DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADMIXTURES AND ADDITIVE

Main Difference
The main difference between additives and admixtures lies in the
difference of time in which they are added to concrete or cement.
Additives are added to cement during the manufacturing process to give
new properties to cement and admixtures are added to concrete mixtures
during the mixing process to give new properties to it.
Additives vs. Admixtures
Additives are the chemical components added to other materials to
improve their chemical and physical properties. Admixtures are those
chemical components which are added to some other materials to give it
enhanced chemical and physical properties. Additives may be food
additives or any other substance that is added to something in the small
quantities to improve or preserve it. Admixtures are the components added
to a concrete mixture while mixing process. Additives are mixed with
cement. Admixtures are mixed with the concrete. Additives have a
different time for mixing in cement. They are being added to the cement
while manufacturing. Admixtures also differ based on the time for them to
add in the concrete. They are added to concrete before or during mixing.
They are different additives which are classified as retarders, accelerators,
dispersants, fluid loss control agents, etc. Different admixtures are also
classified as plasticizers, air retaining admixtures, water-reducing
admixtures, etc. Additives are used to increase or decrease the setting time
of the concrete. Admixtures are used to attain the possible desired strength
of the concrete by minimizing the use of fine aggregates proportion.
Hence, the additive is those ingredients that are added to cement during the
process of manufacturing of cement in any industry. Admixtures are those
ingredients which are added to concrete during mixing and results in better
workability of concrete while reducing the water-cement ratio and
increasing strength. The additive is just material like carbon which is
added to increase the strength. Admixture is a ready-made mixture of
material.
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Comparison Chart

Additives Adm
Added to cement during manufacturing to give new properties to it Added to concrete mixtures during t

Raw Material

Added to cement Added

Addition Time

During manufacturing Before or

Types

Accelerators, retarders, dispersants, fluid loss control agents Air retaining admixtures, plasti
What are Additives?
Additives are the chemical components which are added to cement during
manufacturing for getting new properties for cement. The raw materials
that are used in the manufacturing of cement are lime, alumina, silica and
iron oxide. All of these materials are ground into a fine powder and are
mixed and then roasted. Several chemical reactions will initiate that give
the final chemical composition of cement by heating this mixture to about
1500oC. Additives are added to modify the mixing, setting, or hardened
properties. The additives contribute additional mineral oxides to the
cement paste. Various additives are added to the cement while
manufacturing to obtain desired properties. These are accelerators,
retarders, and dispersants.

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Functions

 Accelerators reduce cement settling time and speed up the

development of compressive strength
  Retarders increase the cement settling time to give it sufficient time
for slurry placement in deep wells
 Dispersants reduce the viscosity of cement, slurry and to ensure
good mud removal during placement
What are Admixtures?
Admixtures are the chemical components that are added to concrete while
mixing to get desired properties. Admixtures are the components added in
concrete other than water, cement, and aggregates. They are added to
cement immediately before or during the mixing of a concrete mixture.
The term admixture refers to an ingredient other than water, cement, or
fiber added to a cement mixture during the mixing process. Admixtures
are added to intentionally entrain air, increase workability, adjust the
strength, adjust settling time and reduce water requirement. Admixtures
are also used to accelerate or retarded setting time of concrete.
Types

 Air entraining admixtures; some synthetic detergents, salts of wood

resins, salts of petroleum acids
 Plasticizers
 Water-reducing admixtures; lignosulfonates, hydroxylated
carboxylic acids
 Accelerating admixtures; calcium chloride, sodium thiocyanate
 Retarding admixtures; lignin, borax, sugars
 Corrosion inhibitors
Key Differences

1. The additive is those ingredients that are added to cement during the
process of manufacturing of cement in any industry whereas
admixtures are those ingredients which are added to concrete during
mixing and results in better workability of concrete while reducing
the water-cement ratio and increasing strength.
2. Additives are the chemical components added to other materials to
improve their chemical and physical properties while admixtures are
those chemical components which are added to some other materials
to give it enhanced chemical and physical properties.
3. Additives are mixed with cement conversely admixtures are mixed
with the concrete.
 4. Additives are added to the cement while manufacturing on the flip
side admixtures are added to concrete before or during mixing.
5. Additives are used to increase or decrease the setting time of the
concrete on the other hand admixtures are used to attain the possible
desired strength of the concrete by minimizing the use of fine
aggregates proportion.

