Staalvezels

Staalvezels, also known as steel fibers, are short, discrete lengths of steel used as reinforcement in concrete. They are manufactured through various processes, including drawing, cutting, and melting. The primary purpose of incorporating steel fibers into concrete is to enhance its mechanical properties, particularly its tensile strength, toughness, and resistance to cracking. These fibers are typically added to the concrete mix during the batching process.

The effectiveness of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) depends on several factors, including the fiber type, dosage, geometry, and the properties of the concrete matrix. Common fiber shapes include hooked-end, crimped, and straight. Hooked-end fibers, for instance, are designed to provide better anchorage within the concrete. The dosage of steel fibers, usually expressed as a percentage of the concrete volume or weight, significantly influences the material's performance. Higher dosages generally lead to improved mechanical properties.

Applications of steel fiber reinforced concrete are diverse. They are commonly used in industrial floors, pavements, tunnel linings, precast concrete elements, and structures subjected to dynamic or impact loads. The addition of steel fibers can reduce the need for traditional steel reinforcement, such as rebar, in certain applications, potentially leading to cost savings and faster construction times. Furthermore, SFRC exhibits improved durability and can help mitigate issues like shrinkage cracking and spalling. Research continues to explore new fiber types and optimized mix designs for various engineering challenges.