Feasibility Studies on a Connection for Steel Structures Using Steel Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite

Abstract

This paper describes feasibility studies on a connection for free-form steel structures using FRCC (Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composite). Firstly, basic material characteristics of high-strength mortar reinforced with two different kinds of steel fibers are investigated through material bending tests. Then the bending characteristics of a connection consisting of FRCC, stud-welded rebars and rebar mesh are investigated through cyclic bending tests. Following verification of the accuracy of FEM analysis by simulating the bending test, the combined bending and axial force capacity of the connection is estimated by analysis to determine the connection's scope of application.