Government Polytechnic, Pune-16: Prof. R.B.Kavimandan

Priya Nalamwar 1901045
GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, PUNE-16

(An Autonomous Institute of Government of Maharashtra)
A
Seminar Report
On
“FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE”
SUBMITTED BY:
PRIYA SANTOSH NALAMWAR
Under the Guidance of

Prof. R.B.KAVIMANDAN
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

(Academic Year: 2021-22)
Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 1

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, PUNE-16

(An Autonomous Institute of Government of Maharashtra)
CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

PRIYA SANTOSH NALAMWAR
Enrollment No: 1901045
Studying in Third Year Diploma in Civil Engineering (I -Shift) has
successfully submitted the Seminar Report on
“FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE”
DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-22
Under the guidance of

Prof. R.B.KAVIMANDAN
Department Of Civil Engineering,

Government Polytechnic-Pune.
Prof. Venkatesh B. Kondawar Dr.V.S.Bandal

(Head of department) (Principal)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is my proud privilege and duty to acknowledge the kind of help and

guidance received from several people in the preparation of this report. It would
not have been possible to prepare this report in this form without their valuable
help, cooperation and guidance.
First and foremost, I express my sincere gratitude to my Guide, Prof.

R.B.Kavimandan for guiding me in investigations of this seminar and in
carrying out experimental work. Our numerous discussions were extremely
helpful. I hold her in esteem for guidance, encouragement and inspiration
received from him.
My sincere thanks to Prof. V.B. Kondawar, Head of Department of Civil
Engineering, Govt. Polytechnic, Pune for his valuable suggestions and guidance
throughout the preparation of this report.
I wish to record my sincere gratitude to the Management of this college and

to our Respected Principal, DR.V.S.Bandal for his constant support and
encouragement.
Last but clearly not the least, I would thank The Almighty for giving me
strength to complete my report on time.
Priya Santosh Nalamwar

1901045

Contents
Chapter :- 1
➢ Introduction
➢ is fiber reinforced concrete?
➢ Need of Fibre Reinforced Concrete
➢ History of Reinforced Concrete
Chapter :- 2
➢ Toughening Mechanism
➢ Factors Affecting the properties of FRC
➢ Comparison of mix proportion
Chapter :- 3
➢ Types of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
➢ Effects of fiber reinforced concretes
➢ Uses of fiber reinforced concrete
Chapter :- 4
➢ Benefits
➢ Application of FRC
Chapter :- 5
➢ Conclusion
➢ References

Chapter :-1
Introduction
Concrete made from Portland cement, is relatively strong in
compression but weak in tension and tends to be brittle. The
weakness in tension can be overcome by the use of
conventional steel bars reinforcement and to some extent by the
mixing of a sufficient volume of certain fibers. The use of fibers
also recalibrates the behaviour of the fiber-matrix composite
after it has cracked through improving its toughness (Nataraja
M.C., Dhang N) .This thesis is aims to provide information on
the properties and applications of the more commonly
available fibers and their uses to produce concrete with certain
characteristics.
A new kind of fibre reinforced concrete is developed which is
made from cellulose fibers. A fibre is a small discrete
reinforcing material produced from various materials like steel,
plastic, glass, carbon and natural materials in various shapes
and size.
A numerical parameter describing a fibre as its aspect ratio,
which is defined as the fibre length, divided by an equivalent
fibre diameter. Typical aspect ratio[l/d] range from 30 to 150 for
length dimensions of 0.1 to 7.62 cm typical fibre diameters are
0.25 to 0.76 mm for steel and 0.02 to 0.5 mm for plastic.
The plain concrete fails suddenly when the deflection
corresponding to the ultimate flexural strength is exceeded, on
the other hand fiber reinforced concrete continue to sustain
considerable loads even at deflections considerably in excess of
the fracture deflection of the plain concrete.

What is Fiber Reinforced Concrete.?

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is concrete containing fibrous
material which increases its structural integrity. It contains
short discrete fibers that are uniformly distributed and
randomly oriented. Fibers include steel fibers, glass fibers,
synthetic fibers and natural fibers – each of which lend varying
properties to the concrete. In addition, the character of fiber-
reinforced concrete changes with varying concretes, fiber
materials, geometries, distribution, orientation, and densities.
Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is a new structural material
which is gaining increasing importance. Addition of fiber
reinforcement in discrete form improves many engineering
properties of concrete.
Continuous meshes, woven fabrics and long wire or rods are
not considered to be discrete fibre.

Why we need FRC ??

