Influence of Steel Fibers and Headed Bars on the Serviceability of High-Strength Concrete Corbels

Abstract

Vertical loading tests are reported for six double-sided, high-strength concrete corbel specimens. The primary variables of the investigation were the percentage of steel fibers and the anchorage method of the main tension tie. The test results indicated that performance in terms of load-carrying capacities, stiffness, ductility, and crack width was improved, as the steel fibers were added and the percentage of steel fibers was increased. The corbel specimens with headed bars used as the main tension-tie reinforcement showed superior load-carrying capacities, stiffness, and ductility compared with the corbel specimens in which the main tension ties were anchored by welding to the transverse bars. From the test results, it is expected that the load-carrying capacities, serviceability, and durability of high-strength concrete corbels would be improved by using steel fibers and headed bars. Experimental results presented were also compared with various prediction models. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000427. (c) 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.