This study examines the viability of employing steel fibers as an alternative or supplementary reinforcement to conventional rebars in concrete structures. Cylindrical and beam specimens, prepared with varying steel fiber contents, were tested to assess their impact on structural performance. Results reveal that steel fibers significantly enhance compressive strength and post-cracking behavior by providing additional reinforcement and mitigating crack propagation. Moreover, the incorporation of steel fibers boosts energy absorption capacity and residual flexural tensile strength, effectively minimizing crack widths and optimizing material response under bending loads. Quantitative analysis indicates residual flexural tensile strengths of 10 kN, 21.96 kN, 29.91 kN, and 29.76 kN for plain concrete and steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) with fiber contents of 30, 45, and 60 kg/m3, respectively. Additionally, proportional limits increased from 1.89 MPa (plain concrete) to 5.03 MPa, 6.48 MPa, and 8.6 MPa for SFRC with corresponding fiber contents, underscoring a marked improvement with higher fiber dosages. This research underscores the efficacy of steel fibers as a cost-effective reinforcement strategy, with SFRC at 45 kg/m3 identified as an optimal balance of strength and fiber content for enhanced structural integrity.
