Steel Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFSCC): A comprehensive review on strength, durability, and future prospects

Steel Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFSCC) is an innovative material that integrates the self-compacting ability of SCC with the strength and durability benefits of steel fibers. This review examines the mix design, fresh and hardened properties, durability, and microstructural characteristics of SFSCC, highlighting its performance advantages and challenges. Fresh properties were assessed using slump flow, T500, L-box, V-funnel, J-ring, and U-box tests, ensuring compliance with self-compacting standards. Hardened properties were evaluated through compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, bond strength, flexural toughness, and impact resistance tests. Durability was examined using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), permeability, sorptivity, and sulfate resistance tests, while microstructural analysis was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Findings reveal that incorporating steel fibers enhances strength, ductility, and durability. Compressive strength increased by 10%–35%, tensile strength by 11%–113%, and flexural strength by 10%–80%, while impact resistance improved significantly, with crack impact energy increasing by up to 3433%. Durability tests indicated improved resistance to water penetration and sulfate exposure, with a 6%–59% reduction in permeability and minimal compressive strength loss of 8.6% after prolonged sulfate exposure. Microstructural analysis confirmed reduced porosity and stronger interfacial bonding, contributing to long-term performance. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in optimizing mix design, ensuring uniform fiber dispersion, and addressing long-term durability. Further research is needed to refine material composition and enhance the sustainability and structural efficiency of SFSCC in construction applications.