Conclusion
Additives and admixtures are the ingredients added to cement and concrete
to get more desired properties. Both are the chemical components with
certain distinctions.

FUNCTIONS OF ADMIXTURE IN CONCRETE MIXES

Functions of Admixtures to Modify Fresh Concrete,

Mortar, or Grout Properties
 Increase workability without increasing water content or to decrease the water content at
the same workability. water-reducing and retarding admixtures.
 Retard or accelerate both initial and final setting times. water-reducing and retarding
admixtures.
 Reduce or prevent settlement.
 Create slight expansion in concrete and mortar.
 Modify the rate or capacity for bleeding or both.
 Reduce segregation of concrete, mortars and grouts for instance air entrainment
admixture.
 Improve penetration and or pumpability of concrete, mortars and grouts.
 Increase the slump or slump-flow without increasing the water content.
 Improve finishability which is performed by water-reducing and retarding admixtures.
 Modify rheological properties for instance Rheology/viscosity-modifying admixture.
 Reduce the rate of slump loss like water-reducing and retarding admixtures, high range
water reducing admixtures
 Increase placement rate for example high range water reducing admixtures

Functions of Admixtures to Modify Hardened Concrete

Properties
 Retard or reduce heat generation during early hardening.
 Accelerate the rate of strength development.
  Increase the strength of concrete or mortar (Compressive, tensile, or flexural). This
function is conducted mainly water-reducing and retarding admixtures, high range water
reducing admixtuers
 Reduce scaling caused by deicing salts
 Increase resistance to freezing and thawing such as air entrainment admixture.
 Decrease the capillary flow of water.
 Decrease the permeability to liquids for instance high range water reducing admixtures.
 Control the expansion caused by the reaction of alkalis with certain aggregate
constituents, such as Lithium admixtures
 Produce cellular concrete.
 Increase the bond of concrete to steel reinforcement. high range water reducing and
Bonding admixtuers
 Increase the bond between old and new concrete such as Bonding admixture.
 Improve impact resistance and abrasion resistance.
 Inhibit the corrosion of embedded metal which is play by Corrosion-inhibiting
admixtures.
 Produce colored concrete or mortar.
 Reduce drying shrinkage and curling which is performed by Shrinkage-reducing
admixtures.
Protect Against Freeze Thaw Cycles Improve Durability

Air entrainment is particularly effective in providing resistance to freeze-thaw cycles.

When the moisture in concrete freezes, these air cells relieve internal pressure by
providing microscopic chambers for the expansion of water as it freezes.

Some air entraining mixtures contain a catalyst for more rapid and complete
hydration of portland cement.

To protect concrete from damage during freezing, bubbles must have the proper
size, distribution and volume. ASTM C 260 specifies requirements for air entraining
admixtures.
 Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas, TX

Benefits of air-entrainment include:

 Improved resistance of concrete to severe frost action or freeze/thaw cycles

 High resistance to cycles of wetting and drying

 High degree of workability

 High degree of durability

Dosage: Typical air entrainment ranges from 5% to 8% of the volume of concrete.

Water Reduction in the Mix

Water reducers have become so important in concrete, that they could be
considered the "fifth" ingredient.

They can be used to: (1) increase slump, (2) lower the water-cement ratio, or (3)
reduce cement content.

Water reducers come as Low Range, Mid Range, and High Range Superplasticizers.
There are enough different admixtures available that it is possible to select one that
meets the need of a particular project whether it is tall columns that need a mix that
pumps easily, or an easy-to-finish durable floor slab.

In general, they provide the required slump with less water in the mix, and may
provide higher strength concrete without increasing the amount of cement.

Conventional water reducers

Are required to achieve a minimum 5% water reduction. A conventional water

reducer can reduce slump by about 1 to 2 inches without the addition of water.

Mid-Range water reducers

Can reduce water content by at least 8% and as much as 15%. They tend to be
stable over a wider range of temperatures and tend to give more consistent setting
times. These reducers work most effectively in mixes designed to have a slump in
the range of 4 to 5 inches.

 Particularly useful in hot weather concreting by counteracting the accelerating

effect of high ambient and concrete temperatures

 Slow the setting rate of concrete

 Delay initial set of concrete

 Keep concrete workable during placement

High-Range water reducers (superplasticizers)

Can reduce water content from 12% to as much as 40% and are typically used in
concretes designed to have slumps of 8 to 11 inches. They can be used to either
increase slump (by 4 to 8 inches) or lower the water content of hot weather concrete
mixes. Used to increase flowability. You can also read frequently asked
questions about superplastisizers on the Fritz-Pak website.

