Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC). Cementitious mix additivated with discontinuous fibres dispersed isotropically. Transforms concrete from an intrinsically brittle material to pseudo-ductile, absorbing energy after first cracking.
Crack-bridging effect. Fibres stitch the crack opened by tension, guaranteeing a post-cracking residual resistance essential for stability.
Concrete is an extraordinary material in compression but extremely weak in tension. Adding discontinuous fibres to the mix does not prevent the formation of the first crack, but radically alters its subsequent behaviour, avoiding brittle collapse.
The effectiveness of FRC is measured in terms of toughness, i.e. the energy the material absorbs as it deforms. When the cement matrix yields under tension, the fibres activate: they stretch like micro-ties, stitching together the edges of the crack (crack-bridging effect). This allows the conglomerate to retain significant residual strength even in the plastic phase, often completely replacing traditional welded wire mesh.
Steel fibres (with hooked ends for anchorage) are used for industrial floors and load-bearing structures. Synthetic macro-fibres (polypropylene or PVA) offer corrosion resistance (ideal in marine environments). AR (alkali-resistant) glass fibres are the standard for thin precast panels (GRC).
European and international references applicable.
The insertion of fibres reduces workability significantly. It is vital to calibrate the particle size curve and dose superplasticisers correctly to avoid fibre balling in the mixer. For structural FRC, always certify the residual strengths fR1 and fR3 through notched beam tests (EN 14651).
Continuous slabs without mesh reinforcement: site logistics zeroed and zero positioning defects.
PRC.28 · Open the processSprayed concrete for tunnel consolidation; fibres bond immediately to irregular rock.
PRC.34 · Open the processCurved ultra-thin facade panels (15-20 mm) reinforced with alkali-resistant glass fibres (GRC).
PRC.39 · Open the processJetties and tetrapods reinforced with macro-synthetic fibres immune to chloride attack.
PRC.47 · Open the processAdding fibres does not increase the first-crack load (which depends solely on the cementitious matrix strength), but defines how far the material can resist and deform before total failure. EN 14651 classifies FRC based on the residual strengths fR1 and fR3 measured at 0.5 mm and 2.5 mm crack openings.
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