How high to put wire mesh | The Garage Journal

16 Jun.,2025

 

How high to put wire mesh | The Garage Journal

I would highly recommend the rebar!!!!!!!!!!

Here's the theory behind the steel in the concrete. Concrete is great in compression--i.e. pushing the concrete molecules together. Concrete is very weak in tension--or when you are trying to pull it apart.

When you look at a slab cross-section, there are different loads throughout the slab. At the top of the slab, you have compression--both vertically, as well as horizontally. At the bottom of the slab, it is in tension. This is due to the "bending" of the slab. Since concrete is weak in tension, it will tend to crack once it is loaded beyond what it can handle. So the simple solution is to add structural members to the concrete to take the tension load. Hence the steel--rebar or mesh. On concrete floors in multi-story buildings, you will see the whole bottom of the floor a corrogated steel plate.

Therefore, you need the steel placed in the concrete that it can adequately "grip". I would recommend the lower 1/3 or place it about 1.5" off of the bottom of the slab.

I like to use plastic rebar chairs to support the grid of rebar.

If you insist on mesh, try pouring a 1.5" thick layer of concrete, roll the mesh out, and then finish pouring the remaining 4 to 5". This insures that the mesh is actually in the concrete, rather than laying on the bottom--which is practically pointless.

best of luck! I don't really want to get into the rebar/mesh discussion again. I had an earlier post on it and that wasn't what I was asking here.

I understand tension/compression in concrete but here is the problem. If for some reason one side of the slab starts to sag (errosion, bad compaction, etc) then it would seem that I would want the wire mesh towards the top since the top layer is now in tension and the bottom is in compression. If I want to park something really heave on it (say a tank) then the wire mesh needs to be in the bottom since the bottom is in tension now and the top is in compression. If I put the wire in the middle it would seem to me that it would provide no usefull benefit since it won't help in either situation. So what is the norm. Does it go towards the top, towards the bottom, or am I missing something with the middle?

Also, I will be using metal chairs to set the height. My local hardware store has them and they are adjustable.

Keith Kmacht...do rebar in the middle.....bimmer explained it very well....mesh is NOT going to provide very much strength for tension...especially in the case you noted...even if it is 1" from the top.

When dealing with concrete, the cost difference between doing it right and doing it cheap is very little. The cost of the concrete is the same either way...so is the labor...the only difference is the cost of the material. I would estimate that rebar might be $100 more than mesh? And maybe take 1 hour more to lay than mesh?

But how much do you think it would cost if you had to do it over?

The big problem with mesh is that the wire is smooth...hence, it slides when in the concrete....in comparison, it provides very little strength to the slab.

One last thing....have you heard the phrase "We learn by our mistakes". Well....why do you think so many of us are so bloody smart........ If it is welded wire mesh, how does it slide? Sometimes this site is like Ted Macks original amateur hour. There were several other not too bright posts in this thread.

For anyone who is interested...Rebar in a residential type garage slab is a total waste of time and money. Rebar is for STRUCTURAL concrete. WW mesh will not stop a slab from cracking is it is not properly supported but it will keep the 2 pieces aligned if it does crack.

Now, let the flames begin. And don't forget to comment how you like to "overbuild" things because you know how cheap and underhanded us contractors are. Please site more theory too. I'm sure lots of us have had a long day and could use a laugh.
If it is welded wire mesh, how does it slide? Sometimes this site is like Ted Macks original amateur hour. There were several other not too bright posts in this thread.

For anyone who is interested...Rebar in a residential type garage slab is a total waste of time and money. Rebar is for STRUCTURAL concrete. WW mesh will not stop a slab from cracking is it is not properly supported but it will keep the 2 pieces aligned if it does crack.

Now, let the flames begin. And don't forget to comment how you like to "overbuild" things because you know how cheap and underhanded us contractors are. Please site more theory too. I'm sure lots of us have had a long day and could use a laugh.

