Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Using fiber reinforcement in residential projects provides an economical way to take advantage of the best in concrete technology. Synthetic fibers, steel fibers and engineered blends of both materials can be used to improve everything from slabs, driveways, and patios to swimming pools, sidewalks, and decks. Fiber reinforcement is also ideal for use with insulated concrete forms (ICFs), providing homeowners with some of the most technologically advanced construction available today.
Fibers have been used in construction materials for hundreds of years. In the past, natural fibers, such as straw or animal hair, have been utilized to provide “fiber-reinforced” concrete. Over the past several decades, fibers have evolved both in form and purpose.
Product Description
Concrete mixture that includes fibrous materials as an alternative to welded wire fabric for secondary reinforcement.
Fibers in concrete are generally regarded as micro or macro fibers depending on the relative size of the fiber. A microfiber has a diameter less than 0.3 mm (0.012 in.), and a macrofiber has a diameter equal to or greater than 0.3 mm (0.012 in.). There are four primary categories for fiber-reinforced concrete based on the material used to produce the fiber.
- Type I: Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete- stainless steel, alloy steel, or carbon steel fibers conforming to ASTM A820
- Type II: Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete- alkali-resistant glass fibers in accordance with ASTM C1666
- Type III: Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete- man-made fibers such as carbon, nylon, polyester and polyolefins
- Type IV: Natural Fiber- Reinforced Concrete- cellulose fibers from a variety of plants
Uses/Applications
Commonly used in floor slabs, elevated metal pan decks and flat work. Also used in insulated concrete forms (ICFs) for homebuilding.
Product Technical Information
Non-corrosive, improved impact, shatter and abrasive resistant; multidimensional reinforcement; always positioned in compliance with codes.
Product Benefits
Reinforcement throughout the entire concrete section: By adding millions of fibers to the concrete mix, the concrete achieves three-dimensional reinforcement.
Increased construction speed: By adding reinforcement to the concrete mix, construction is faster and labor costs are reduced.
No special equipment required: By adding fiber reinforcement in commonly used concrete mix designs and conventional concrete pumps, no additional equipment expenses are needed.
Fiber reinforcement also inhibits plastic shrinkage crack formation, reduces plastic settlement cracking, increases green strength, and improves the cohesion of the mix, all of which give you durable, low maintenance concrete.
Fibers enhance both the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. In fresh concrete, fibers help reduce bleeding, settlement and the cracking associated with settlement. Fibers also help minimize the development of plastic shrinkage cracks that have a tendency to form during adverse weather such as hot, dry, and windy conditions.
In hardened concrete, the primary advantage of fibers is their ability to improve the post-crack load capacity or flexural toughness of the concrete.