Q. What are the advantages of adding a blend of steel and synthetic fibers to the concrete?
As we learn more about the benefits of 3-dimensional reinforcement in concrete, we find there are additional benefits achieved when a blend of steel and synthetic fibers are used versus one or the other. The principle benefit of synthetic fibers is fiber count, which translates into modified mechanical cracking both the plastic and hardened concrete variety. The major benefit assignable to steel fibers is an increase in the flexural strength of the concrete, which is directly related to the dosage rate.

Our research has shown that by adding as little as 1.0 pound per cubic yard (0.6kgs per cubic meter) of synthetic fiber to steel fiber reinforced concrete that the steel fiber related hardened concrete properties for a given dosage level are increased. What we see happening is the synthetic fibers reduce the plastic and hardened concrete shrinkage thus enhancing the bond between the concrete and steel fibers. The result is an increased efficiency in the steel fibers' contribution to engineering properties, primarily flexural strength. This synergism not only improves engineering properties of the concrete composite; it also yields economic benefits by reducing the quantity of steel fiber required to achieve target properties.

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