What makes you think we consider contractors to be cheap and underhanded....yea, some might....but there are a 'few' who are not....

First....the sliding....because the wire is smooth...the is more chance for it to slide....and because it's is a much smaller gauge than rebar...it can stretch...hence, the section between two welds can stretch...and because the wire is smooth...the concrete will slide on it....

I guess I should have prefaced this with "Because it is a garage and will have a car or two on it...".

Contractors like mesh because it's quick....and if installed right it does in fact do a decent job....

In this case....because it's a garage with cars on it....I think rebar is a better choice.....if it was a patio...mesh is fine....assuming that it is positioned properly.

FYI....I just talked to a buddy of mine who has extensive experience with concrete....he says mesh is fine for a garage 'assuming' that it's installed properly...but he says that the biggest problem is that most contractors walk all over it pushing it down to the bottom while pouring and do a poor job of pulling it back up afterwards. Where as with rebar...you can walk between the rods and keep it at the right level during the pour.

I also did some searching on the net....it's pretty much 50/50 for the reasons noted above.

Side note....fibers in the concrete can end up causing the surface to be 'fuzzy'. Well - don't buy the tank and the problem is solved. They won't tell you this at the lot - you can't drive it and shoot it at the same time. It's a real bummer to find that out after the fact
Interesting discussion. I think this type of question comes from the fact that you can't get anyone to do concrete without basically telling you that it is going to crack. WTF? Why can't we pour a slab after all of these years using concrete and guarantee it not to crack? I don't understand that - I'm not sure anyone does. That's why we keep searching for just the right combination because we think the concrete contractor is holding out on us and for some reason won't give us that perfect mix of concrete and reinforcement that will give us decades of service with no cracks. They won't tell you it wont crack because there are just too many variables. Poor preparation, shrinkage, a bad mix, etc. etc. The variables are even more of an issue when you get into a DIY situation. If I get called to place and finish a slab or floor for someone where I have not done the grading, compaction and underfill, all bets are off. The concrete is only as good as what you're putting it on and even if you rebar the daylights out of it you still can't be sure it wont just settle off level in one big chunk.

Ok, all that said, I've seen plenty of slabs that are decades old with no cracks in them. The one in my garage is nominal 4 inch psi mix on 6 inches of crushed stone, been there 31 years, one small hairline, no rebar, no welded wire. The only thing I know for sure about this one is that we puddled the crap out of it for days before we placed the stone and since the hairline exhibits no "lippage" from one side of the crack to the other, I'm gonna chalk it up to shrinkage. The stuff shrinks more than you would think. Take a look around the junction between your basement or crawl space walls and the floor... I't not uncommon to see a sixteenth of an inch space. Very interesting discussion and thank you to the guy who provided references to the technical publications about concrete reinforcement. I give up. I asked a simple question. How high do I put wire mesh in a concrete slab. Then I get blasted with a bunch of you don't know what you are doing, you should use rebar, etc, etc. The decision has already been made. I am using wire mesh in my pour. You can provide all the posts you want about using rebar vs wire mesh but the fact is that I am still going to use the wire mesh. We have had this conversation here before and my decision has been made and it is final. I am not hiring a contractor to do the pour so if it gets mashed down into the bottom then its my own fault so. Who cares if some contractors don't care enough to do the job right. I am doing it, not a contractor. Yes, I know a slab can crack no matter what you do. If it does crack because I used wire mesh instead of rebar then I am ready to deal with those consequences. I am just trying to find out what the best practices when using wire mesh to help prevent it as much as that is possible. So I am going to ask once more.

How high do I put the wire mesh in a concrete slab.

Keith
I understand tension/compression in concrete but here is the problem. If for some reason one side of the slab starts to sag (errosion, bad compaction, etc) then it would seem that I would want the wire mesh ...

IMHO wire mesh won't help in that situation...