Plain unreinforced concrete is a brittle material with a low
tensile strength and low strain capacity .so when they are
exposed to heavy load cracks appear and they collapse.
But it has been recognised that the addition of small, closely
spaced and uniformly dispersed fibres to concrete would act as
crack arrester and would substantially improves its static and
dynamic properties. The uniformly/randomly distributed
discontinuous fibres bridges across the cracks that develop
provides some post cracking ductility and protect it from
sudden collapse.
According to Griffith theory the concrete has low tensile
strength due to existence of cracks. So, the reinforced fibre
helps in increasing the tensile strength of concrete by bridging
the cracks with the fibre.

History of reinforced concrete

Fibers have been used for concrete reinforcement since
prehistoric times though technology has improved
significantly, as is applicable for other fields.
In the early age, straw and mortar were used for producing
mud bricks, and horsehair was used for their reinforcement. As
the fiber technology developed, cement was reinforced by
asbestos fibers in the early twentieth century.
During the middle of the twentieth century, extensive research
was in progress for the use of composite materials for concrete
reinforcement. Later, the use of asbestos for concrete
reinforcement was discouraged due to the detection of health
risks.
New materials like steel, glass, and synthetic fibers replaced
asbestos for reinforcement. Active research is still in progress
on this important technology. Fiber Reinforced Concrete is
considered to be one of the greatest advancements in the
construction engineering during the twentieth century.

Chapter :- 2
Toughening mechanism
• Toughness is the ability of a material to absorb energy and
plastically deformed without fracturing.
• It can also be defined as resistance to fracture of a material

when stressed.
• Plain concrete fails suddenly once the deflection

corresponding to the ultimate flexural strength is exceeded; on
the other hand, fiber-reinforced concrete continue to sustain
considerable loads even at deflections considerably in excess of
the fracture deflection of the plain concrete.
• Examination of fractured specimens of fiber-reinforced

concrete shows that failure takes place primarily due to fiber
pull-out or debonding. Thus, unlike plain concrete, a fiber-
reinforced concrete specimen does not break immediately after
initiation of the first crack.
• This has the effect of increasing the work of fracture, which

is referred to as toughness and is represented by the area under
the load-deflection curve.
• In FRC crack density is increased, but the crack size is

decreased.

Effect of Fibre reinforcement on Stress and
Impact of Reinforced fibre during cracking

Factors affecting the properties of

FRC
Fiber reinforced concrete is the composite material containing
fibers in the cement matrix in an orderly manner or randomly
distributed manner. Its properties would obviously, depends
upon the efficient transfer of stress between matrix and the
fibers. The factors are briefly discussed below:
1. Relative Fiber Matrix Stiffness

The modulus of elasticity of matrix must be much lower than
that of fiber for efficient stress transfer. Low modulus of fiber
such as nylons and polypropylene are, therefore, unlikely to
give strength improvement, but the help in the absorption of
large energy and therefore, impart greater degree of toughness
and resistance to impart. High modulus fibers such as steel,
glass and carbon impart strength and stiffness to the composite.
Interfacial bond between the matrix and the fiber also
determine the effectiveness of stress transfer, from the matrix to
the fiber. A good bond is essential for improving tensile
strength of the composite.
2. Volume of Fibers
The strength of the composite largely depends on the quantity
of fibers used in it. Fig show the effect of volume on the
toughness and strength. It can see from Fig. that the increase in
the volume of fibers, increase approximately linearly, the
tensile strength and toughness of the composite.

Use of higher percentage of fiber is likely to cause segregation and

harshness of concrete and mortar.
3. Aspect Ratio of the Fiber

Another important factor which influences the properties and
behaviour of the composite is the aspect ratio of the fiber. It has
been reported that up to aspect ratio of 75, increase on the
aspect ratio increases the ultimate concrete linearly. Beyond 75,
relative strength and toughness is reduced. Table 1.1 shows the
effect of aspect ratio on strength and toughness.
Type of concrete Aspect ratio Relative strength Relative toughness
Plain concrete 0 1 1
With 25 1.5 2.0
Randomly 50 1.6 8.0
Dispersed fibers 75 1.7 10.5
100 1.5 8.5

4. Orientation of Fibers
One of the differences between conventional reinforcement and
fiber reinforcement is that in conventional reinforcement, bars
are oriented in the direction desired while fibers are randomly
oriented. To see the effect of randomness, mortar specimens
reinforced with 0.5% volume of fibers were tested. In one set
specimens, fibers were aligned in the direction of the load, in
another in the direction perpendicular to that of the load, and
in the third randomly distributed.
It was observed that the fibers aligned parallel to the applied
load offered more tensile strength and toughness than
randomly distributed or perpendicular fibers.
5. Workability and Compaction of Concrete

Incorporation of steel fiber decreases the workability
considerably. This situation adversely affects the consolidation
of fresh mix. Even prolonged external vibration fails to compact
the concrete. The fiber volume at which this situation is reached
depends on the length and diameter of the fiber.
Another consequence of poor workability is non-uniform
distribution of the fibers. Generally, the workability and
compaction standard of the mix is improved through increased
water/ cement ratio or by the use of some kind of water
reducing admixtures.

