Structural Applications of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

It has been clearly shown that a combination of fiber and steel reinforcement in structural elements produces a synergistic effect, and fibers may permit a more efficient use of the continuous reinforcement. The combination may improve performance and durabilitym and may also enhance the constructability and reduce costs. Fiber reinforcement in seismic applications are shown to result in a significantly enhanced structural ductility, joint integrity, and energy dissipation under repeated ground movements. Also, some of the congested shear reinforcement in structures may be replaced by fiberreinforcement in concrete resukting in greater ease of construction and a reduction of costs. Two sessions were held in 1997 during the spring ACI convention in Seattle, where papers on topics related to the use of fiber reinforcement in structural application were presented. This special publication presents 13 of the papers, and assembles the thoughts of some leading researchers in the field. Collectively, these writings are a snapshot of contemporary thinking in this field and provide a clear direction for future activity.