But if you insist, I'd center it in the pour, either with dobies or some other way to ensure it stays put where you want it. So for a six inch slab, I'd space it at about three inches. Personally I doubt there is a major difference between higher, middle and lower, as long as it is not on the bottom (so doing a double pour can make sense), or right at the top. Generalizing here since I have no idea of your slab and foundation system.

But if your slab is not supporting the structure in any way then it is a slab on grade. For a typical slab on grade the concrete thickness is determined ignoring any structural load capacity contribution from the steel reinforcing. For a 6" slab on grade the mesh would be put down 2" from the top to help control shrinkage cracking and slab curling. Mesh is located in the upper third primarily because the slab wants to dry quicker on the exposed top thus more and wider possible cracking. I would cut every other wire at contraction joints also

Now if your slab supports your structure in any way then it is not a typical slab on grade, it is structural slab and all bets are off and there is no easy answer.

For those in construction ACI 360R-10 is the current bible for slabs on ground along with ACI 302 I believe

Good luck
I've always been told there are two kinds of concrete slabs:

1) Those that ARE cracked.
2) Those that WILL crack.

Yup - there are two guarantees with concrete: It will get hard. It will crack.

To the op: for a slab on grade I would bias the mesh toward the top to control the shrinkage cracks. If you get cracks in the bottom of the slab - who cares?! You cant see them!

Try to limit the strength of the slab since more cement = more heat of hydration = more shrinkage when it cures. After you float, keep the slab nice and cool with burlap and a soaker hose for several days. Space your contraction joints no more than 15ft I'd say.

Sorry if you knew all that...just trying to help out. to the OP: If you are not concerned with the load, why not fill in the void with 2 to 3" of rock or gravel, plate pack and then place 4" of concrete? It would certainly be a little cheaper. Or 2" of foam on the bottom to keep it from getting so cold.....

For what it's worth, I believe I answered your question in my first post. I had not seen your thread about debating the merits of mesh VS rebar. I know how I would do it, but if you want mesh, that is your deal.......

Again, for the loads associated with it, I recommend the mesh 1" to 2" above the bottom of the slab. THe key is for the mesh to be actually IN the concrete, not merely laying on the ground.

Regardless of mesh or rebar, the key is to get the sub base well compacted.

If you already knew all of things mentioned above, then why ask? We were just trying to be helpful and keep you from making mistakes that we have already seen happen.

Best of luck on your endeavor.
To the OP:

HOW DARE YOU CONTINUE TO ASK THE SAME QUESTION OVER AGAIN JUST BECAUSE WE'RE TOO DUMB TO ANSWER IT THE FIRST TIME?

HA! Now that's funny.

I have done my research before asking here and basicly got the same response that was posted here.

"I recommend the mesh 1" to 2" above the bottom of the slab."

"I would bias the mesh toward the top to control the shrinkage cracks"

"I'd center it in the pour"


Everyone has an opinion and nobodys opinion matches. I'm going to go with the bottom of the top 3rd in the slab. As someone else mentioned, who cares if I get shrinkage cracks on the bottom. No one will see it. To answer a few questions:

I already built it up with 6" of crushed stone. 6" of concrete was a comprimise in how much to build it up with stone vs how thick to make the concrete. Yes, it was compacted very well. I rented a jumping jack compactor because I have clay soil. I compacted the stone as we spread it. I stopped every 2" of stone and ran the compactor. I also made sure I had plenty of good drainage all around the slab so that I would minimize the chance of frost heave in the winter.

Keith It should be 2/3 of the way of the thickness of the slab, so near the top on a 4" then roughly 2.5-3" 6" then about 4 to 4.5 but with mesh it will never be where you want it to be, it will end up looking like a roller coaster up and down all the way thru yeh its better than nothing, As for the fiber it only works during the time its setting up its used to keep surface curing cracks from forming. Does not provide any structural strength when its cured zero. Do a little research you find this fact out but a lot of un-informed contractors try to sell it as the crack cure all . Spend you money on higher PSI crete. Good luck.

