Effect of high dosage of steel fibers on mechanical properties of UHPFRC: Application of response surface method

Abstract

The master thesis herein described mainly focused on developing a statistical model using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to predict the performance of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Furthermore, the mechanical properties of UHPFRC containing higher fiber dosage (2.5-4%) were also investigated through an experimental program. An accumulation of the results indicated that the addition of fibers has the potential to improve the compressive strength of UHPFRC, and it depends on fiber content. The influence of increased fiber content in flexural strength merits further research. The statistical model developed with RSM showed an excellent correlation between the factors and responses. This mathematical model can predict the compressive strength of UHPFRC. Therefore, this study establishes the efficiency of RSM as a statistical tool that enables early decision-making during practical applications.