Numerical study of strength properties for a composite material with short reinforcing fibers

A numerical approach to the determination of the strength for concrete with short reinforcing fibers based on the finite element method is presented. The mechanical model takes into account the concrete matrix nonlinear deformation under compressive and tensile stresses, the inelastic strains in the reinforcing fiber and the nonlinear interaction between the fibers and the matrix. An analysis of the effect of the reinforcement concentration, various flow rules of the matrix, and the bonding type on the deformation of the composite material is performed. A home-made computer program is developed: it allows one to determine the strength for the composite material under consideration.