Las macrofibras de vidrio y su empleo para el refuerzo de elementos de hormigón
Abstract
The incorporation of fibers confers load transfer capacity to concrete and controls cracks propagation, with direct benefits for the structures durability. Although alkali resistant glass is excellent regarding adherence and stiffness, only microfibers have been used for controlling plastic shrinkage cracking. Glass macrofibers open new posibilities of application, provide reinforcement for thermal or drying shrinkage and they can even be used as primary reinforcement. These fibers disperse easily in the fresh mix and they have a total affinity with the cementitious matrix, they have excellent resistant against environmental conditions and slightly increase the first peak concrete stress. This work describes the typical post peak response observed for different contents of glass macrofibers and shows two recent studies, the first one includes self compacting concretes reinforced with glass macrofibers and analyzes the orientation of the reinforcement in thin walls due to the flow effect and the second studies the response under long term loads of cracked beams elaborated with a concrete used for the construction of an industrial floor.
