Compressive Strength Variability in High Performance Concrete with Steel Fiber Addition

Abstract

In this study, an evaluation was conducted on the influence of specimen geometry on high performance concrete (HPC) with steel fiber addition with a view of monitoring the variability that exists. Strict mix design protocols were carried out in the production of the HPC based on the relevant standard, and strict procedures were ensured in the casting, consolidation, and curing of the specimens to produce viable specimens for testing. Standard 150 x 300 mm cylinder and 150 mm side cubes were utilized. There is an observed strength increase for both type of specimens and aspect ratios, as well as a noticeable wall effect especially in the cylindrical specimens at higher aspect ratio of fiber. Variability of the results is more prominent in lower aspect ratio of the fiber irrespective of the specimen type due to data range. At the end, due to strict quality control, the range of the data has been successfully reduced to about 2-3 MPa in most cases.