lLAno tLASflC COHClU"

APPLICATIO OF ELASTO PLASTIC CONCRETE BARCHIP MACRO STRUCTURAL SYNTHETIC

FIBRE REINFORCEMENT FOR THE DESIGN OF CONCRETE GROUND SLABS ON GRADE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The use of fibres, classically straw and horse hair, to reinforce brittle materials such as bricks and
plaster has a long history - thousand of years. However, it was not until the 1970's that the use of steel
fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) gained commercial momentum. In the 1988 edition of Concrete
Society Technical Report No 34 - Concrete Industrial Ground Floors - a guide to design and
construction, minimal reference was made to the use of fibres but in the second edition (1994)
comprehensive data was included together with a design example for steel fibre reinforced concrete
(SFRC).

The third addition ofTR34 published in 2003, was written in a limit state format with emphasis on the
ultimate and serviceability limit state (ULS and SLS). For the ultimate limit state the Meyerhof
equations were adopted for slab analysis with partial safety factors based on those in the draft Eurcode
2. The Meyerhof equations are based on yield line theory and thus it is necessary to establish positive
(sagging) and negative (hogging) moment capacities, Up and

Ma.

It is assumed that plain concrete

does not have any significant ability to redistribute bending moments, but the presence or fibres (macro
synthetic or steel) will enhance ductility and the ability to redistribute bending moments.

The ductility of fiber reinforced concrete is characterised by its equivalent flexural strength ratio Re3
(see section 2.0). This provides a residual (i.e. post cracking) positive bending moment capacity Up as
follows:

where:

= partial safety factor for concrete, taken as 1.5 for the ULS.
= equivalent to actual strength ratio in TR34 (2003) it is recommended that sufficient
fibers be provided to give the minimum Re3 value of 0.3.

slab depth (mm)

/ct, fl = characteristic flexural strength of the plain concrete obtained from TR34 (2003) or
Eurocode 2 (2004). The use of Eurcode 2 results in a reduced value of

/ct, jl

The information has been provided as a guide to performance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to determine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

1. Method of Measuring Young's Modulus

1) Young's Modulus is extrapolated from tensile test data on the fibres.
2) Perspectives of Young's Modulus
Linear materials (for example. Steel, carbon fibres)
Stress-Strain curve draws a straight line and the Young's Modulus is equal to the slope of the line.
2 Non-linear materials (for example like Rubber, plastic)
When slightly strained, as it is said to obey Hooke's Law, obtain the slope of S-S curve in the range of slight strain.
Define

E-

ae

E=

t.nsil. stress 11
t.nsill strain t

Therefore

tore. per unit

cNrwed __ per ..... 1engIh

F/A

..:\1..141

Where F: Force applied to the object

A: cross-sectional area
ilL : the amount by which the length of the object changes
LO : the original length of the object

elongation/load

elongationlload
50

400

40

300

,..,30

~oo

L....J

'g20
o

'0
tll

100

G~I=+==t===r--~10

o
o

12
18
24
changed length [mm]

30

123
changed length [mm]

3) Conducting tensile tests on fibre

1 Measure decitex (dt) and obtain cross-section area (A) by calculation using density as d=0.91
2 Plot the load points by 0.25mm spacing in between zero point and ruptured point of strain
3 By obtaining tangent line (slope) on Strain: Load, the slope is the elastic modulus
Load at Strain 1mm point on above graph is 20.25N. Obtain the tangent line using 4 strain points
before and after the point at 0.50mm, O.75mm, 1.25mm and 1.50mm. (5 point complex differentiation)
4 As above, supposing there are 100 plot points on Strain-Load, there exist 96 points
excluding the 4 points before and after the point from which we can obtain each tangent line
and Young's Modulus.
5 After obtaining 96 Young's Modulus, we select the largest slope (Young's Modulus) as elastic modulus.

(LASlO PLAS'fIC COHC8U(

While fibres increase the ductility of concrete, they do not increase (at the fibre doses generally adopted
for slabs on grade of between 3 and 7 kgs/m 3 macro synthetic fibres) the negative (hogging) moment
capacity Up which is obtained as follows:

(h:J
It should be noted that that the equations above relate to a unit width (b=lmm), refer to worked
examples.

