Fiber reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that includes fibrous substances that increase its structural strength and cohesion. Fiber reinforced concrete has small distinct fibers that are homogeneously dispersed and oriented haphazardly. Fibers used are steel fibers, synthetic fibers, glass fibers, and natural fibers. The characteristics of fiber reinforced concrete are changed by the alteration of certain factors: type and quantity of fibers, 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.
