Testing Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Shotcrete

Although Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) has been patented in the 60’s, it is usually considered a new material. Fibers add structural contribute (even to fatigue), control micro cracks caused by shrinkage and freeze/thaw cycles (durability) plus improve resistance to impact, abrasion and fire resistance. Fiber content affects tensile post-cracking’s strength, therefore direct tension test would be the most representative test method. As these test methods are complex (especially for materials having softening behavior), bending test methods are preferred for FRC characterization.