MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIBER-REINFORCED CONCRETE: BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS

Abstract

Fibers are widely used in the concrete industry to enhance the mechanical properties of concrete, especially tensile strength and post-cracking behavior. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of steel, glass, polypropylene fibers, and hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete through a detailed literature review. It was found that fiber addition significantly enhances the tensile strength, flexural strength, and ductility of concrete, with variations attributed to the type and volume of fibers used. The impact on compressive strength was minimal. Fibers with high elastic modulus notably improved concrete strength, whereas fibers with lower modulus enhanced concrete’s ductility and toughness. Each fiber type presents unique benefits and limitations concerning mechanical properties, environmental resistance, and cost. Hybrid fiber reinforcement emerged as particularly effective, offering substantial improvements over single-fiber systems, and mitigating some of their inherent limitations. This research aims to provide comprehensive insights into the effects of fiber reinforcement on concrete's mechanical properties, highlighting the distinct benefits and drawbacks of different fiber types.