Basics Of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

What Is Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that includes fibrous substance that increases its structural strength and cohesion. Fiber reinforced concrete has small distinct that are homogeneously dispersed and oriented haphazardly. used are s, synthetic , glass , and natural . The characteristics of fiber reinforced concrete are changed by the alteration of quantities of concretes, fiber substances, geometric configuration, dispersal, direction and concentration.

Why Fiber Reinforced Concrete Is Used

Portland cement concrete is believed to be a comparatively brittle substance. When un-reinforced concrete is exposed to tensile stresses, it is likely to fracture and fail. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, studies were conducted to reinforce concrete by using steel. After the reinforcement of concrete by steel, it becomes a composite group in which the steel endures the tensile stresses. When concrete is reinforced by using fiber in the mixture, it further increases the tensile strength of the composite system. Research has revealed that the strength of concrete may be improved tremendously by the addition of fiber reinforcing. Since the stretching ability under load of reinforcing fiber is greater than concrete, initially the composite system will function as un-reinforced concrete. However, with additional loading the fiber reinforcing will be activated, to hold the concrete mix together.

Characteristics Of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

The characteristics of concrete depend upon the kind of fiber utilized, volume proportion of the fiber, and the ratio of length and diameter of the fiber. These conditions will improve the mechanical properties, including toughness, ductility, tensile strength, shear resistance and loading limit of the fiber reinforced concrete. Materials used for fiber reinforcement include steel, glass, polyester, rayon, cotton, and polythene. Most commonly used materials are steel and glass that are acid resisting. Natural being vulnerable to alkali attack are not much popular. Similarly, plastic have recently been introduced in the field of reinforcement and are still in the development phase. It is considered that the contribution of plastic to increase the static strength of concrete is limited. Nylons have the characteristics of a plastic material, and presently have a limited application in the slab technology. It is generally believed that nylon possess strength that is greater than the welded wire fabric in such slabs.