Fiber reinforced concrete is defined as a composite material consisting of concrete reinforced with discrete randomly but uniformly dispersed short length fibers. The fibers can be made of steel, polymer or natural materials. Woven fabrics, long wires, bars, and continuous wire mesh are not considered discrete fibers.
Fiber reinforced concrete is considered as a material of improved properties and not as reinforced cement concrete whereas reinforcement is provided for local strengthening of concrete in tension region. Since in Fiber reinforced concrete, fibers are distributed uniformly in concrete, it has better properties to resist internal stresses due to shrinkage. As fibers improve specific material properties of the concrete, impact resistance, flexural strength, toughness, fatigue resistance, ductility also improve.
Fibers generally used in cement concrete pavements are steel fibers and organic polymer fibers such as polypropylene and polyester.
Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Steel fibers have been used for a long time in construction of roads and also in floorings, particularly where heavy wear and tear is expected. Specifications and nomenclature are important for a material to be used as the tenders are invited based on specifications and nomenclature of the items. Such nomenclature is not available in Delhi Schedule of Rates. In a work where steel fiber reinforced concrete was used for overlays just like flooring, the following nomenclature can be adopted for concreting of small thickness.
This article is for subscribers only. Log in to read.
