Laboratory Testing

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Testing

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is gaining attention as an effective way to improve the performance of concrete. Fibers are currently being specified in tunneling, bridge decks, pavements, loading docks, thin unbonded overlays, concrete pads, and concrete slabs. These applications of fiber-reinforced concrete are becoming increasingly popular and are exhibiting excellent performance.

The characteristics of the fiber reinforced concrete depend on the fiber material, amount, geometry, distribution, orientation, and densities of the fibers used. Fibers are added to fresh concrete during the batching and mixing process to allow them to be equally distributed throughout the concrete.

Types of Fibers

• Steel
• Glass
• Synthetic
• Natural

These fibers are often used in concrete to control plastic shrinkage cracking and drying shrinkage cracking. Some types of fibers can improve abrasion resistance, residual strength, toughness and shatter resistance of the concrete. They may also lower the permeability of concrete thus reducing the amount of bleed water.

Experience

SGS TEC works closely with ASTM and FRCA in the development of test methods, testing guidelines and specifications for:

• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
• Industrial Floor Slabs
• Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
• Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)
• Precast Tunnel Segments
• Shotcrete

Contact an expert today to find out more.

Test Methods