Design methodology for fibre reinforced concrete slabs-on-grade based on inelastic analysis

In order to enable the adoption of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) in applications such as slabs-on-grade, it is imperative to develop comprehensive guidelines that address different facets of the slab behavior. The current study aims at providing a design methodology for FRC slabs-on-grade and pavements, which incorporates suitable material parameters and considers various failure conditions. The approach is based on inelastic analysis since the presence of fibres imparts sufficient rotation capacity to the slabs. The equivalent flexural strength, fiflα150fifl is used to incorporate the crack resisting potential in the design. The required expressions are developed based on yield line analysis for different types of loads and lead to performance requirements in terms of the equivalent flexural strength, for a minimum thickness and chosen grade of concrete, by using appropriate limiting moment equations. The methodology also accounts for stresses due to temperature variations and restraint to shrinkage. A detailed calculation is also given to illustrate the use of the design procedure.