In the concrete industry, fibers are categorized into various different types based on their composition. Adding fibers to your concrete can help prevent cracking, add support, and decrease project time, all the while saving you money. Some of the types of fibers include, but are not limited to:
- Polyethylene
- Natural- grass or cellulose
- Acrylic
- Carbon- high strength or high modulus
- Polymeric- defines their composition as polypropylene (fibrillated and/or monofilament)
- Alkali-resistant glass
- Polyester
- Asbestos
- Aramid- also referred to as steel, includes stainless and both low and high strength steel
There are generally two categories for classifying fibers, and these are micro-fibers and macro-fibers. Micro-fibers are typically used to minimize concrete cracking early on, and are usually classified by their length. However, they are also occasionally classified by their aspect ratio and/or diameter.
Macro-fibers are also referred to as structural fibers, and are ideal for carrying loads. Because of this, they are typically used as a replacement for traditional reinforcement of specific non-structural applications. Additionally, macro-fibers can also eliminate and/or minimize cracking both early on and later on, and are typically 1.5 inches in length or more. These fibers are used to substitute steel rebar and/or wire mesh.
Macro-fibers are the new generation of synthetic fibers, whereas micro-fibers are the original generation. The purpose of macro-fibers is to reduce cracking and crack widths, provide tensile and flexural strength across cracks, increase the toughness of concrete, as well as replace steel shrinkage and temperature reinforcement.
Typical macro-fiber applications include:
- Bridge decks
- Concrete pavements
- Slabs-on-ground composite
- Steel floor decks
- Shotcrete
- Precast concrete
For more information on concrete fibers, contact Port Aggregates. With 24 locations all over Louisiana, we’ve got everything you need for your commercial or residential project, including concrete, limestone, gravel, sand, and more!
