Fiber-Reinforced Cold Weather Self-Consolidating Concrete

Status: Ongoing

Funding Agency: Army Corps of Engineers/ERDC-CRREL

Abstract:

Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) combines portland cement, aggregates, water, and discontinuous fibers—such as steel, glass, synthetic, or natural materials. Incorporating fibers enhances crack distribution, impact resistance, and durability against material disintegration. FRC is widely used in pavement, bridge deck repairs, shotcrete linings, flooring, and seismic-resistant structures.

For low fiber additions (under 0.25% by volume), conventional mix proportions typically remain unchanged. Higher dosages (up to 1%–2% for specialized applications) may require adjusting paste content or adding water-reducing admixtures to maintain workability and slump.

Building on previous work by CREATEs—which demonstrated that concrete can be mixed, placed, and cured at −5 °C without artificial heating—this project investigates adding fibers to cold-weather self-consolidating concrete (SCC). By incorporating fibers into cold-weather SCC, the study aims to determine optimal mix designs and material formulations, ultimately improving the structural performance and durability of concrete placed in sub-freezing environments.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Gilson Lomboy, PhD

Link to Publications: Coming soon - Project ongoing