What is Steel Fiber Concrete?

Uses and
Applications
Steel fiber concrete flooring: Uses and Benefits

BY JUAN RODRIGUEZ

Updated April 14, 2018

Steel fiber concrete flooring can provide superior resistance to minimize cracks in
hardened concrete, as well as maximum resistance to withstand heavy loads, either
dynamic or static. If you decide to use steel fiber concrete flooring, you can select to
use a ‘joint-less floor’. Joint-less floors are floors that have minimal joints, providing
spaces without joints as large as 40 or 50-meter span wide.

Steel fiber dosage will vary greatly upon the project intended use, and the types of
mesh being replaced. Common dosages are in the range between 20-30kg/m3 to
40-50kg/m3 for joint-less floors. Trowelling concrete will help to embed steel fibers
into the concrete surface producing a better finish product. Steel fibers will enhance
to crack resistance of the concrete, and they can also be used to replace or
supplement structural reinforcement. It only can be done through a structural
engineer and with proper guidance.

How and When the Fiber is Added?

Typically the fibers are added at the batch plant, just after all concrete aggregates
are being mixed. Some people would request to have the fiber added at the jobsite,
but then the QA/QC should have more control on how much fiber is added. The steel
fiber manufacturer can provide guidance on how to mix and the amount needed to
obtained desired results. Be aware that if you add too much fiber, it might show up at
the surface when finishing the concrete so be cautious about the amounts being
mixed.

How Much Should I Be Charged for Using It?

In general, and depending on the type of steel fiber used, it can add between $6 to
$10 per cubic yard on top of the ready-mix concrete cost. This cost is based on the
assumption that you are using 1.5 pounds per cubic yard of concrete.

How is the Workability Affected?

If you opt-in to add fiber to your concrete mix, be aware that there will be some
changes on the way you manage this concrete. First of all, the slump will be affected,
and it is recommended to add a superplasticizer to enhance the slump and make the
concrete a little more fluid. Not all steel fiber can be used as a substitute for steel
reinforcement, so make sure that your structural engineer has reviewed and
analyzed the loads before proceeding.

Where to Use Steel Fiber Concrete Floors

Typical applications for steel fiber concrete flooring can be found on parking lots,
playgrounds, airport runways, taxiways, maintenance hangars, access roads, and
workshops. This method is also widely used for port pavements, container storage
and handling areas, bulk storage warehouses and military warehouses. Steel fiber
reinforced concrete is commonly used in tunnel construction, as it provides additional
flexural strength, reduces shrinkage cracking and reduces permeability.

Advantages of Steel Fibers in Concrete

Several advantages can be obtained from this product, for example:

 Increased load bearing capacity of concrete

 Reduction of concrete slab thickness
 Load capacity is not diminished by concrete cracks
 Increased durability
 Low maintenance costs
 Improved flexural properties
 Reduced absorption of water, chemicals, etc.
 Can be used on fast track schedule
 Easier positioning of joints
 Reduced site labor for managing steel reinforcement
 Reduced project costs
  Increased impact and abrasion resistance
 Even distribution of fibers throughout the concrete
 Tougher surface with fewer bleed holes

 Savings will be greater for heavier crack control systems

Source:

https://www.thebalancesmb.com/what-is-steel-fiber-concrete-uses-and-applications-844458