FAQ's of Fiber Reinforced Concrete | Jarco Supply | Youngsville, NC

FAQ’s of Fiber Reinforced Concrete 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

WHY USE WWM 

Secondary non-structural reinforcement such as wire matts does not keep cracks from occurring, but has traditionally been used to hold the concrete together after it cracks. Synthetic fibers have proven the ability to discourage early plastic shrinkage cracks from occurring in the first place, and the correct macro fiber can also affect post-crack behavior.  

Should Monofilament fibers be able to replace Rolled Welded Wire Fabric (WWF) in concrete?  

NO. Except for Jarcomesh Type 2.Some fiber manufacturers recommend a single strand, monofilament fiber to replace the rolled wire mesh as secondary reinforcement. Research has shown that while monofilament fibers do reduce plastic shrinkage during the early life of the concrete, they have limited benefit once the concrete cracks.Jarcomesh Type 2 has passed both criteria for the ICC ES AC 32 testing to replace WWF.  

Can fibrillated fibers replace wire mesh in concrete?  

YES. If the wire mesh is non-structural in nature, then a fibrillated (net-shaped) polypropylene fiber at a minimum dosage of 1.5 lbs. per cubic yard (0.9 kg per cubic meter) can adequately replace the wire mesh as the secondary reinforcement as long as they meet the ICC requirements of a min of 50 psi. Jarcomesh Type 2 at 2/3 lb. per yard can also replace wire mesh with a 60 psi and passes the impact test.  

Do synthetic fibers reduce cracking in concrete?  

YES. The use of synthetic fibers at the manufacturer's recommended dosage rate per cubic yard can reduce plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete. It is recommended to check with the supplier of the fiber and ask for test results and you will find Jarcomesh Type 2 outperforms all other fibers.  

Does the use of fiber affect compressive strength of concrete?  

The use of low or high-volume synthetic fibers is not intended as a method to increase the raw strength of the concrete. The use of fibers does not appreciably increase or decrease compressive strength. However, high dosages or macro/structural synthetic fibers have been shown to dramatically change how concrete cracks and fails, encouraging a very ductile mode of failure.

Does the use of fiber require mix design changes?  

YES AND NO. When fibers are used at standard dosage and application rates, no mix design changes are necessary. However, when fiber volume rates are dramatically increased, some alterations in the mix design may be required. Please contact us for assistance regarding mix design and fiber dosage rates.  

Does the use of fiber eliminate the need for good concrete practices?  

NO. The use of any synthetic fiber does not replace the need for good concrete practices. As with any concrete, it is important to follow proper industry-recommended practices in regard to mixing, placing, jointing and curing the concrete.  

Why does Jarco Supply offer different types of fiber reinforcement?  

Research and development has garnered several grades of fiber reinforcement for various applications and performance level values. Each grade of fiber offers outstanding performance value when matched with the appropriate application.  

What is the difference between monofilament and fibrillated fibers?  

As the name suggests, monofilament fibers are single strand fibers, similar in shape to fishing line. Fibrillated fibers are deformed or irregular in shape, and expand out in a net like fashion, similar to fishing net.  

What type of fiber and dosage rate does Jarco Supply recommend?  

Jarco Supplyoffers a range of synthetic fibers used at various dosages to meet the performance requirements of a project or owner. Jarco Supply recommends the following performance-based characteristics:  

1. For plastic shrinkage crack-control during the early life of the concrete: 1 bag per yard of Jarcomesh Type 1

2. For shrinkage and temperature-related crack-control as an alternate to light non-structural wire mesh in most applications: 1 bag per yard of Jarcomesh Type 2

3. For shrinkage and temperature crack-control and enhanced post-crack properties to allow for a welded wire matt reinforcement: 3 or more lbs. per yard of Jarcomesh Type 3 

See your Jarco Supply representative for engineered dose per application.  

Can Jarcomesh fibers be pumped?  