High Strength Concrete

Admixtures containing microsilica (condensed silica fume) are used to meet high
strength and low permeability requirements.

Benefits include reduced permeability, increased compressive and flexural strengths,

and increased durability.

Applications include high-strength structural columns, less permeable parking

garage decks, and abrasion resistant hydraulic structures.

Silica fume can be used in concrete to produce compressive strengths approaching

20,000 psi under jobsite conditions. This admixture can be added in a slurry or in a
dry form, whichever meets the batching equipment needs. In either case,
performance is the same.

Strength Enhancement

Concrete strength enhancement can be achieved through use of superplasticizer

admixtures to produce a low water/cement ratio giving high performance concrete.
 Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas,

TX  Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas, TX

These admixtures promote a high slump, extremely flowable concrete that achieves
high strengths while providing superior workability and pumpability.

High range water-reducing admixtures can also be used for precast/prestressed

structures where it is desirable to keep the water/cement ratio to a minimum for low
permeability and high early strengths without set retardation.They are also used for
concrete requiring high-early stripping strengths.

Fly Ash - Making Concrete Stronger, More Durable, and Easier to Work With

Derived from burning coal, fly ash is a valuable additive that makes concrete
stronger, more durable and easier to work with.
Fly ash aids the formation of cementitious compounds to enhance the strength,
impermeability and durability of concrete.

Two main classes of fly ash are used in concrete, Class F, and Class C.

Class F

Reduces bleeding and segregation in plastic concrete. In hardened concrete,

increases ultimate strength, reduces drying shrinkage and permeability, lowers heat
of hydration and reduces creep.

Class C

Provides unique self-hardening characteristics and improves permeability. Especially

useful in pre-stressed concrete and other applications where high early strengths are
required. Also useful in soil stabilization.

Silica Fume: Early Strength and Reduced Permeability

Silica fume can make a significant contribution to early-age strength of concrete.

One pound of silica fume produces about the same amount of heat as a pound of
portland cement, and yields about three to five times as much compressive strength.

Silica fume improves concrete in two ways the basic pozzolanic reaction, and a
microfiller effect. Addition of silica fume improves bonding within the concrete and
helps reduce permeability, it also combines with the calcium hydroxide produced in
the hydration of portland cement to improve concrete durability.

As a microfiller, the extreme fineness of the silica fume allows it to fill the microscopic
voids between cement particles.This greatly reduces permeability and improves the
paste-to-aggregate bond of the resulting concrete compared to conventional
concrete.

For further information on microsilica and its benefits visit:

Dosage:

8% to 15% by weight of cement but as an addition not replacement

8% to 10% High durability / Low permeability such as bridge decks or parking structures

10% to
High strength structural columns
15%

10% max Flatwork

The amount required is related to silica fume dosage and the water-cementitious
materials ratio. Silica fume is cementitious, but typically is added to and not replacing
the existing portland cement.

Tip: The higher percentage of silica fume used, the higher the amount of super
plasticizer needed - but mix can become "sticky". Consider replacing about 1/3 of the
super plasticizer with a mid-range water reducer to improve workability

Uses:

 Reduces concrete permeability

 Increases concrete strength

 Improves resistance to corrosion

Concrete Admixtures that Control Cracking

Reducing Drying or Shrinkage Cracking

Hydrated cement paste shrinks as it loses moisture from its extremely small pores.
As the moisture is lost in these small pores, the surface tension of the remaining
water tends to pull the pores together which results in a loss of volume over time.
Shrinkage reducing admixtures (SRAs) are designed to decrease the effects of
drying shrinkage by reducing the surface tension in these pores.

It should be noted that the type of aggregate and the cement properties themselves
can influence the amount of cracking that can occur. Thus, it is important to test local
project-specific materials if doing shrinkage testing.

Curing also affects cracking. In slabs, the top tends to dry out first and shrinks while
the lower sections still have a higher moisture content. This difference in moisture
can be altered by use of Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures, which alter the way water
migrates through the concrete and results in a more uniform moisture profile.

