Research Initiation: An Investigation of the Effect of Steel Fibers on the Vibrational Characteristics of Regular Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Beams

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The addition of steel fibers to reinforced concrete beams has been determined to significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the member. However, little research has been reported concerning the effect of steel fibers on the vibrational characteristics of regular reinforced and prestressed concrete flexural members. The objective of this research program is to experimentally determine the influence of adding steel fibers to regular reinforced and prestressed concrete beams on the vibrational properties (frequency and damping) of these structural members. The change in dynamic response as a function of fiber type, volumetric fiber content, regular and prestressing reinforcement ratios and concrete strength will be the parameters of study. The dynamic properties of the flexural test specimens will be assessed from the results of free vibration and forced vibration tests. All specimens will be tested in both simply supported and cantilever beam configurations. The results obtained from this research project will begin to determine if the addition of steel fibers to regular reinforced and prestressed concrete members will result in a significant increase in structural damping.