Yes. Fiber reinforcement has become a desirable construction practice for a wide range of concrete project applications. The ease of addition and the uniform distribution have given fibers distinct job site advantages over non-structural wire mesh. These advantages are even more valuable on projects where the concrete is delivered by a pumping process. The use of integral fiber reinforcement eliminates the wire mesh hassle encountered by the pump-line labor force, and allows the nozzle-man an unencumbered field in which to operate. In lieu of hoisting rolls of mesh onto upper-level deck projects, Jarcomesh-reinforced concrete can simply be pumped into place, offering significant time and labor savings to the project. Though fibers tend to change the "visual appearance" of the concrete, the pump operators typically notice more consistent and slightly lower pump pressures are required for fiber concrete.  

Can Jarcomesh fibers be used in precast products?  

Yes. The definition of a precast concrete member is simply an item that is "cast before" — one that is cast and cured in a form other than its final position. This concrete product application might include a wide variety of items: patio stones, splash blocks, step units, septic tanks, architectural facade panels, median barriers, railroad ties, burial vaults, utility boxes, bridge beams, grade rings, pipes, hollow-core slabs, manholes, and fence posts, as well as hundreds of different decorative ornamental items. It is very important for the precast producer to find methods to increase the toughness and early strength of his concrete products to reduce waste, minimize callbacks and returns, and aid in the item's long-term durability. If precastersare able to strip the forms and move "green" products to acuring area without breakage, the fiber reinforcement is obviously fulfilling its initial performance obligation. In addition, precasters notice less breakage, chipping, and spalling during handling, delivery, and placement of their products due to the unique three-dimensional Jarcomesh fiber coverage. The use of higher dosages of macro fibers allows the precaster to replace a higher level of conventional steel — contact Jarco Supply for engineering assistance.  

Can Jarcomesh be used in shotcrete applications?  

Yes. The term 'shotcrete' is generally used to describe concrete or mortar that is placed or shot at a high velocity onto a given surface by means of compressed air. The reinforcement used in typical shotcrete applications is expected to provide resistance to shear, flexure, and bending loading that may result from soil or rock movement, or from local hydrostatic pressures. The placement of wire mesh on typical irregular shotcrete surfaces is both cumbersome and costly with regards to labor. Synthetic fibers may be used as alternate materials that offer the necessary toughness-index and residual strength levels required, without the hassle and labor costs associated with mesh.  

Can Jarcomesh fibers be used for elevated slabs?  

Yes. There are a number of terms used to describe elevated slab systems, such as slab-on-metal deck and composite deck. The elements of this system are the metal deck, Portland cement concrete, and in most cases, some form of reinforcement. The metal deck can be classified in three categories – structural (composite), form, and roof deck. The first step is to select the proper metal deck for the application. Typically, in most multi-story structures, the composite (structural) floor deck is used, wherein the deck acts as the primary or positive reinforcement. Conversely, in a non-composite deck system, the metal deck is only used as the form the primary or positive reinforcement will be incorporated within the concrete slab. In the composite steel deck system, welded wire fabric is sometimes used as a temperature or secondary reinforcement. The Welded Wire Fabric calculation for temperature and shrinkage reinforcement per the Steel Deck Institute is 0. times the area of concrete above the deck, however, SDI goes on to state that, "if welded wire fabric is used with a steel area given by the above formula, it will generally not be sufficient to be the total negative reinforcement". This consideration allows that Jarcomesh Macro fibers be used as a replacement for welded wire fabric as the secondary reinforcement. These fibers provide uniform, three-dimensional secondary reinforcement that is superior to any other form of temperature/secondary reinforcement, and are safer and more economical to use. In any above grade applications Jarco Supply should be consulted for reinforcement calculation assistance.  

Can Jarcomesh fibers be used in toppings or overlays?  

