What is the main purpose of adding steel fibres to concrete?

Explanation:

1. Steel fibres are added to concrete to improve its mechanical properties, particularly its tensile strength and crack resistance.
2. The addition of steel fibres helps in controlling the formation and propagation of cracks, providing better durability and performance under tension, bending, and shear stresses.

Additional InformationSteel Fibres

1. Improved tensile strength: Steel fibres enhance the tensile strength of concrete, making it more resistant to cracking under tensile stresses.

2. Crack resistance: They help control crack formation by bridging cracks and preventing their propagation, thus improving the durability of concrete.

3. Enhanced impact resistance: Steel fibres improve the concrete's ability to withstand impact and shock loads, making it more durable in dynamic loading conditions.

4. Increased fatigue resistance: The addition of steel fibres increases the fatigue life of concrete, especially in structures subjected to repeated loading and unloading cycles.

5. Improved flexural strength: Steel fibres improve the concrete’s flexural strength, providing better performance under bending and deformation.

6. Reduced shrinkage cracking: They can help mitigate shrinkage cracking that occurs as concrete cures and dries, improving the overall structural integrity.

7. Better fracture toughness: Steel fibres increase the fracture toughness of concrete, which makes it more resistant to cracking under stress.

8. Increased durability: The addition of steel fibres can increase the overall durability of concrete structures, especially in harsh environments subject to freeze-thaw cycles or chemical exposure.