Corrosion Protection

Reinforced concrete that is exposed to deicing salts and marine environments is

particularly susceptible to chloride-induced corrosion.

A well-designed, durable, low permeability concrete mix will provide some protection
against chloride-induced corrosion of reinforcement.

Corrosion inhibitors can be effective in parking structures, bridges and marine

environments. Other ways of reducing corrosion are to use penetrating surface
sealers to help prevent chloride penetration, epoxy-coated rebar, or silica fume in the
mix. Silica fume can increase durability and reduce permeability.

Non-chloride containing set accelerator admixtures are available which conform to

ASTM C 494 Type C.

Calcium chloride has been used in the past because it is relatively inexpensive and
provides set acceleration and early strength development. However, the corrosive
effects of the chloride have been observed as much as 20 years after the concrete
was poured. Thus, non-chloride containing admixtures have been developed for use
where potential corrosion of embedded or stressed steel must be avoided.
As with all other admixtures, manufacturers instructions for its use in conjunction with
other admixtures and dosage must be followed to be effective.

Set Acceleration

Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas, TX

Set accelerators work by accelerating cement hydration, which results in shortened

setting times and increased early age strengths, particularly in cooler temperatures.
They increase the rate of early strength development and reduce time required for
curing and protection

At one time, calcium chloride was the predominant accelerating admixture. However,
it is now considered by many to be a main contributor to long-term concrete
problems. In Europe, use of calcium chloride is banned for some applications.
Chloride is considered to contribute to corrosion of reinforcement or embedded metal
in concrete. In turn this corrosion has been associated with spalling, cracking, loss of
bond and if left uncorrected can cause eventual failure of the element involved.

Now, chloride-free set accelerators are available based upon other chemicals. Some
of these newer admixtures also can act as ASTM C494 Type E water-reducers.

Set Retardation
 Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas, TX

Set retarders are used where delay in setting time is required to ensure sufficient
placement, vibration or compaction time.

Set retarders permit application of higher temperature curing of precast/prestressed

concrete without negatively affecting the ultimate strength.
Applications:

 Long hauls

 Trucks waiting a long time - even for a small pour

 Undermanned placement crew

 Slow pour rate

 Stamping concrete in warm weather

Things to consider:

Project location - long or short haul

 Size of pour

 Rate of pour

 Placement method

Environment exterior, interior

Thick sections - (if dry windy conditions, early surface drying while the underlying
concrete is still soft can make finishing difficult and result in a wavy or cracked
surface

When a set retarder may not be required

 Short hauls with quick placement

 Cool moist interior location

 Residential or commercial basement

 Fast pour rate

Flowability

Superplasticizers (High-Range Water Reducers) can make a low-to-normal slump

concrete into a high-slump flowing concrete which can be placed with little or no
vibration. However, the change in slump usually lasts only about 30 to 60 minutes
depending upon the brand and dosage rate.

High-range water reducers fall into either ASTM C494 Type F or Type G
classification. In either case, they can be used to produce very high slumps without
segregation, an ideal situation where increased flowability is necessary due to
congested reinforcement.

Other applications and benefits of high-range water reducers include:

 difficult wall placements

 narrow forms

 sections with blockouts, penetrations, or embedded items

 pumping high vertical distances

 fast placement of concrete

 increased lift heights and free fall distances

Note: The increased thinness of the concrete mix means that forms should be tight
to prevent leakage even through small joints which can result in fins and
discoloration.

Type F superplasticizers

Added at the job site and keep concrete flowable for a short period of time. At some
point, the concrete will lose slump quickly.

Type G superplasticizers

Can be added either during batching or at the job site. This admixture will delay
setting, but cause the concrete to be flowable for a longer period of time which could
delay finishing. If haul times are particularly long, Type G can be added at the plant.
However, if delivery is delayed too long, the effects can be diminished. Redosing is
possible to regain the plasticity of the mix and manufacturers recommendations
should be followed closely.
 Fritz-Pak Corporation in Dallas, TX

Finishing Enhancers

Mid-range water-reducing admixtures can be used as finishing enhancers for

concrete -particularly in commercial and residential flatwork and formed concrete
applications.

MRWRs produce less permeable, more durable concrete and concrete with
significantly early and ultimate compressive strengths.

Cold Weather Concreting Note

A drop of 20o F can double the time it takes concrete to set. ASTM C494 Type C
accelerators or a Type F combination of accelerators and water reducers may be the
solution.