6. Size of Coarse Aggregate

Maximum size of the coarse aggregate should be restricted to
10mm, to avoid appreciable reduction in strength of the
composite. Fibers also in effect, act as aggregate. Although they
have a simple geometry, their influence on the properties of
fresh concrete is complex. The inter-particle friction between
fibers and between fibers and aggregates controls the
orientation and distribution of the fibers and consequently the
properties of the composite. Friction reducing admixtures and
admixtures that improve the cohesiveness of the mix can
significantly improve the mix.
7. Mixing
Mixing of fiber reinforced concrete needs careful conditions to
avoid balling of fibers, segregation and in general the difficulty
of mixing the materials uniformly. Increase in the aspect ratio,
volume percentage and size and quantity of coarse aggregate
intensify the difficulties and balling tendency. Steel fiber
content in excess of 2% by volume and aspect ratio of more
than 100 are difficult to mix.
It is important that the fibers are dispersed uniformly
throughout the mix; this can be done by the addition of the
fibers before the water is added. When mixing in a laboratory
mixer, introducing the fibers through a wire mesh basket will
help even distribution of fibers. For field use, other suitable
methods must be adopted.

Comparison of mix proportion between

plain concrete and fibre reinforced
concrete
Material Plain concrete Fiber reinforced

concrete
Cement 446 Kg 519 Kg
Water (W/C=0.45) 201 Lit. 234 Lit.
Fine aggregate 854 Kg 761 Kg
Coarse aggregate 682 Kg 608 Kg
Fibers (2% by -- 157 Kg
volume)
The 14-days flexural strength, 8 Mpa, of the fiber reinforced was

about 20% higher than that of plain concrete.

Chapter :-3
Types of FRC :-
1. STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE steel fibre reinforce
concrete is a composite material which is made up from cement
concrete mix and steel fibres as a reinforcing. The steel fibres, which
are uniformly distributed in the cementations mix .This mix, have
various volume fractions, geometries, orientations and material
properties. It has been shown in the research that fibres with low
volume fractions
The types of steel fibers are defined by ASTM A820:-
• Type I: cold-drawn wire
•Type II; cut sheet
• Type III: melt-extracted
• Type IV: mill cut
• Type V: modified cold-drawn wire
Generally SFRC is very ductile and particularly well suited for

structures which are required to exhibit:- • High fatigue strength
resistance to impact, blast and shock loads
• Shrinkage control of concrete
• Tensile strength, very high flexural, shear
• Erosion and abrasion resistance to splitting
• Temperature resistance, high thermal
• Earth quake resistance

The degree of improvement gained in any specific property exhibited

by SFRC is dependent on a number of factors that include:-
• Concrete mix and its age
• Steel fiber content, volume fraction
• Fiber geometry, its aspect ratio (length to diameter ratio) and bond
characteristics volume fraction
2. GLASS FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE -Glass fibre–

reinforced concrete is (GFRC) basically a concrete composition which
is composed of material like cement, sand, water, and admixtures, in
which short length discrete glass fibers are dispersed. Inclusion of
these fibres in these composite resultsin improved tensile strength
andimpact strength of the material.GFRC has been used for a period
of 30 years in several construction elements but at that time it was
not so popular, mainly in non-structural ones, like facing panels
(about 80% of the GRC production), used in piping for sanitation
network systems, decorative non-recoverable formwork, and other

products. At the beginning age of the GFRC development, one of the

most considerable problems was the durability of the glass fiber,
which becomes more brittle with time, due to the alkalinity of the
cement mortar. After some research, significantimprovement have
been made, andpresently, the problem is practically solved with the
new types of alkali-resistant (AR resistance) glass fibers and with
mortar additives that prevent the processes that lead to the
embrittlement of GFRC.
3. POLYMER FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE:-

