in columns. In these three specimens amount of steel fibers were varied by 0%, 1% and 1.5%, respectively. Based on the comparison of observed responses, it is found that the addition of 1.5% of steel fibers is effective in reducing amount of steel rebars in the beam–column joints of railway bridges.

► Contribution of steel fibers to reduce rebars in beam–column joints is presented. ► Specimens were prepared based on the existing railway bridges in Japan. ► Anchorage failure of specimen changed to flexural failure on adding steel fibers. ► Addition of steel fibers increased load capacity even after reducing rebars. ► Steel fibers can substitute certain amount of rebars in beam–column joints.