The application of steel-fibres as concrete reinforcement in Australia: from material to structure

After 40 years of research in the development and placement of fibres in reinforced concrete, the concept has matured to the stage where it is finding increasing use in practice. This paper reviews the research on and application of fibre reinforced concrete for structural applications in Australia, at the material and at the structural levels. The paper also summarises the latest experimental observations obtained from radiographic imaging techniques for FRC test specimens in shear and in tension taken under load in the laboratory. Lastly, the development of a behavioural model for modes I and II fracture is outlined and the application to FE modelling demonstrated.