What role do fibers play in reinforced concrete?

Fibers in reinforced concrete play a significant role in enhancing the material's toughness and impact resistance. When incorporated into concrete, fibers can help distribute loads and absorb energy, which mitigates crack formation and propagation under stress. This characteristic is especially beneficial in structures exposed to dynamic loads, such as slabs subjected to forklifts or pavements in freeze-thaw environments.

The addition of fibers—whether synthetic, steel, or glass—improves the overall durability of concrete by allowing it to resist various stresses without significant damage. This results in a more resilient structure that can maintain its integrity over time, improving its performance and lifespan.

While fibers are beneficial for various mechanical properties, they do not significantly affect the weight of the concrete, enhance aesthetic appeal, or eliminate the need for traditional steel reinforcement in most structural applications. Steel reinforcement remains crucial for handling tensile stresses in high-load scenarios, while fibers complement this reinforcement by addressing specific durability issues.