| Serviceability problems occur when plain concrete used in the construction of slabs on grade cracks. Accordingly, providing nominal amounts of nonstructural (secondary) reinforcement in the form of either properly positioned welded wire fabric (WWF), or well distributed fibres, in conjunction with control joints can provide crack control for shrinkage and temperature effects.; The objective of this research is to investigate the response of square model slabs (2.5m x 2.5m x 0.15m) tested under a central point load on two types of subgrade, either loose or compacted. These tests are carried out for both low (0.1%) and high (0.4%) dosages of steel and polypropylene fibres as well as equivalent amounts of WWF. The post-cracking strength of these slabs is used to assess slab performances, and the slab responses are compared in order to determine the suitability and effectiveness of using different types of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) as an alternative to welded wire fabric in concrete for slabs on grade.; The soil-structure interaction of each slab is investigated using the slab response in order to identify several parameters which affect the post-cracking behaviour of concrete slabs on grade. These parameters include subgrade stiffness, reinforcement type and dosage, and shear cone size. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
