Previous research on statically loaded reinforced concrete beams has shown a clear influence of the shear span-to-depth ratio on the resulting shear failure mode. Large shear spans relative to the depth typically lead to capacities governed by the breakdown of beam action, whereas low ratios result in capacities governed by the remaining or full arch. Experimental tests with static loading have determined limits for these ratios and the corresponding failure mode. However, no corresponding limits exist for reinforced concrete beams subjected to high strain rates. This is especially true for deep and short beams, for which test data remain scarce. Impact tests were conducted to study shear span-to-depth ratio limits and corresponding shear-type failure modes at high strain rates. Deep, short, and slender beams were tested to study differences in response. Crack development and deformations were analysed using high-speed photography and digital image correlation (DIC). The series consisted of 27 scaled beams tested under static and impact loading, with varying amounts of transverse reinforcement. Results indicated similar shear failure modes for static and impact-loaded beams across the tested shear span-to-depth ratios. For slender beams, inertial forces and undamaged direct struts dominated early, resulting in higher reaction and internal forces for impact-loaded beams. As deformation developed, the response during both load types was similar, with stiffness dominating and flexural and flexural-shear capacities governing the resistance. Strut and tie models generally aligned with the experimental results, while sectional models were over-conservative. A design procedure based on strut and tie modelling was proposed to capture both early transient and quasi-static phase capacities.

Shotcrete is a widely used construction material known for its rapid application and high strength. It contains high amounts of cement, a source of greenhouse gas emissions. SCM can be used to reduce the environmental impact of shotcrete by replacing amounts of cement in the mix. This can affect the strength properties of shotcrete. A pilot study is set to investigate the effect of replacing cement with slag on compressive strength for the first 24 hours. Using the stud driving method and cast cubes, the study showed reduced compressive capacity for the first few hours.

This dataset [1] contains results from structural testing of cast and sprayed fibre-reinforced shotcrete with steel, synthetic and basalt fibres. This includes testing residual flexural strength on beams according to EN 14488-3 [2] and the energy absorption of round determinate panels tested according to ASTM C1550 [3]. For all tests, the compressive strength was evaluated according to EN 12390-3 [4]. Four different fibre types were tested, and for each fibre type, three dosages were tested. Beams were produced by casting, while panels were produced by casting and spraying. This resulted in a total of 36 beams and 72 panels and cubes. Structural testing was performed at an accredited laboratory by certified personnel using standard equipment found in a commercial laboratory for structural testing. The dataset contains a summary of the standard parameters evaluated for each test method but also contains the raw data from the test machine for tests on beams on panels. One unique property of this dataset is the variation in fibre types, i.e. testing includes steel, synthetic and basalt fibres. The standard test parameters summary is useful for directly comparing and evaluating the structural performance for each fibre type and dosage. This could be used to get an indication of the required dosage of each fibre type to fulfil structural requirements. The raw data from the test machine is valuable for the numerical modelling of fibre-reinforced shotcrete. This data contains the relationship between external force and vertical displacement of the specimen and can be used to calibrate a material model for finite element simulations.

The long-term sustainability of shotcrete reinforced with alternative fibre materials, such as basalt and synthetic fibres, is an emerging field of study with significant implications for construction durability and performance. Current research focus is on developing a suitable test method for structural capacity that can be used in a laboratory environment to evaluate these materials under accelerated conditions, simulating long-term usage in various environmental contexts. One critical aspect is to understand how fibres made from synthetic or basalt materials will behave over extended periods, as existing data primarily pertains to traditional steel fibres. To address this gap, we are devising accelerated testing protocols that mimic the thermal and chemical stressors these materials might encounter over decades.