Characterisation of fibre content, distribution and orientation to predict Fibre Reinforced Concrete behaviour

This paper calculates the flexural behaviour (load-displacement and stress-crack opening distributions) of “real” beams where the contribution of every single fibre is considered. It therefore, allows clarifying to what extent a link between single fibre pull-out models and post-cracking behaviour can be established when the uncertainty about the actual fibre content, distribution and orientation is eliminated by using a computed tomography (CT) - imagery algorithm. The results were compared to three point bending tests of the same beams. The CT algorithm also presents a solution to the difficult problem of separating clusters that occur when fibres pack together within the concrete matrix.