Concrete is still the most widely used construction material since it has the lowest ratio between cost and strength as compared to other available materials. However, it has two undesirable properties, namely: low tensile strength and large brittleness that cause the collapse to occur shortly after the formation of the first crack. To improve these two negative properties and to achieve a partial substitute of conventional reinforcement, an addition of short discontinuous randomly oriented steel fibres can be practiced among others. In spite of positive properties, fibrous concrete did not find such acknowledgment and application as usual concrete. There do not still exist consistent dimensioning rules due to the lack sufficient large-scale static and dynamic experiments taking into account the effect of the fibre orientation. The intention of the book is twofold: first to summarize the most important mechanical and physical properties of steel-fibre-added concrete and reinforced concrete on the basis of numerous experiments described in the scientific literature, and second to describe a quasi-static fracture process at meso-scale both in plain concrete and fibrous concrete using a novel discrete lattice model. In 2D and 3D simulations of fibrous concrete specimens under uniaxial tension, the effect of the fibre volume, fibre distribution, fibre orientation, fibre length, fibrous bond strength and specimen size on both the stress-strain curve and fracture process was carefully analyzed.

Concrete is still the most widely used construction material since it has the lowest ratio between cost and strength as compared to other available materials. However, it has two undesirable properties, namely: low tensile strength and large brittleness that cause the collapse to occur shortly after the formation of the first crack. To improve these two negative properties and to achieve a partial substitute of conventional reinforcement, an addition of short discontinuous randomly oriented steel fibres can be practiced among others. In spite of positive properties, fibrous concrete did not find such acknowledgment and application as usual concrete. There do not still exist consistent dimensioning rules due to the lack sufficient large-scale static and dynamic experiments taking into account the effect of the fibre orientation. The intention of the book is twofold: first to summarize the most important mechanical and physical properties of steel-fibre-added concrete and reinforced concrete on the basis of numerous experiments described in the scientific literature, and second to describe a quasi-static fracture process at meso-scale both in plain concrete and fibrous concrete using a novel discrete lattice model. In 2D and 3D simulations of fibrous concrete specimens under uniaxial tension, the effect of the fibre volume, fibre distribution, fibre orientation, fibre length, fibrous bond strength and specimen size on both the stress-strain curve and fracture process was carefully analyzed.

This book sheds light on the shear behavior of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) elements, presenting a thorough analysis of the most important studies in the field and highlighting their shortcomings and issues that have been neglected to date. Instead of proposing a new formula, which would add to an already long list, it instead focuses on existing design codes. Based on a comparison of experimental tests, it provides a thorough analysis of these codes, describing both their reliability and weaknesses. Among other issues, the book addresses the influence of flange size on shear, and the possible inclusion of the flange factor in design formulas. Moreover, it reports in detail on tests performed on beams made of concrete of different compressive strengths, and on fiber reinforcements to study the influence on shear, including size effects. Lastly, the book presents a thorough analysis of FRC hollow core slabs. In fact, although this is an area of great interest in the current research landscape, it remains largely unexplored due to the difficulties encountered in attempting to fit transverse reinforcement in these elements.

This volume presents a wide-ranging review of the latest developments in concrete technology that have been largely missing from the global conference circuit. It the first major international event under the auspices of the Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT) and is appropriately located in the Middle East at the heart of a construction boom. Themes covered include admixture technology, durability, mix design, special cements and supplementary materials, reinforced concrete and sustainability. The 39 papers provide interesting theory and applicable practice blended with research findings – from the application of 3D printing to performance-based specifications and the role of concrete in the development of Oman – to produce a volume of value to many engineers and technologists. Founded in 1972, The Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT)’s mission is to preserve and promote concrete technology as a recognised engineering discipline and consolidate the professional status of practising concrete technologists worldwide. It is the concrete sector’s professional development body, operating internationally, with some 500 members in more than 30 countries. It is an awarding body for qualifications in concrete technology and a facilitator of continuing professional development (CPD) and networking opportunities. Our partner in this conference, The Military Technical College in Muscat, Oman, was established with the intent of becoming a Center of Excellence in engineering education. Located in one purpose-built, state-of-the-art, well-resourced center, the intent is that MTC will be amongst the world's best in the field of military and applied non-military technological education and training providers in the world.

fib Bulletin 57 is a collection of contributions from a workshop on "Recent developments on shear and punching shear in RC and FRC elements", held in Salò, Italy, in October 2010. Shear is one of a few areas of research into fundamentals of the behaviour of concrete structures where contention remains amongst researchers. There is a continuing debate between researchers from a structures perspective and those from a materials or fracture mechanics perspective about the mechanisms that enable the force flow through a concrete member and across cracks. In 2009, a Working Group was formed within fib Task Group 4.2 "Ultimate Limit State Models" to harmonise different ideas about design procedures for shear and punching. An important outcome of this work was the ensuing discussions between experts and practitioners regarding the shear and punching provisions of the draft fib Model Code, which led to the organization of the Salò workshop. Invited experts in the field of shear and FRC gave 18 lectures at the workshop that was attended by 72 participants from 12 countries in 3 different continents. The contributions from this conference as compiled in this bulletin are believed to represent the best of the current state of knowledge. They certainly are of general interest to fib members and especially helpful in the finalization of the 2010 fibModel Code. It is hoped that this publication will stimulate further research in the field, to refine and harmonize the available analytical models and tools for shear and punching design.