2.0 EQUIVALENT FLEXURAL STRENGTH AND Re VALUES

J

Broadly, the properties of fibre reinforced concrete are influenced by:

Cross section (normal, flat, crescent etc)

Deformations (straight, undulating, hook ended)
Aspect ratio
Dosage (generally expressed as kg/m 3)
Tensile strength
Ductility (Toughness)

The aspect ratio (Lid) is defmed as the fibre length (L) divided by its diameter or its equivalent diameter
(d) and is generally in the range ono to 100.

The quantity of macro synthetic fibres in a mix can be expressed in three ways:

Wi = lOOT! = lOOF = 7850Vr

Te

We

eqn (i)

We

where

Wi

percent of fibres by weight of concrete

Tf

weight of fibres in a batch (kg)

Te
F
We

weight of plain concrete in a batch (kg)

VI

weight of fibres per unit volume of plain concrete (kg/m3)

unit weight of plain concrete (kg/m3)
volume fraction of fibres, percentage

It is common practice in the UK and Europe to specify the fibre dosage as a weight per unit volume of

plain concrete (F). For slabs on ground, typical values of F are in the range 3 to 7 kg/m3 which
correspond to volume :fractions (Vr ) of0.25% and 0.75% respectively. It should be noted that test data

The information has been provided as a guide to performance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to determine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

t:LASTO PLASTIC CONCRETE

for SynFRC can be misleading as the volume percentage of fibres is not always quoted and may be
between 1% and 2%. An important characteristic of macro synthetic fibres is their toughness or
ductility. A measure of this toughness can be obtained from the American Standard ASlM C1069 or
the Japanese Society of Civil Engineers - JSCE-SF4. The Japanese Standard is easier to use and the
starting point is to use a flexural test apparatus to detennine the modulus of rupture (fit) ofbeams using
a third point loading test, see Fig, (1).
With the range of fibre doses used in ground supported slabs, that is, 3 to 7 kglm3, it is generally
accepted that the value of fit for plain concrete will not differ significantly from the stress at :first crack
for steel fibre reinforced beams. However, the deformation characteristics after cracking of macro
synthetic fibre concrete beams will differ considerably from those for plain concrete beams. Depending
on the fibre type and dosage, macro synthetic steel fibre concrete beams can be shown to have
considerable toughness (ductility). From the third point loading beam test, the area below the load
deflection curve (Tb) up to a deflection of 1/150 of the span (3 mm for L = 450 mm) can be measured,
see Fig. (2).

so

40

~ 30

20

2.0

1.0

3.0 (UISU)

Fig 2 Load defonnation chart

The equivalent flexmal strength Fe.3 can be expressed as:

Tb

Fe,3 = -

L
X -3
bh 2

The equivalent flexural ratio Re 3, expressed IS a percentage, is given by:

Re,3

/e,3
/el

100 eqn (ii)

The infonnation has been provided as a guide to perfonnance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

[LASlO Pt.t..HIC (OHCA[I(

Slab tests Wldertaken at the University ofWestem Sydney Australia (7) and the Technical University of Brunswick,
Gennany (8) have shown that a significant increase of load bearing capacity can be achieved by the addition of
macro synthetic fibres in the dosage range 3 kglm3 to 7 kglm3 The greater the value of Re, 3, the greater the increase
in load capacity and ductility.

Fig. (2): Detennination ofEquivalent Flexural S1rength

Tb L
Fe, 3 :="3 X bh 2

Further developments in assessing Re3 values include the large round determinate panel test, the
ASTM. C- 1609 beam test and the centrally loaded beam test as given in Technologies in Structural and
Engineering (TSE) report of October 2006, report No 169.

