Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
(OP)
Hi
We have been asked to design a truck wheel wash facility.As part of this the client has requested that a SFRC slab be used.I have experience is in designing conventional RC slabs on grade but not SFRC. The design procedures I can find seem reasonably complex and it appears that these are normally designed by the companies that supply the fibres or who specialise in industrial flooring/roading systems.
Is the design of SFRC slabs a specialist area or is it something that is normally done by a structural Eng with RC design experience?
What would be the advantages/ disadvantages of using SFRC slab for a truck was slab versus a conventional design?
Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks
We have been asked to design a truck wheel wash facility.As part of this the client has requested that a SFRC slab be used.I have experience is in designing conventional RC slabs on grade but not SFRC. The design procedures I can find seem reasonably complex and it appears that these are normally designed by the companies that supply the fibres or who specialise in industrial flooring/roading systems.
Is the design of SFRC slabs a specialist area or is it something that is normally done by a structural Eng with RC design experience?
What would be the advantages/ disadvantages of using SFRC slab for a truck was slab versus a conventional design?
Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks






RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
Steel fiber enhances the durability of the concrete and helps to mitigate drying shrinkage cracks. Polypropylene fiber does similar, but in my opinion, not as well.
You will get a nominal increase in compressive strength, a fairly large increase in the modulus of rupture, and the corresponding shear strength is increased. Outside of that, the only enhancement you get is a tougher surface (that's good for your application).
I would design the slab based on the modulus of rupture increase and keep control joint spacing the same as a conventional slab. You'll probably save 1 to 2 inches of concrete thickness with an appropriate fiber mix.
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
The critical issues are the modulus of subgrade reaction for the soil, the flexural tensile strength of concrete and the wheel load and pattern. You also have to include for flexural tensile 'fatigue' and look at jointing.
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
I must admit I had approached it on the basis that the SFR would be the only reinforcement. Makes sense to reinforce conventionally and simply use the SFR for toughness etc.
Cheers
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
Did the owner site any particular reasons for requiring steel fibers?
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
TOP
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RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
This is the same whether it is fibres or welded fabric.
If it is just there to prevent cracking then it would be highly conservative to provide both fibres and reinforcement. It would also be a good way to lose a client.
If rust is an issue you may consider using synthetic fibres.
If reinforcement is required for the strength of the pavement then I would normally specify it as reinforcement due to the reliance of random mixing of fibres.
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
RE: Steel fibre reinforced concrete - truck slab
If you get into the quality controls and mixing times he could be the man that decides on what type of fibers he is comfortable with based on testing.
If the structural design is good, he probably knows what he wants to use and what he is comfortable and doesn't want a failure since it may be a demonstration project in the future.
Dick