UNIQUE ASPECTS OF FIBER-REINFORCED CONCRETE PAVEMENTS

Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) exhibits increased tensile strength and spall resistance, has the ability to carry load, and keeps cracks tightly closed after cracking, as compared to plain or conventional RC. Thus, thinner FRC sections may be used in place of plain or conventional RC sections. FRC provides a major advantage over plain concrete for rehabilitation and expansion projects where vertical alignment, overhead clearances, or drainage profiles must be maintained. This advantage may offset the additional cost and control required to reduce the curling, corner cracking, and shrinkage cracking that have plagued many projects. These problems are generally attributable to the thinner slab sections and higher cement and fly ash contents associated with FRC. Future work may show that shorter, thicker slabs and a revised mix design are required.