This report's test work at the University of Greenwich at Chatham Maritime has validated the ability of
Barchip macro synthetic fibres to enhance the ductility of plain concrete when subjected to concentrated
loads. The University of Greenwich tests complied with the Japanese Society of Civil Engineers
publication - Methods of Tests for Flexural Strength and Flexural Toughness of Fibre Reinforced
Concrete JSCE-SF4, 1984.

3.0 PUNCHING SHEAR

In TR34 (2003) and TR63 (2007) a design procedure is given for punching shear with slabs reinforced
with steel fibres (SFRC). TR34 also includes a worked example (appendix B) which demonstrates that
the shear capacity of plain concrete can be enhanced by the presence of steel fibres. Thus the total shear
capacity is

Vr

Vr = Ve + Vr

where Ve is the capacity of the plain concrete Vr that of the steel fibres.

is a function of the equivalent flexural strength ratio (Re 3) and the characteristic flexural strength of

the concrete

(/ct, jT) .

The situation for macro synthetic fibres is still to be determined. Both TR34 (2003) and TR65 (2007)
state that for synthetic fibre reinforced concrete the design should be based on the assumption that the
shear capacity is the same as unreinforced concrete. A desk study is currently being undertaken at
the University of Greenwich and some draft proposals have been issued for comment.

The information has been provided as a guide to performance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to determine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

(LASlO ,,,"'SIIC; CONCIUll

WORKED EXAMPLE - COMPARISON OF BARCHIP AND

SFRC REINFORCED SOG

1. MATERIAL PRoPERTIES
Concrete Grade

25/30 EC2

/ct, fl (8.05)

1.8 Imm
IV 3

Eern

31 fN/mm3

Barchip 5 kgs/m 3
Re3

55% (to be conftrmed)

SFRC (25 kg/m 3)

Typical Re3

=
=

50 Undulating (61 d = 50)

55 Hook ended (61 d

= 75)

60 Hook ended (61 d

=60)

All the above to be conftrmed by suppliers.

Slab Depth

fin 1mm

= 150mm
= 0.06 say

For slab layout see on last page.

Racking Legs
250

Figl
Base Plate lOOxl00 (Typical)

1002 = Ila 2
a = (1002 1Il)o.3

= 54.funm
= 2x54.fun 250 + 10000
= 38200mm 2
= (382001 Il)O.5

Combined Area
Acquis

=110mm
Racking leg loads
= 50kw 1leg
If f =1.2
PU(Rjed) = 2x50m 1.2
=120kw

The infonnation has been provided as a guide to perfonnance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to determine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

2. PUNCHING -INTERNAL

0
0
=J
J
350

VI =700 + 200 =900mm

100
Fil2

At face of loaded area

3. BENDING
BACK TO BACK PALLET RACKING

/etA,

fl

= [1+(200Ih)0.5] /etA(O.OS) ::; 2/efA / O.a

= [1+ (200/150).5 ] 1.8
2

= 3.880 Xmm > 2x1.9 x m = 3.6

Adopt.fcIA,Jf = 3.6

1mm 2

M 1] = 3.6x1502 16x1.5x1 03
=9.0KNmlm
M1]

= Re,3M1]

Re,3 = 0.55anyMp = 0.55x9.0

=4.95 kNmlm
M1]+Mp=13.9kNmlm

2
]0.26
= [ Ecmxh 3 112(----)k

= 623.7mm
For a, see page 2
a equiv

= 110mm

a If =110/623.7

= 0.176

The infonnation has been provided as B guide to perfo~ only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services ofprofessionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

"'ASIO """S"II( CO"-"Ull

4. INTERNAL LoADING

aU =0

Pu =2n(MT'/ =Mp)
= 2n x 13.95

=B7.61kn
aU = 0.2 Pu =87.61+(184d -B7.61)0.176/0.2
= 174.5leh
If the racking leg loads are SOleh &

rf

= 1.2

For static loading, Pa required:

=100x1.2
= 120leh < 170.Skh

Therefore slab adequate for intemalloading

5. LoADING AT JOINTS (EDGE LoADING)

a If = 0 Pa = [n(Mp+M7})/2]+2M"
=40.90kh
alf=0.2
Pa *[ n(Mp+M7})+4MA1 ]

0.8t3

I (l-r;x>

=90.4leh
a If = 0.175
Pa = 40.9 + [90.4 - 40.9]xO.176 / 0.2
= 84.46kh < 120kh
Thus load transfer required, say 30%. Check with designer of load transfer system.

