Extensive research & development to overcome the cracking tendency of concrete led to introduction of steel fiber reinforcement as a viable solution to the problem by making the concrete tougher and more ductile. Comprehensive field trials over three decades have proved that addition of steel fibers to conventional plain or reinforced and pre-stressed concrete members at the time of mixing/production imparts strength, performance and durability of concrete. The weak matrix, when reinforced with steel fibers uniformly distributed throughout its entire mass, renders the matrix to behave as composite material with properties significantly different from conventional concrete. The randomly oriented steel fibers assist in controlling the propagation of micro cracks present in the matrix, first by improving the overall cracking resistance of the matrix and later by bridging across even smaller cracks formed after the application of load on to the member, there by preventing their widening into major cracks.

While steel fibers improve compressive strength of concrete by about 20 to 50 %, significant improvement is achieved in several other properties of the concrete as listed below.

Some Application Areas

Overlays

Steel fibers can be used in building roads, airfields, runways, container movement & storage yards, industrial floors, hard standing & bridge decks

Precast concrete products

Manhole covers & frames as per IS 12592:2002, pipes, break water units, building floor, & walling components, acoustic barriers, kerbs, impact barriers, blast resistant panels, vaults

Hydraulic and marine structures

Building dams, spillways, aprons, boats, barges, sea protection works

Defense & Military Structures

Aircraft hangers, missile & weapon storage structures, blast resistant structures, ammunition products & storage depots, underground structures

Shortcreting Applications

Tunnel linings, domes, mine linings, slope stabilization, repair & restoration distressed concrete structures as per IS 15026:2002