Hot Weather Concreting Note

As a general rule, each 10o F increase in ambient temperature reduces slump about
1". A 30o F increase in mix temperature can cut setting time in half, increase water
requirements, and reduce the 28-day compressive strength as much as 25%.

A switch from ASTM C494 Type A to Type D water reducing and set retarding mix
may be part of an effective plan for hot-weather concreting.

Produce a Fluid Backfill Which Flows Easily and is Self Leveling

Controlled low strength material (CLSM)

This material provides a fluid backfill which flows easily and is self-leveling.

While it costs more than a dry granular material, it does not need to be placed in lifts,
spread, and compacted after each lift.

It is a fluid mixture made of portland cement, water, fine aggregate and/or fly ash and
can include an admixture to improve flowability, lower densities, eliminate
segregation and settlement, and control strength development in applications where
future excavation is required.

Typical 28-day compressive strengths are 50 to 200 psi and densities range from
115 to 145 pcf.

REINFORCED CONCRETE
Reinforcement
Types
Design requirements
Estimate of materials
Preparation
FORMWORK
Design requirements
Materials
Estimate
Sketches
FORMWORK CONSTRUCTION
Procedure
Sizes
Construction
Striking
Safety

Reinforcing Concrete
Reinforcement in concrete is created with the aggregate of gravel and small
stones, blended with the cement to develop it strength and durability under
compression. However, reinforcing that concrete is applied by using a variety
of materials including rebar, PC strand, round structural metals, GFRC (glass
fiber reinforced concrete) and others. It offers incredible reinforcing durability
that can be used in a variety of applications including small decorative items,
and heavy structural bridges and dams.

IMPORTANCE OF REINFORCING CONCRETE

Most concrete used for construction is a combination of concrete and reinforcement that is
called reinforced concrete. Reinforcement for concrete is provided by embedding deformed
steel bars or welded wire fabric within freshly made concrete at the time of casting. The
purpose of reinforcement is to provide additional strength for concrete where it is needed.
The steel provides all the tensile strength where concrete is in tension, as in beams and slabs;
it supplements the compressive strength of concrete in columns and walls; and it provides
extra shear strength over and above that of concrete in beams.

Advantages of Reinforced Concrete

 

1. Reinforced concrete has a high compressive strength

compared to other building materials.
2. Due to the provided reinforcement, reinforced concrete can
also withstand a good amount tensile stress.
3. Fire and weather resistance of reinforced concrete is fair.
4. The reinforced concrete building system is more durable than
any other building system.
5. Reinforced concrete, as a fluid material, in the beginning, can
be economically molded into a nearly limitless range of
shapes.
6. The maintenance cost of reinforced concrete is very low.
7. In the structure like footings, dams, piers etc. reinforced
concrete is the most economical construction material.
8. It acts like a rigid member with minimum deflection.
9. As reinforced concrete can be molded to any shape required,
it is widely used in precast structural components. It yields
rigid members with minimum apparent deflection.
10. Compared to the use of steel in structure, reinforced
concrete requires less skilled labor for the erection of the
structure.

Disadvantages of Reinforced Concrete

 

1. The tensile strength of reinforced concrete is about one-tenth

of its compressive strength.
2. The main steps of using reinforced concrete are mixing,
casting, and curing. All of this affect the final strength.
3. The cost of the forms used for casting is relatively higher.
4. For multi-storied building the RCC column section for is
larger than steel section as the compressive strength is lower
in the case of .
 5. Shrinkage causes crack development and strength loss.

Most concrete used for construction is a combination of concrete and reinforcement that is
called reinforced concrete. Reinforcement for concrete is provided by embedding deformed
steel bars or welded wire fabric within freshly made concrete at the time of casting. The
purpose of reinforcement is to provide additional strength for concrete where it is needed.
The steel provides all the tensile strength where concrete is in tension, as in beams and slabs;
it supplements the compressive strength of concrete in columns and walls; and it provides
extra shear strength over and above that of concrete in beams.

Use in construction[edit]

Rebars of Sagrada Família's roof in construction (2009)

Many different types of structures and components of structures can be built using reinforced
concrete including slabs, walls, beams, columns, foundations, frames and more.
Reinforced concrete can be classified as precast or cast-in-place concrete.
Designing and implementing the most efficient floor system is key to creating optimal building
structures. Small changes in the design of a floor system can have significant impact on material
costs, construction schedule, ultimate strength, operating costs, occupancy levels and end use of
a building.
Without reinforcement, constructing modern structures with concrete material would not be
possible.

