Properties of dispersed fibers for efficient concrete reinforcement

The question of increasing the reliability and durability of reinforced concrete structures is a priority. One of the ways to increase the strength of concrete is using of dispersed reinforcement. The interest of using of fiber-reinforced concrete in Russia, as well as in Europe, Asia and the USA has increased significantly in recent ten years. The improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of concrete is noted to depend on the reinforcement parameters, such as the volume content of the fiber, the characteristics of the dispersed reinforcement, the structure of the concrete matrix, etc. Authors consider various types of fibers for dispersed concrete reinforcement, specifically polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, acrylic, polyester, cotton, asbestos, glass, basalt, steel, carbon. Description of the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of fiber is given. Comparative characteristics are presented in terms of density, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, elongation at fracture of the materials used to manufacture the fiber. The influence of fibers on crack strength of fiber-reinforced concrete under impact loads is studied. Analytical review of existing works found that it is possible to achieve a significant increase of strength of fiber-reinforced concrete in axial compression, tension, tension in bending, shear compared to ordinary heavy concrete.