Yes. An overlay is defined as a layer of concrete or mortar, seldom thinner than 1 inch (25 mm.), placed on, and usually bonded onto, the worn or cracked surface of a concrete slab. The overlay is usually designed to either restore or improve the function of the previous surface. Similarly, a topping is also defined as a layer of concrete or mortar placed to form a floor surface on a concrete base, yet is not necessarily bonded to the existing slab. Although deterioration of the old surface or severe cracking of the old slab is most often the reason for a topping course, other reasons might include a lack of floor levelness, improper elevation or plane, inadequate skid or slip resistance, or a lack of wear resistance. Regardless of the reasons, slab toppings and overlays can provide a cost-effective method of restoring an existing slab into serviceable condition, without the expense of removal and replacement. In addition to the normal difficulties of placing mesh in flatwork applications, there are additional related complications when toppings and overlays are placed. Naturally, the steel wire mesh requires sufficient cover within the concrete (usually a minimum of 2" or 5 cm.) to prevent corrosion-related spalling and unsightly mesh lines. Obviously, this cover becomes impossible in thin concrete toppings. In unbonded overlay applications, the placement of wire mesh becomes equally difficult without disrupting or damaging the bond-breaking layer or sheeting. One of the most important negatives with regards to mesh is the lack of uniform reinforcement coverage. The mesh is obviously located in one plane only in these thin applications that demand reinforcement to counter problems caused by one-directional bleeding, differential shrinkage, and curling.  

When is the best time to add Jarcomesh fibers to concrete?  

Jarcomesh products should be added to the concrete mixing system at the batch plant for best distribution. Follow the normal mixer manufacturers' standard recommendations and ASTM C-94. Mixing time should be a minimum of four to five minutes per load at a normal mixing speed. The batch plant will be the most economical and safest place for addition of the fibers. Typically it is not recommended that fibers be introduced to the mixer as a first ingredient, but added with other ingredients or at the end of the addition sequence.  

Will adding Jarcomesh fibers at the job site cause any problems?  

Fibers can be added to ready-mix trucks at the job site, though it is recommended they be added at the batch plant for optimum mixing and distribution. If fibers are added at the site, extra caution should be exercised to ensure sufficient mixing time. Allow at least 4 to 5 minutes of mixing time at drum mixing speed after the last product bag has been added.  

Are Jarcomesh fibers compatible with liquid admixtures?  

Synthetic fibers have no effect on air entrainment, super plasticizers, or water reducers. If possible, synthetic fibers should be added prior to any liquid admixtures to take full advantage of the mixing shear and friction of the mix to optimize the distribution.  

Will Jarcomesh fibers interfere with a laser screed or power trowel finish?  

NO, the vibration of the laser guided screed brings cement paste to the surface and covers almost all exposed fibers. Those not covered will be burned off with any power trowel finish. The possibility of replacing conventional steel mats with High Volume Synthetic Fibers allows for a much easier laser screed placement and finishing process.  

What process should you use when applying a broom finish?  

The use of a stiff bristled broom used in only one direction will help align surface fibers with the texture ridges, making them considerably less noticeable.  

Do fibers hinder the adhesion of sealers or floor coverings?  

Surface fibers will not react with sealers and/or interfere with carpeting, tile, etc. A heat torch could be used if necessary to remove any fibers that might be of concern.  

What effect does fiber in concrete have on slump?  

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit JINBIAO.

Because of its three-dimensional cohesive nature, fiber-reinforced concrete has the appearance of being less workable than plain concrete. In actuality, the visual slump may be reduced slightly but the flowability remains nearly same. Caution; never allow water to be added at the job site to bring back slump loss. The use of a super plasiticizer is recommended to increase slump if needed.  

Are Jarcomesh fibers recognized by U.S. national code bodies?  

Yes. Jarcomesh has had all of its fibers tested to comply with all codes and standards used by the ICC. All of the national building codes, such as the Uniform Building Code (I.C.B.O. - International Conference of Building Codes), the Standard Building Code (S.B.C.C.I. - Southern Building Code Congress International), the Basic Building Code (B.O.C.A. - Building Officials Code Administrators), and the One and Two Family Dwelling Code (C.A.B.O. - Council of American Building Officials.) These three codes have now been combined into the I.C.C. International Code Council) code, by which all Jarcomesh products are tested.  