Key characteristics[edit]
Three physical characteristics give reinforced concrete its special properties:

1. The coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete is similar to that of steel,

eliminating large internal stresses due to differences in thermal expansion or
contraction.
2. When the cement paste within the concrete hardens, this conforms to the
surface details of the steel, permitting any stress to be transmitted efficiently
between the different materials. Usually steel bars are roughened or corrugated
to further improve the bond or cohesion between the concrete and steel.
3. The alkaline chemical environment provided by the alkali reserve (KOH, NaOH)
and the portlandite (calcium hydroxide) contained in the hardened cement paste
 causes a passivating film to form on the surface of the steel, making it much
more resistant to corrosion than it would be in neutral or acidic conditions. When
the cement paste is exposed to the air and meteoric water reacts with the
atmospheric CO2, portlandite and the calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) of the
hardened cement paste become progressively carbonated and the high pH
gradually decreases from 13.5 – 12.5 to 8.5, the pH of water in equilibrium
with calcite (calcium carbonate) and the steel is no longer passivated.

TYPES OF REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE

Fibers have been used for concrete reinforcement since

prehistoric times though technology has improved significantly, as
is applicable for other fields. In the early age, straw and mortar
were used for producing mud bricks, and horsehair was used for
their reinforcement. As the fiber technology developed, cement
was reinforced by asbestos fibers in the early twentieth century.

During the middle of the twentieth century, extensive research

was in progress for the use of composite materials for concrete
reinforcement. Later, the use of asbestos for concrete
reinforcement was discouraged due to the detection of health
risks. New materials like steel, glass, and synthetic fibers replaced
asbestos for reinforcement. Active research is still in progress on
this important technology. Fiber Reinforced Concrete is
considered to be one of the greatest advancements in the
construction engineering during the twentieth century.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)

Glass fiber reinforced concrete has been successfully used since
the last 25 years for concrete reinforcement, in addition to steel.
GFRC is being manufactured into big panels with a simple
configuration or into intricate shapes by using special techniques.
Originally, GFRC components were anchored directly with the
buildings by the use of metal studs. It was revealed that GFRC
shifts considerably due to which the direct anchors are being
replaced by slip anchors. Several structures use GFRC for
dissimilar facing like ceramic tiles, bricks, and architectural
purposes.

Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC)

Steel fiber reinforced concrete is a composite material that can
be sprayed. It consists of hydraulic cements with steel fibers that
are dispersed randomly and possess a rectangular cross-section.
The steel fibers reinforce concrete by withstanding tensile
cracking. The flexural strength of fiber reinforced concrete is
greater than the un-reinforced concrete. Reinforcement of
concrete by steel fibers is isotropic in nature that improves the
resistance to fracture, disintegration, and fatigue. Steel fiber
reinforced concrete is able to withstand light and heavy loads.

Different Types of Fibers Used for Concrete

Reinforcement
Natural fiber reinforced concrete (NFRC) consists of cellulose fibers
that are processed from pine trees. This category is also producing
good results. The recycled carpet waste has been successfully
used for concrete reinforcement by using the waste carpet fibers.

Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced (PFR) concrete: Polypropylene is a

cheap and abundant polymer widely used due to its resistance to
forming chemical reactions.

Asbestos Fibers: These fibers are cheap and provide the cement

with mechanical, chemical and thermal resistance, although the
asbestos fiber reinforced concrete appears to have low impact
strength.

Carbon Fibers: These fibers have been recently used due to their

very high modulus of elasticity and flexural strength.
Characteristics such as strength and stiffness are better than those
of steel fibers, although they are more susceptible to damage.
Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC)
A fiber reinforced concrete has been developed recently that is
called Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). It is claimed that
this concrete is 40 % lighter than normal concrete, resistance to
cracking exceeds 500 times, and strain hardening exceeds several
percent strain. Thus, the ductility is significantly greater than
normal concrete. It is also known as bendable concrete since it can
easily be molded and shaped. It can self-repair minor cracks by the
reaction with carbon dioxide and rainwater, making the concrete
stronger.

STEEL BARS REIFORCEMENT

PRE TENSIONING AND POST TENSIONING