Pull-Out Work of Steel Fibers From Cementitious Composites: Analytical Investigation

The main objective of this study is to provide a parametric evaluation of the pull-out work of smooth steel fibers embedded in cementitious matrices. The various parameters controlling the behavior of the bond stress versus slip relationship are analyzed; their effects on the entire pull-out load versus slip response and the corresponding pull-out energy up to full debonding and~or up to total pull-out are investigated. Also discussed are the effects of the fiber geometric parameters such as fiber diameter, length, and aspect ratio. Finally, a brief section addresses the relation between pullout work and the critical strain energy release rate G¢, a fracture mechanics variable, which can be calculated if the P-A curve is known.