A Better Concrete Reinforcement System

Concrete materials are very brittle when subjected to normal tensile stresses and impact loads. There has always been a need to add reinforcement to concrete to compensate for this lack of ductility. In many cases, the concrete member is kept intact using steel bars or welded wire fabric reinforcement in one or two locations of potentially high stress. If the concrete cracks, the concrete is hinged together at those limited locations.

The introduction of randomly distributed steel fibre reinforcing throughout the concrete mix transforms the hardened concrete material into a more flexible composite system. The tensile stresses of the concrete are not just compensated for in one or two locations. The concrete material is reinforced throughout the entire concrete section, in multiple directions. Steel fibre reinforced concrete is able to withstand much greater stresses, both prior to and after cracking. Homogeneously reinforced concrete has substantially greater fatigue and impact resistance than conventionally reinforced materials, greatly reducing the potential for fractures and spelling. If the concrete should crack, steel fibre reinforcement is able to minimize the crack width.
   

BETTER CONCRETE

• Composite, multi-directional reinforcement throughout concrete section
  
• Superior crack width control
  
• Unequaled impact resistance and ductility
     

BETTER DESIGN

• Superior load transfer stability at contraction joints - no more "rocking"
  
• Increased ultimate flexural strength
  
• Increased fatigue endurance
  
• Increased punching shear strength
  

BETTER INSTALLATION

• You know exactly where the reinforcing is located
  - Throughout the entire concrete section
  - Not at the bottom of the concrete slab
  
• More efficient than rebar or mesh
  - Eliminates the task of detailing, unloading, sorting and      
    placing
  
• Less mobilization time required for slab placement
  - Pouring large placements every day is more feasible
  - Adds greater flexibility to the schedule
  
• Easier to place
  -No more tripping over reinforcing steel or dowel baskets
  -No more lifting heavy mats of tied rebar
  

BETTER BOTTOM LINE

• Reduce labor costs dramatically over traditional reinforcing
  
• Reduction in required slab thickness over conventional designs
  
• Eliminate dowel baskets at contraction joints
  
• Eliminate pumping costs for most slab on grade applications
  
• Lower maintenance and life cycle costs

SHOTCRETE

Shown on the cover - Novocon steel fibre plays a  critical role in the quality of shotcrete  (spray applied concrete) linings for  mines and tunnels located throughout  the world. Substantial improvements  in flexural strength, ductility and   impact resistance all assist in providing superior protection from spalling and localized "bursts" in the  freshly excavated rock. Other applications of steel fibre reinforced     shotcrete include slope stabilization,  dams, dome structures, water  retention structures, etc.