2.2.7.

1 Synthetic fibers—Synthetic fibers are man-made

fibers manufactured from the research and development
of the petrochemical and textile industries. Synthetic
fibers are derived from organic polymers and
come in many formulations (acrylic, aramid, carbon,
polyester, polyethylene, and the most common nylon
and polypropylene). Flat-slab construction is the most
common use of synthetic fibers to enhance properties
such as crack resistance, crack control,
durability, fatigue life, resistance to impact and abrasion,
volume change due to moisture, thermal variations and
fire resistance. Fibers are discontinuous and are generally
distributed randomly throughout the concrete matrix and
are added to the concrete during the conventional mixing
cycle so the fibers are 3-dimensionaly distributed
throughout the concrete within 3-5 minutes.
Synthetic fibers fall in 2 categories, micro synthetic fibers
or macro synthetic fibers.
2.2.7.1.1 Micro Synthetic Fibers – Micro Synthetic Fibers in
the market place are either nylon or polypropylene
monofilament or polypropylene fibrillated tape fibers.
Monofilament fibers are manufactured as a single
cylindrical filament and are typically used for controlling
plastic shrinkage cracking and settlement, by modifying the
bleed rate and changing the thixotropic properties of the
plastic concrete (contact bond). Fibrillated fibers are
manufactured as a slit film, net like fiber where the network
of main and cross fibrils provide an excellent opportunity
for a mechanical bond within the concrete matrix. Fibrillated
polypropylene fibers are generally used for temperature-shrinkage
reinforcement. Notes for specifying and general guidelines for fibers are found in ACI 544.3R . See Chart

2.2.7.1.2 Macro Synthetic Fibers – Macro Synthetic Fibers

due to the added length and unique design, produce an
excellent mechanical bond and add other benefits beyond
the micro synthetic fibers. The benefits of the macro synthetic
fibers can be measured using various post-first crack consensus
test methods including three listed in ASTM
(C1399, C1550 and C1609). In some cases these fibers can be
considered as functional equivalents to steel fibers. See Chart
Further discussion of the benefits of synthetic
fibers can be found in ACI 544.1R. The applicable standards
for the use of synthetic fibers are found in ASTM C 1116 and
C 1299. More information on synthetic fibers can be found
in NRMCA CIP 24. Notes for specifying and general guidelines

for fibers are found in ACI 544.3R.

2.2.7.2 Steel Fibers – Steel fibers are used to reinforce

concrete slabs-on-ground to provide increased strain
capacity, impact resistance, flexural toughness, fatigue
endurance and provide crack control reinforcement.
Steel fibers are smooth or deformed. The matrix bond and
anchorage allows steel fibers to bridge cracks that develop
in the hardened state and redistribute the accumulated
stress caused by applied loads and shrinkage stressed.
The length of steel fibers used for these applications can
range from .75 to 2.5 in.

ASTM A820 establishes tolerance for aspect ratio,

length, diameter, minimum tensile strength, and
bending requirements for steel fibers.

Definitions
Monofilament – single filament fiber typically cylindrical in cross-section. 544.1R5
Fibrillated – a slit film fiber where sections of the fiber peel away, forming branching fibrils. 544.1R5

5.1.6.3 Synthetic fibers—Synthetic fibers are usually made of

nylon or polypropylene. Flat-slab construction is the most
common use of synthetic fibers to enhance properties
such as crack resistance, crack control,
durability, fatigue life, resistance to impact and abrasion,
volume change due to moisture, thermal variations and
fire resistance. Fibers are discontinuous and are generally
distributed randomly throughout the concrete matrix and
are added to the concrete during the conventional mixing
cycle so the fibers are 3-dimensionaly distributed
throughout the concrete within 3-5 minutes. Monofilament
fibers are manufactured as a single cylindrical filament and
are typically used for controlling plastic shrinkage cracking
and settlement, by modifying the bleed rate and changing
the thixotropic properties of the plastic concrete
(contact bond). Fibrillated fibers are manufactured as a
slit film, net like fiber where the network of main and cross
fibrils provide an excellent opportunity for a mechanical bond
within the concrete matrix. Fibrillated polypropylene fibers
are generally used for temperature-shrinkage reinforcement.
SEE CHART
Further discussion of the benefits of synthetic
fibers can be found in ACI 544.1R. The applicable standards
for the use of synthetic fibers are found in ASTM C 1116 and
C 1299. More information on synthetic fibers can be found
in NRMCA CIP 24.
5.1.6.4 Steel Fibers –
Steel fibers are used to reinforce
concrete slabs-on-ground to provide increased strain
capacity, impact resistance, flexural toughness, fatigue
endurance and provide crack control reinforcement.
Steel fibers are smooth or deformed. The matrix bond and
anchorage allows steel fibers to bridge cracks that develop
in the hardened state and redistribute the accumulated
stress caused by applied loads and shrinkage stressed.
The length of steel fibers used for these applications can
range from .75 to 2.5 in.

ASTM A820 establishes tolerance for aspect ratio,

length, diameter, minimum tensile strength, and
bending requirements for steel fibers.