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FIBER REINFORCING IN CONCRETE SLABS, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
by David R. SimpsonPE, SECB, President | Mar 20, 2015 | Contractors, Structural
Engineering | 0 comments
Can Fiber Reinforcing Replace Welded Wire Fabric in Concrete Slabs?
By: David Simpson, P.E., SECB
Opinions differ when considering if synthetic fibers can replace welded wire fabric. What
first must be understood is the function of synthetic fibers and welded wire fabric.
When concrete is first placed, moisture will evaporate from the surface faster than within
the mass of the concrete. As the surface begins to cure faster than the concrete below
the surface, tensile stresses build up and shallow microscopic cracks develop in random
directions.
If allowed to develop without restraint, these cracks can grow wider and lengthen to
become major aesthetic and functional problems.

CRACK DUE TO SUBGRADE PROBLEMS: FIBER ALONE WONT HELP HERE

CRACKS DUE TO CURING STRESSES: FIBER WOULD HAVE LIMITED THEM

GREATLY
Cracks also occur due to excessive flexural stresses brought on by bending when
spanning distances. These cracks are considered structural failure cracks and are wider
and predictable (not random). These cracks rarely occur in slabs-on-grade but will
always occur on elevated slabs if not reinforced with rebar or welded wire fabric. If
flexural cracks do develop in slabs-on-grade, there is a problem with the subgrade.
Fiber reinforcing is very good in restricting the initial shrinkage cracking that occurs in
the initial stages. Our office, Allegheny Design Services, has examples on exterior
slabs-on-grade of over 20 years old, with only fiber reinforcing that still exhibits no
cracks. The use of fiber does not have a major effect on the compressive strength of the
concrete.
Several types of fiber exist. They include steel, glass, synthetic and natural fibers. Their
selection depends on the usage and environment of the finished slab. Consult with the
design engineer in selecting the correct type. In all cases, the fiber is considered
another admixture and should be submitted with the concrete mix submittal for
approval.
Fiber reinforcing has no impact on the air content of concrete compared to the same
sample of non-fiber concrete, but the impact on slump is significant. The use of fiber
generally will decrease the same sample by 2 inches. In some cases, the use of a highrange water-reducing admixture (HRWRA) may be needed to improve workability.

FIBER MATRIX IN CURED CONCRETE

Getting back to the initial question of whether fiber can replace mesh, we typically say
yeswith exceptions. The exceptions are as follows:
1.) Elevated cast-in-place slabs
2.) Elevated slabs on metal deck
3.) Structural slabs-on-grade (mats)
4.) Where poor subgrade conditions are expected
Keep in mind that if fiber is only used, the subgrade must be properly compacted and
prepared in accordance with the geotechnical engineers recommendations. Once any
differential settlement occurs, the fiber will not prevent cracks from developing and
increasing in width.
The dosage will vary based on the type of fiber and end usage of the slab. In all cases,
follow the ACI recommendations for spacing of control joints. If sawn, they should be
done between 8 and 24 hours after placement.
These are general recommendations. Make sure you consult with a structural
engineer for your specific conditions before proceeding.
Complete information on Fiber Reinforced Concrete can be obtained in ACI 544.1, ACI
544.2, ACI 544.3, ACI 544.4, and ASTM A820-06.
To learn more about Allegheny Design Services (ADS) and structural engineering,visit
this link!
Thanks for reading,

David
Written by David Simpson, P.E., SECB, MBA, President, Principal Engineer

David Simpsons experience includes over 30 years in structural design

and project management for industrial, commercial, institutional and nuclear/chemical
facilities utilizing steel, concrete, masonry and wood. His accomplishments include
design and construction administration of health care facilities, hotels, schools,
shopping centers, aircraft hangars, numerous retail facilities and several forensic
engineering assignments. He has professional registrations in D.C., Maryland, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Simpson graduated from the
West Virginia Institute of Technology with a bachelors degree in civil engineering and
an MBA from West Virginia University.