Civil structures made of steel reinforced concrete normally suffer
from corrosion of the steel by the salt, which results in the failure of
those structures. Constant maintenance and repairing is needed to
enhance the life cycle of those civil structures. There are many ways
to minimize the failure of the concrete structures

made of steel reinforce concrete. The custom approach is to

adhesively bond polymer fiber composites onto the structure. This
also helps to increase the toughness and tensile strength and
improve the cracking and deformation characteristics of the
resultant composite. But this method adds another layer, which is
prone to degradation. These fiber polymer composites have been
shown to suffer from degradation when exposed to marine
environment due to surface blistering. As a result, the adhesive bond
strength is reduced, which results in the de-lamination of the
composite.
4. NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE –The first use

of fibers in reinforced concrete has been dated to 1870‟s. Since
then, researchers around the world have been interested in
improving the tensile properties of concrete by adding, iron and
other wastes. Local interest has been demonstrated through
research work performed. In addition to industrial fibers, natural
organic and mineral fibers have been also investigated in reinforced
concrete. Wood, sisal, jute, bamboo, coconut, asbestos and
rockwool, are examples that have been used and investigated.

5.Asbestos Fibers:
The naturally available inexpensive mineral fiber, asbestos, has been
successfully combined with Portland cement paste to form a widely
used product called asbestos cement. Asbestos fibers here thermal
mechanical & chemical resistance making them suitable for sheet
product pipes, tiles and corrugated roofing elements. Asbestos
cement board is approximately two or four times that of
unreinforced matrix. However, due to relatively short length (10mm)
the fiber have low impact strength.
6. Carbon Fibers:
Carbon fibers from the most recent & probability the most
spectacular addition to the range of fiber available for commercial

use. Carbon fiber comes under the very high modulus of elasticity
and flexural strength. These are expansive. Their strength & stiffness
characteristics have been found to be superior even to those of steel.
But they are more vulnerable to damage than even glass fiber, and
hence are generally treated with resign coating.
7. Organic Fibers:
Organic fiber such as polypropylene or natural fiber may be
chemically more inert than either steel or glass fibers. They are also
cheaper, especially if natural. A large volume of vegetable fiber may
be used to obtain a multiple cracking composite. The problem of
mixing and uniform dispersion may be solved by adding a super
plasticizer.
Effects of FRC
Fibers are usually used in concrete to control cracking due to
plastic shrinkage and to drying shrinkage. They also reduce the
permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water.
Some types of fibers produce greater impact–, abrasion–, and
shatter–resistance in concrete. Generally fibers do not increase
the flexural strength of concrete, and so cannot replace
moment–resisting or structural steel reinforcement. Indeed,
some fibers actually reduce the strength of concrete.
The amount of fibers added to a concrete mix is expressed as a
percentage of the total volume of the composite (concrete and
fibers), termed "volume fraction" (Vf). Vf typically ranges from
0.1 to 3%. The aspect ratio (l/d) is calculated by dividing fiber

length (l) by its diameter (d). Fibers with a non-circular cross

section use an equivalent diameter for the calculation of aspect
ratio. If the fiber's modulus of elasticity is higher than the
matrix (concrete or mortar binder), they help to carry the load
by increasing the tensile strength of the material. Increasing the
aspect ratio of the fiber usually segments the flexural strength
and toughness of the matrix.
Some recent research indicated that using fibers in concrete has
limited effect on the impact resistance of the materials. This
finding is very important since traditionally, people think that
ductility increases when concrete is reinforced with fibers. The
results also indicated that the use of micro fibers offers better
impact resistance to that of longer fibers.[1]
As for pavements, the most prevalent use for FRC is at toll

plazas where nonmetallic fibers are used in lieu of metallic
reinforcement since they can disrupt electronic toll readers
signals.
Uses of FRC
It is used on account of the advantages of increased static and
dynamic tensile strength and better fatigue strength.
It has been tried on overlays of air-field, road pavements,
industrial footings, bridge decks, canal lining, explosive
resistant structures, refractory linings,etc.

Used for the fabrication of precast products like pipes, boats,

beams, stair case steps, wall panels, roof panels, manhole
covers etc.
It is also being tried for the manufacture of prefabricated

formwork moulds of “U” shape for casting lintels and small
beams.

