The idea of using fibers as reinforcement in concrete is not a new concept. In fact, it has been around since ancient times. Just check out the below concrete fiber reinforcement timeline:
- Straw was used in mud bricks.
- Horsehair was used in mortar.
- In the early 19oos, asbestos fibers were used in concrete.
- In the 1950s composite materials revolutionized the concept of fiber-reinforced concrete.
- In the 1960s steel, glass, and polypropylene fibers replaced asbestos.
Common Benefits of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
- Fibers are used to control cracking due to both plastic shrinkage and drying shrinkage.
- Fibers reduce the permeability of concrete.
- Fibers reduce bleeding of water.
- Certain fibers provide impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete.
Benefits of Particular Concrete Fibers
Polypropylene and Nylon Fibers
- Improve mix cohesion, improving pumpability over long distances.
- Improve freeze-thaw resistance.
- Improve resistance to explosive spalling in case of a severe fire.
- Improve impact resistance.
- Increase resistance to plastic shrinkage during curing.
Steel Reinforcement Fibers
- Improve structural strength.
- Reduce steel reinforcement requirements.
- Improve ductility.
- Reduce crack widths and control the crack widths tightly thus improve durability.
- Improve impact & abrasion resistance.
- Improve freeze-thaw resistance.
- In certain specific circumstances, steel fiber can entirely replace traditional steel reinforcement bar in reinforced concrete.
Steel and Polmeric Fiber Blend
Construction companies tend to blend steel fibers and polypropylene fibers, utilizing the benefits of both products, including:
- Structural improvements provided by steel fibers.
- Resistance to explosive spalling provided by polymeric fibers .
- Resistance to plastic shrinkage provided by polymeric fibers.
Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC)
ECC is a sub-category of fiber reinforced concrete boasting several impressive benefits, including:
- 500 times more resistance to cracking than traditional concrete.
- 40 percent lighter than traditional concrete.
- Sustain strain-hardening up to several percent strain, resulting in a material ductility of at least two orders of magnitude higher when compared to normal concrete or standard fiber-reinforced concrete.
- Unique cracking behavior, including a crack width to below 100 µm.
If you have any further questions about Fiber Reinforced Concrete or have a project that you need completed, then contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777 or click here today! The asphalt experts here have managed hundreds of pavement projects and have the experience you need.
Give me the opportunity to impress you. I can be your one stop ‘Pavement Guy,’ for any pavement project regardless of size or scope.
