Q. What is the difference between A820 Type I and Type II steel fibers?
ASTM A820 is the standard specification for steel fibers to be used in concrete. This specification provides the basic acceptance requirements for steel fiber that will be used as a reinforcement in concrete. The two principle types of steel fiber that are used in concrete are identified as Type I and Type II steel fibers. The single distinguishing property that defines the difference is the base material used in the manufacturing process. Type I steel fiber is a cold-drawn wire and Type II is a slit sheet. The Type I steel fiber will have either a circular or semicircular cross-section. The Type II steel fiber will have a rectangular cross-section.

All of the physical property requirements found in ASTM A820 for the two fiber types, which include tensile strength, bending (an indication of ductility) and dimensional conformity, are the same.

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