The infonnation has been provided as a auide to perfonnance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and usc the services of professionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

BASTO HASTIC

CONC~(T(

PYNCIDNG.

(i)BARCmp
(i) At face of loaded area - mn:.to TR34 or 65
Refer to P.4 of Shear Report (Shut11)

h=150mm
Uf =4 x 100 x 400mm
From TR34
V max ::::

0.5k2 fc

.eqn P.28

kz = 0.6(lx25 / 350)
=0.54
fed = fell/ k
=16.67 NI 2
Imm
Vmgtr = 0.5x0.54xI6.67
=4.5 hi 3
Imm

= 4.5 X 900 x150 X

Ppmax

270> 120

lOx] = 607.5 kN

OK

PuNcmNG AT JOINTS
(i) AT FACE OF WADED AREA

(a) Barchip
v

max

tr/ 2
= 4.5 /mm

vf=400
h=150
Pp = 4.5x550x150xl00 3
= 371.25kN > 120
(b) SFRC

Pp = 4.5x550xI12.5xlO 3
= 278.44kN > 120

The infonnation has been provided as a guide to performance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services ofprofessionals to determine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

UA5fO "LA'SIIC CONCRtl(

il) AT CRITICAL PERIMETER

(a) Barchip
vc = 0.495 N/
/mm 3
uc =350x200 + 1Z'x300
=1492mm
Pp = 0.495x1492x150xl00 3
= 1l0.78kv,120
(b) SFRC

Vc=0.735N/
3
/mm
Uc =350+ 200+ 1Z'x225
= 1256.5mm
(

Pp =0.735xI256.5x312.5xlOO 3
= 103.9kN < 120
Thus load transfer is required.
SUMMARY (Racking Loads)

2x50=100kv
yftlOO = 120kN ULT. LOAD RERD.
<ilBENDING

C25 /30 Re,3 = 55% Barchip & SFRC

Thus for both Barchip & SFRC
MTJ =9.0kNm/m
Mp = 4.95kN m/m
SHEAR REpORT Nov. 2007

The infonnation has been provided as a guide to perfonnance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

lD)

b<1ge Loaamg lJomts)

Pu (Barchip) = 84.46kN,120
Pu (SFRC) = 84.46kN < 120

Note: Load transfer is required at joints for Bar

Chip&SFRC

ASTO ' l .... snc COtiCItU

(li) PUNCHING

Location
(a) Internal at
face loaded
area.
(b) Internal at
2d/2hfrom
face of loaded
area.
(c) Edge, at
face of loaded
area.
(d) Edge, at
2d/2hfrom
face of loaded
area.

l.a

l.b

(2h)
Bar Chip
607.5kN

(2h)
SFRC
455.6kN

206.7kN

191.26kN

371.25kN

278.44kN

110.78kN

103.9kN

REVISION FOR PuNCHING -

100

.------l

I---------i

h =150
Fig. No.1

See Fig 2

uf=700mm
Pu = 4.5x900xI50xl0 m3
= 607.5kN Bar Chip
Pu = 4.5x900xI12.1xl om3
= 455.6kN SFRC

Above at face ofloaded area at 2d/2h from face of

loaded area:
Bar Chip Uc = 900 + 27 x300
= 2784mm
Pp = O.495x2784x150xl 0 3
=2047kN
SFRC Uc = 900 + 2nx225
= 2313mm
Pp = 0.73 5x.2313xI12.5xl 0 3
= 191.26kN

300=2.h

WAREHOUSE FLooR LAYOUT

The information has been provided as a guide to perfo~ only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services ofprofessionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.

UAirO PlA-HiC conC;IHTl

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The infonnation has been provided as a guide to perfonnance only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and usc: the services of professionals to detennine product suitability for any particular
project or application prior to commercial use.