Experimental investigation of an optimized Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete element under double splitting loading condition

Structural optimization can be achieved through the use of new materials and solutions aimed at improving structural performance while increasing the sustainability of the structures. Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) can represent a solution for optimizing the reinforcement of concrete elements. The effective load-bearing capacity of FRC structures significantly depends on fiber orientation; therefore, a favorable alignment relative to the expected crack planes enables maximization of performance, assuming other conditions remain constant. This paper presents an experimental program conducted on two large-scale rectangular specimens subjected to double splitting load conditions. The performance of the traditional reinforcing solution with steel bars is compared to that of an optimized element. The first level of optimization involved the combined use of two types of FRCs with different toughness, while the high-performance material was further optimized through preferential fiber orientation, obtained by using a special device.