ABSTRACT
J.G.M. VAN MIER Delft University of Technology, Stevin Laboratory, Delft, The Netherlands H. STANG Technical University of Denmark, Department of Structural Engineering, Lyngby, Denmark V. RAMAKRISHNAN South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
Abstract
The paper gives an overview of the current state of fibre reinforced concrete applications, in particular of advanced high performance fibre concretes in structures. The materials which have been developed to date, SIFCON, SIMCON, Polyolefin Fibre Reinforced Concrete (PFRC). Compact Reinforced Composite (CRC) and Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), are relatively new, and in most cases only premature ideas for new applications exist. For some of the materials (CRC and PFRC), structural applications in tools, tunnel segments and pavement overlays have been constructed on an experimental basis. Moreover the application of CRC in structural joints is presently investigated, whereas for RPC bridge structures have been proposed. These full scale experiments are considered of utmost importance for further development of the high performance materials. For SIFCON structural applications other than floor overlays are non-existent. Recently a mecano system of linear structural elements containing high volumes of aligned steel fibres has been proposed, and is currently in the stage of laboratory testing. The most promising way to develop new applications for FRC and HPFRCC seems an integrated approach where material development and structural design are combined. It should be realized however that not only strength and toughness aspects should be considered, but in addition stiffness, long term behavior and durability will have to be addressed as well.