Are all steel fibers the same?  

No – Steel fiber performance is a function of dosage rate, tensile strength, aspect ratio and anchorage. The combined effect of these four factors in concrete are determined through testing in accordance with ASTM C (Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Using Beam with Third-Point Loading). From the test an average equivalent flexural strength (EFS) of the reinforced concrete can be determined. The EFS is the tested post crack strength of the reinforced concrete.  

What do denier and aspect ratio have to do with fibers?  

Denier of fiber is a measurement of the mass of a single yarn or filament of fiber over a length of m. This is generally used only in the manufacture of synthetic materials and is used for QA/QC procedures. The aspect ratio of a fiber is the length of a single fiber divided by its equivalent diameter (L/d). This term is generally only used with larger fibers such as steel and macro-synthetics and while a specific value is not important, aspect ratios of greater than 100 can sometimes cause placement and finishing difficulties.  

Why do fibers “ball up” in concrete mixes?  

All fiber types (steel, micro and macro synthetic) have the potential to “ball up” in concrete. This phenomenon is usually caused by addition of fibers into concrete mixes that are too dry (slump decreases to zero) or into mixtures that do not have enough fine particles (cement, sand, supplemental materials, etc.) to coat the fiber particles, which in turn “paste starves” the system and again causes the slump to decrease to zero. Loose fibers in an empty drum may clump together and fiber types that are too long or have varying geometries may also cause problems. As always, a test trial should be performed to ensure that the mixture will support the fiber type and dosage and that the batching sequence will not cause any problems. If necessary, the use of a water reducing admixture may be warranted to maintain the desired slump for placement.  

Can high dosage micro-fibers be used in replacement of low dosage macro-fibers?  

Possibly — Again, the key will be the dosage rate and the intended function of the fibers. The primary function of a micro-synthetic fiber is the control of plastic shrinkage cracks and research has shown that these fibers do not have a significant ability to carry load across a crack. While the test data may support the use of a micro-fiber, it may not be the best option. Secondly, high dosages of micro-synthetics will be more difficult to mix as the fiber counts and surface area of the fibers will be extremely high causing possible significant loss in slump.  

Are all macro-synthetic fibers the same?  

No — There are several different types of macro-synthetics on the market all with individual benefits and advantages. Remember the old adage; “you get what you pay for”. The key to the successful use of a macro-synthetic fiber for replacement of WWM, rebar or steel fibers is the dosage rate. Stronger fibers or higher bonding fibers will likely require less material than weaker fibers or fibers with less bonding capacity. The manufacturer must support dosage values with testing information. If questions are still present, a trial should be performed to ensure the desired performance is met.  

How do you classify steel fiber reinforcing for concrete?  

Steel fibers are defined in ASTM A820 as pieces of smooth or deformed fibers that are sufficiently small to be dispersed at random in a concrete mixture. There are currently 5 designations for steel fibers based on the product or process used as a source material:  

 Type I - cold-drawn wire  

 Type II - cut sheet  

 Type III - melt-extracted  

 Type IV - mill cut  

 Type V - modified cold-drawn wire  

The discussion of steel fiber reinforced concrete in ACI 360 states that “steel fibers have a higher elastic modulus and tensile strength than the surrounding concrete. In addition, many types of steel fibers are deformed to optimize anchorage in the concrete. These attributes allow steel fibers to bridge cracks that develop in the hardened state and redistribute the accumulated stress caused by applied loads and shrinkage.” 

Can steel fiber reinforced concrete be pumped?  

Yes, but expect a 1 to 3 inch slump loss through the hose depending on the steel fiber dose rate, ambient temperatures and hose length. A mid-range water reducing agent (MRWR) is commonly used to enhance workability and ease of flow through pump lines. High-range water reducers (HRWR) may be required in some cases. Typically, a 4 to 6 in. diameter hose is required.  

