Design methods and recommendations for flexural concrete beams reinforced with steel-fiber composite bars

This study aims to establish a complete theoretical model for the nominal flexural strength of concrete beams reinforced with steel-fiber composite bars (SFCB-RC), and determine an optimized range for the ratio of the diameter of the steel core to the diameter of SFCBs (η). Firstly, flexural failure modes for SFCB-RC beams were determined through theoretical analysis, and two failure modes including concrete crushing (compression failure) and FRP in SFCBs rupturing (tension failure) were recommended. It was confirmed that there exists a transition region between the failure modes of tension and compression, where both modes are possible. By conducting a statistical analysis of a database including 57 SFCB-RC beams, an upper-limit reinforcement ratio was recommended for SFCB-RC beams in the transition region. Simplified equations to predict the nominal flexural strength for compression-controlled SFCB-RC beams were proposed by directly using the constitutive model of SFCBs. The flexural strength equations for tension-controlled concrete beams reinforced with fiber reinforced polymer bars (FRP-RC) were confirmed to be also suitable for SFCB-RC beams. Validation of these equations was conducted using the assembled database. Furthermore, the parametric analysis revealed an optimal range of the ratio η (0.77–0.87). This suggested range can serve as a basis for standardizing the production specifications of SFCBs.