Studies on heavy duty pavements reinforced with steel fibers for port infrastructures

Abstract

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) for industrial floors has become a state-of-the-art construction method in all industries worldwide, including the construction of port platforms. The first patent that refers to a dispersed reinforced concrete element with steel fibers there exists since 1874 and was patented in the USA (California) by A. Bernard who proved the improvement of the strength of the concrete by adding some uneven steel scraps. Steel fibers have been created to improve the durability and flexibility of concrete under high loads, over long periods of time, providing three-dimensional reinforcement of concrete. Steel fibers can be used as the sole form of reinforcement or in combination with reinforcement bars or welded wire mesh.