EFFECT OF CURING CONDITIONS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STEEL FIBER REINFORCED SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced self compacting concrete (FRSCC) is a type of concrete mix that can mitigate two opposing weaknesses: poor workability in fiber reinforced concrete and cracking resistance in plain SCC concrete. This research investigates the influence of curing conditions and effect of steel fiber on shrinkage and mechanical properties of self compacting concrete. Test results showed that water cured specimens always give the highest values followed by this cured as in dry condition irrespective of type and age of concrete and test methods. For flexural, splitting tensile strength and modulus of elasticity tests, the SCC concrete with steel fiber reinforced gives the highest values than plain SCC for all curing conditions. Steel fibers in the early stage, didn’t show any improvement in shrinkage.