Impact resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete – A review

Abstract This paper reviews the state of the art of the impact resistance of ordinary fiber-reinforced concretes (FRCs) containing various fibers. First, various types of impact test methods that are current available are addressed as well as some concerns about them based on extensive literature reviews and our perspective. Then, common properties of FRCs under impact loading regardless of fiber type, such as the reasons for their enhanced strength under impact, the effect of size on impact resistance, and several factors (i.e., matrix strength, loading conditions, and fiber existence) that influence strain-rate sensitivity, are discussed. Furthermore, the comprehensive impact resistances of FRCs with various fibers (i.e., steel, polymeric, carbon, basalt, natural, and hybrid fibers) are investigated under different loading conditions. After summarizing the impact properties of FRCs with various fibers, the comparative impact resistance of FRCs according to the fiber type is evaluated to determine which type gives the best improvement of impact resistance. Lastly, the effect of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), i.e., fly ash, silica fume, and slag, on the impact resistance of FRCs is examined, and some combinations of SCM and fiber types that lead to enhanced impact resistance are suggested.