Direct tension-dependent flexural behavior of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes

This research investigated the effects of direct tensile response on the flexural resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes by performing sectional analysis. The correlations between direct tensile and flexural response of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes were investigated in detail for the development of a design code of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete flexural members as follows: (1) the tensile resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes right after first-cracking in tension should be higher than one-third of the first-cracking strength to obtain the deflection-hardening if the ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes show tensile strain-softening response; (2) the equivalent bottom strain of flexural member at the modulus of rupture is always higher than the strain capacity of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes in tension; (3) the softening part in the direct tensile response of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concretes significantly affects their flexural resistance; and (4) the moment resistance of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete girders is more significantly influenced by the post-cracking tensile strength rather than the tensile strain capacity. Moreover, the size and geometry effects should be carefully considered in predicting the moment capacity of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete beams.