Chapter :-4
Benefits of FRC
Polypropylene and Nylon fibers can :
• Improve mix cohesion, improving pumpability over long distances
• Improve freeze-thaw resistance
• Improve resistance to explosive spalling in case of a severe fire
• Improve impact resistance– and abrasion–resistance
• Increase resistance to plastic shrinkage during curing
• Improve structural strength
• Reduce steel reinforcement requirements
• Improve ductility
• Reduce crack widths and control the crack widths tightly, thus
improving durability
Steel fibers can:

• Improve structural strength
• Reduce steel reinforcement requirements
• Reduce crack widths and control the crack widths tightly, thus
improving durability
• Improve impact– and abrasion–resistance
• Improve freeze-thaw resistance
Blends of both steel and polymeric fibers are often used in

construction projects in order to combine the benefits of both
products; structural improvements provided by steel fibers and
the resistance to explosive spalling and plastic shrinkage
improvements provided by polymeric fibers.

In certain specific circumstances, steel fiber or macro synthetic

fibers can entirely replace traditional steel reinforcement bar
("rebar") in reinforced concrete. This is most common in
industrial flooring but also in some other precasting
applications. Typically, these are corroborated with laboratory
testing to confirm that performance requirements are met. Care
should be taken to ensure that local design code requirements
are also met, which may impose minimum quantities of steel
reinforcement within the concrete. There are increasing
numbers of tunnelling projects using precast lining segments
reinforced only with steel fibre.
Application of FRC in India and

Abroad
➢ More than 400 tones of Steel Fibers have been used
recently in the construction of a road overlay for a project at
Mathura (UP).
➢ A 3.9 km long district heating tunnel, caring heating

pipelines from a power plant on the island Amager into the
center of Copenhagen, is lined with SFC segments without any
conventional steel bar reinforcement.
➢ steel fibers are used without rebars to carry flexural loads

is a parking garage at Heathrow Airport. It is a structure with
10 cm thick slab.

➢ Precast fiber reinforced concrete manhole covers and

frames are being widely used in India.

Chapter :- 5
Conclusion:-
The efficient utilisation of fibrous concrete involves improved
static and dynamic properties like tensile strength, energy
absorbing characteristics, Impact strength and fatigue strength.
Also provides a isotropic strength properties not common in
the conventional concrete. It will, however be wrong to say that
fibrous concrete will provide a universal solution to the
problems associated with plain concrete. Hence it is not likely
to replace the conventional structural concrete in total.
Superior crack resistance and greater ductility with distinct
post cracking behavior are some of the important static
properties of FRC. The enormous increase in impact resistance
and fatigue resistance allow the new material to be used in
some specified applications where conventional concrete is at a
disadvantage.
A new approach in design and in the utilization of this

material, to account for both increase in performance and
economics is therefore, needed.
REFERENCES
[1] www.google.com
[2] www.wikipedia.com
[3] www.studymafia.org

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Priya Nalamwar 1901045

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, PUNE-16

“FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE”

PRIYA SANTOSH NALAMWAR

Under the Guidance of

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 1

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC, PUNE-16

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT

“FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE”

DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-22

Under the guidance of

Department Of Civil Engineering,

Prof. Venkatesh B. Kondawar Dr.V.S.Bandal

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 2

It is my proud privilege and duty to acknowledge the kind of help and

First and foremost, I express my sincere gratitude to my Guide, Prof.

I wish to record my sincere gratitude to the Management of this college and

Priya Santosh Nalamwar

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 3

➢ is fiber reinforced concrete?

➢ Need of Fibre Reinforced Concrete

➢ History of Reinforced Concrete

➢ Factors Affecting the properties of FRC

➢ Comparison of mix proportion

➢ Types of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

➢ Effects of fiber reinforced concretes

➢ Uses of fiber reinforced concrete

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 4

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 5

What is Fiber Reinforced Concrete.?

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 6

Why we need FRC ??

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 7

History of reinforced concrete

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 8

• It can also be defined as resistance to fracture of a material

• Plain concrete fails suddenly once the deflection

• Examination of fractured specimens of fiber-reinforced

• This has the effect of increasing the work of fracture, which

• In FRC crack density is increased, but the crack size is

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 9

Effect of Fibre reinforcement on Stress and

Impact of Reinforced fibre during cracking

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 10

Factors affecting the properties of

1. Relative Fiber Matrix Stiffness

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 11

Use of higher percentage of fiber is likely to cause segregation and

3. Aspect Ratio of the Fiber

With 25 1.5 2.0

Randomly 50 1.6 8.0

Dispersed fibers 75 1.7 10.5

100 1.5 8.5

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 12

5. Workability and Compaction of Concrete

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 13

6. Size of Coarse Aggregate

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 14

Comparison of mix proportion between

Material Plain concrete Fiber reinforced

The 14-days flexural strength, 8 Mpa, of the fiber reinforced was

Priya Nalamwar (1901045) Page 15