This study presents an experimental investigation of the shear behavior and strength of 12 high-performance reinforced concrete (HPRC) beams. The primary aim of this study was to accurately assess the impact of incorporating structural fibers on shear performance. The concrete mixes were enhanced with two types of fibers: Carbon (CA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as a combination of both (hybrid CA-PVA). The key parameters varied in the study included the presence or absence of vertical stirrups, fiber types, fiber volume ratios (Vf), and shear span-to-depth ratios (a/d). The results demonstrated significant improvements in the shear performance owing to fiber reinforcement. The beams contain�ing CA fibers exhibited a 70% increase in the initial cracking shear load (Pcr) and a 51% increase in the ultimate shear load (Pu). Similarly, the hybrid CA-PVA fiber-reinforced beams showed a 61% increase in (Pcr) and a 32% increase in (Pu). Regarding mechanical performance, the CA fibers improved the initial shear stiffness and energy absorption capacity by 23% and 67%, respectively. The hybrid CA-PVA fiber beams also enhanced the shear stiffness and energy absorption by 10% and 75%, respectively. Furthermore, reducing the shear span-to-depth ratio (a/d) led to a 19% increase in (Pcr), a 48% increase in (Pu), and an 83% improvement in energy absorption, highlighting the significant role of geometry in shear behavior. Numerical finite element analysis (NFEA) was performed to validate the experimental results using ANSYS 15.0 software. The numerical simulations closely matched the experimental findings in terms of load–deflection behavior and crack development patterns, confirming the reliability of the experimental outcomes and the effectiveness of the fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete in enhancing the shear performance. |
