Brief Introduction of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
keywords
fiber reinforced concrete, fiber reinforced concrete, glass fiber, polypropylene fiber, steel fiber, microfiber, HPFRC
Introduction
Fiber reinforced concrete, HPFRC is a general term for a new type of cement-based composite material composed of cement slurry, mortar or concrete as the base material, discontinuous short fibers or continuous long fibers as reinforcing materials, and uniformly mixed in concrete.
A cement-based composite material composed of cement slurry, mortar or concrete as the base material and fiber as the reinforcing material is called fiber concrete. Fibers can control the further development of cracks in the matrix concrete, thereby improving crack resistance. Due to the high tensile strength and elongation of fibers, the tensile, flexural, impact strength, elongation and toughness of concrete can be improved.
Advantage
Early crack prevention: Fibers help control shrinkage cracking as moisture evaporates from the concrete mix as moisture levels change. Fiber-reinforced concrete prevents or at least greatly reduces early cracking in the first place.
Durability and Strength: Adding fibers increases the overall durability of concrete, helps reduce corrosion levels, cavitation damage, and has higher levels of tensile strength than unreinforced concrete.
Increased ductility: Fiber-reinforced concrete is less likely to be damaged by high tensile stresses and can increase the weight the structure can carry, especially when microfibers are used.
Classification
Metal fiber: steel fiber (steel fiber concrete), stainless steel fiber (suitable for heat-resistant concrete).
Inorganic fibers: natural mineral fibers (chrysotile, crocidolite, asbestos, etc.) and man-made mineral fibers (carbon fibers such as alkali-resistant glass fiber and alkali-resistant mineral wool).
Organic fibers: synthetic fibers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, aromatic polyimide, etc.) and vegetable fibers (sisal, agave, etc.).
application
Fiber-reinforced materials are used in normal concrete and shotcrete (a type of concrete that can be sprayed).
Round steel fibers are the most commonly used type in fiber reinforced concrete.
Steel fibers in concrete are commonly used in road pavement cladding, bridge decks and airport pavements.
Fiberglass in concrete can be used in more modern, aesthetically pleasing, lighter-weight structures such as furniture or architectural cladding on buildings.
Synthetic fibers in concrete consist of one of two types of fibers: microfibers or coarse fibers. The use of microfibers in concrete reduces shrinkage cracks and is typically made from acrylic, polyester, nylon or polypropylene, among others. On the other hand, in concrete structures where high tensile strength is required, long fibers are a more cost-effective alternative to welding wire. Sidewalks, curbs, and driveways are all common structures built with microfiber.
