Concrete fibre
Concrete is used extensively in civil and structural engineering with its high compressive strength, abundant raw materials and low cost. However, 'common' concrete is prone to cracking and shrinkage, low toughness, low tensile, low flexural strength, low shock resistance and high brittleness. To overcome these problems, additional materials can be added to the mix to improve the performance of concrete.
Concrete fibre is as composite material consisting of a mixture of cement, concrete or mortar and discrete, discontinuous, evenly dispersed suitable fibres.
Fibres used to reinforce concrete include synthetic; fibres, steel fibres, basalt fibres and glass fibres among others. Steel fibres dominated, with more than 45% of the total market in 2014. Synthetic fibre is another key product, predicted to show robust growth during forecast period. The increasing use of basalt fiber as a strengthening material for concrete reinforcement is driving market growth, however, high operating costs and capital-intensive R&D may pose a challenge to the market in the near future.
The concrete fibres market is driven by growing urbanisation and improving construction industry standards worldwide. Concrete fibre finds wide spread applications in the road industry, construction, industrial uses, mining and so on. Construction was the major user in 2014. Growth in construction industry worldwide is expected to drive the demand for concrete fibres in the years to come.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- 3D concrete printer.
- Admixture, additive or agent.
- Admixtures in concrete.
- Alkali-activated binder.
- Alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR).
- Alkali-silica reaction (ASR).
- Architectural concrete.
- Carbon fibre.
- Cast-in-place concrete.
- Cellular concrete.
- Concrete in aggressive ground (SD 1).
- Concrete-steel composite structures.
- Concreting plant.
- Earthquake resistant building materials.
- Glass reinforced concrete.
- Hempcrete.
- Reinforced concrete.
- The properties of concrete.
- Types of concrete.
Featured articles and news
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.