Which of the following is NOT a common fiber type used in FRC?

Which of the following is NOT a common fiber type used in FRC?

• A. Steel
• B. Synthetic
• C. Glass
• D. Paper fibers

Answer: (D)

In fiber reinforced concrete, the reinforcement comes from fibers that can actually carry tensile loads and survive in the concrete’s alkaline environment. Steel fibers, synthetic fibers (like polypropylene or other polymers), and glass fibers are all used because they provide real improvement in toughness, crack control, and post-crack strength. Paper fibers aren’t used because they’re cellulose-based and don’t hold up in concrete. They have low tensile strength, poor bond with the cement paste, and they degrade or weaken in moisture and the highly alkaline concrete environment. This means they won’t reliably reinforce the concrete and can compromise durability. So the fiber type that isn’t a common choice is paper fibers.

In fiber reinforced concrete, the reinforcement comes from fibers that can actually carry tensile loads and survive in the concrete’s alkaline environment. Steel fibers, synthetic fibers (like polypropylene or other polymers), and glass fibers are all used because they provide real improvement in toughness, crack control, and post-crack strength.

Paper fibers aren’t used because they’re cellulose-based and don’t hold up in concrete. They have low tensile strength, poor bond with the cement paste, and they degrade or weaken in moisture and the highly alkaline concrete environment. This means they won’t reliably reinforce the concrete and can compromise durability. So the fiber type that isn’t a common choice is paper fibers.