Experimental tests vs. theoretical modeling for FRC in compression

Several theoretical models and experimental data for the compressive behavior of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) are available in literature. In this paper the results of experimental compression tests on Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) specimens carried out according to standard procedures are shown. The complete stress-strain relationship up to failure for each specimen was monitored and plotted. The different post peak curves of the tested SFRC specimens with fiber content of 1%, 1.6%, 3% were compared and the difference in their behavior was highlighted. Aiming to evaluate the reliability of the models available in literature a comparative study between experimental and theoretical stress-strain relationship was developed. For this purpose theoretical models and experimental data published from 1989 to 2006 were collected in a database and critically analyzed. Many of the theoretical models studied agree more with the experimental curves obtained from the same author rather than with the experimental data obtained from other authors. The validity ranges of the examined stress-strain relationship were critically overviewed.