APPLICATIONS  

Potential projects suited to the use of fiber reinforced concrete are listed below.  

Residential: including driveways, sidewalks, pool construction with shotcrete, basements, colored concrete, foundations, drainage, etc.  

Commercial: exterior and interior floors, slabs and parking areas, roadways and  

Warehouse / Industrial: light to heavy duty loaded floors and roadways  

Highways / Roadways / Bridges: conventional concrete paving, SCC, white-toppings, barrier rails, curb and gutter work, pervious concrete, sound attenuation barriers, etc.  

Ports and Airports: runways, taxiways, aprons, seawalls, dock areas, parking and loading ramps.  

Waterways: dams, lock structures, channel linings, ditches, storm-water structures, etc.  

Mining and Tunneling: Precast segments and schotcrete, which may include tunnel lining, shafts, slope stabilization, sewer work, etc.  

Elevated Decks: including commercial and industrial composite metal deck construction and elevated formwork at airports, commercial buildings, shopping centers, etc.  

Agriculture: farm and animal storage structures, walls, silos, paving, etc.  

Precast Concrete and Products: architectural panels, tilt-up construction, walls, fencing, septic tanks, burial vaults, grease trap structures, bank vaults and sculptures  

Other Applications: includes any other FRC related applications not specifically described above.  

FIBER TYPES  

Fiber types for use in FRC Applications come in many sizes, shapes, colors and flavors.  

Steel Fibers: These fibers are generally used for providing concrete with enhanced toughness and post-crack load carrying capacity. Typically loose or bundled, these fibers are generally made from carbon or stainless steel and are shaped into varying geometries such as crimped, hooked-end or with other mechanical deformations for anchorage in the concrete. Fiber types are classified within ACI 544 as Types I through V and have maximum lengths ranging from 1.5” to 3” (30 – 80 mm) and can be dosed at 10 to 100 lbs/yd (6 to 67 kg/m3).  

Micro-synthetic fibers: These fibers are generally used for the protection and mitigation of plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete. Most fiber types are manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon and other synthetic materials such as carbon, aramid and other acrylics. These fiber types are generally dosed at low volumes ranging from 0.03 to 0.2% by volume of concrete – 0.5 to 3.0 lbs/yd (0.3 to 0.9 kg/m3).  

Macro-synthetic fibers: This newer class of fibers has emerged over the past 15 years as a suitable alternate to steel fibers when dosed properly. Typical materials include polypropylene and other polymer blends having the same physical characteristics as steel fibers (length, shape, etc.), These fibers can be dosed from 3 to 20 lbs/yd (1.8 to 12 kg/m3).  

Glass Fibers: GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) has been predominantly used in architectural applications and modified cement based panel structures.  

Cellulose Fibers: manufactured from processed wood pulp products, cellulose fibers are used in a similar manner to micro-synthetic fibers for the control and mitigation of plastic shrinkage cracking.  

Natural Fibers: Not typically used in commercial applications of fiber reinforced concrete, natural fibers are used to reinforce cement based products in applications around the world and include materials such as coconut, sisal, jute and sugarcane. These materials come in varying lengths, geometries and material characteristics.  

PVA Fibers: Poly-vinyl alcohol fibers are synthetic made fibers that when used at higher volumes, can alter the flexural and compressive performance of concrete  

Specialty Fibers: This classification of fibers covers materials not described above and generally pertains to newly manufactured or specified materials not common to the above categories.  

Steel & Micro / Macro blends: A recent development in the field of fiber reinforced concrete that has emerged in the marketplace has been the combination or blending of steel and / or macro-synthetic fibers with various types of micro-fibers to help control plastic shrinkage cracking (ie: micro-synthetics) while at the same time providing concrete with enhanced toughness and post-crack load carrying capacity achieved only with the use of steel and macro-synthetic fibers. These fibers are typically dosed at the prevailing  

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