Mix design methodology for self-compacting flexible-fiber reinforced concrete based on rheological and mechanical concepts

A new design methodology for self-compacting flexible fiber-reinforced concrete (SCFFRC) based on rheological criteria, specifically the plastic viscosity of the suspension, is developed. Firstly, the effect that the flexible fiber produces on the plastic viscosity in Newtonian suspensions is studie...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Ruiz López, Gonzalo Francisco; Rosa Velasco, Ángel de la
Format: Article
Publication date:2025
Country:España
Institution:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repository:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/47360
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.144839
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/47360
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Self-compacting flexible-fiber reinforced concrete (SCFFRC)
Mix proportioning
Plastic viscosity
Rheology
Micromechanical model
Description
Summary:A new design methodology for self-compacting flexible fiber-reinforced concrete (SCFFRC) based on rheological criteria, specifically the plastic viscosity of the suspension, is developed. Firstly, the effect that the flexible fiber produces on the plastic viscosity in Newtonian suspensions is studied. Next, an equation for the calculation of the plastic viscosity in cementitious suspensions reinforced with flexible fibers is presented. Starting from the basis that the rheological behavior of the suspension differs between rigid and flexible fibers, a micromechanical model is developed. This model allows determining the dosage of self-compacting flexible fiber-reinforced concrete, which is adapted from the one proposed for self-compacting steel fiber-reinforced concrete (De La Rosa et al., 2018). The model predicts the behavior of the material based on the geometric and mechanical characteristics of the fiber (aspect ratio and modulus of elasticity), the rheological properties of the cementitious matrix in which they are suspended, and the shear rate of the process. Finally, the results of the characterization of several reinforced concrete with different types of flexible fibers are shown according to the design methodology developed.