Can synthetic “structural” fibers replace steel fibers?
Some manufacturers of synthetic fibers are promoting what they call structural fibers. They are saying these fibers will eliminate the need for conventional reinforcement and also replace the need for steel fibers. The use of synthetic fibers as a secondary/temperature-shrinkage reinforcement is well documented. The use of synthetic fibers at elevated dosage levels has also proven beneficial, as the 3.0 pounds per cubic yard in Ultra-Thin Whitetopping has displayed. There are numerous other positive uses for synthetic fibers but when it comes down to structural benefits, which would include increased flexural strength, punching shear and point loading as well as dynamic loading synthetic fibers cannot replace steel fibers. Not even the so-called “structural” synthetic fibers. Only steel fibers can do what conventional steel does when it comes to structural responsibility. The Westergaard and Myerhof equations are only valid with steel fibers. So there is no misunderstanding what is bei
