Cracking behavior of steel fiber-reinforced concrete members subjected to pure tension

This paper discusses an experimental investigation on the tension stiffening effect on reinforcing bars embedded in plain concrete and steel fiber‐reinforced concrete ties. The experimental campaign, carried out in the Laboratory of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, involved 10 specimens with a square cross‐section of 150 mm × 150 mm and a length of 3,000 mm, with a 3,700‐mm‐long conventional reinforcing bar embedded in the middle of the cross‐section. The cracking behavior of the element was investigated varying the main parameters, such as the fiber volume, the maximum aggregate size, and the diameter of the steel reinforcement. The outcomes of the performed tests have shown the effectiveness of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete in controlling the crack pattern of reinforced concrete structures. Furthermore, the obtained results represent a useful reference point for improving provisions given by standards for tension stiffening, crack spacing, and crack opening for steel fiber‐reinforced concrete members.