Partially Steel-Fiber Reinforced Mortar

Flexural members that are reinforced by steel fibers for only a portion of their depth, referred to as being partially reinforced, can have strengths and ductilities equal to those of members reinforced for the full depth and at a considerable saving in costs. Beams 3-in. (76-mm) deep, reinforced with 1.5%ch by volume of 0.5-in. x 0.0058-in. (12.7-mm x0.15-mm) fibers on only the tension side to a depth of 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) or more have strengths comparable to a fully reinforced member but with slightly reduced ductility. The cost of materials for beams reinforced to one-sixth of their total depth is only about one-half of that for a fully reinforced member.