MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF CONCRETE USING STEEL FIBER REINFORCEMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has emerged as a significant advancement in concrete technology to overcome the inherent brittleness and low tensile strength of conventional concrete. This comprehensive review synthesizes contemporary research on mechanical performance enhancement through steel fiber reinforcement, examining compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural performance, and ductility improvements. Through systematic analysis of 50+ peer-reviewed studies, the review demonstrates that optimal steel fiber contents ranging from 0.5% to 2.5% by volume can enhance compressive strength by 4–28.8%, splitting tensile strength by 33–122%, and flexural strength by 25–111% depending on fiber geometry, concrete grade, and reinforcement configuration. Critical factors affecting mechanical performance include fiber volume fraction, aspect ratio, fiber geometry (straight, hooked-end, corrugated), and fiber-matrix interface bonding. The review identifies that hybrid fiber systems combining steel with synthetic or natural fibers show synergistic effects on crack control and post-cracking behavior. Emerging applications in ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), geopolymer concrete, and sustainable construction demonstrate the versatility of steel fiber reinforcement. Research gaps persist regarding long-term durability under extreme environmental conditions, cost-optimization strategies, and predictive modeling for complex stress states. This review provides a foundation for engineers and researchers to select appropriate fiber reinforcement strategies for enhanced structural performance and sustainable concrete applications.