Expert Talks - Steel Fiber Concrete Reinforcement - How Does It Work?
What we do

Download

Please provide the following details :

This field is required

This field is required

Please enter valid email (e.g. johnsmith@domain.com)

Expert Talks - SFRC - how does it work?

Rethinking Reinforcement: How Steel Fibers Strengthen Concrete from Within

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials on the planet. Strong, reliable, and durable - until it cracks.

Concrete is a brittle material. It can resist high compressive forces but only limited tensile forces. Already at a tensile strain of 0,1 ‰ the concrete will crack. As an example, if the structure would by completely restrained a temperature difference of only 10 °C would cause the concrete to crack.

This is where reinforcement becomes critical.

Adding reinforcement helps concretely transfer these stresses over the crack, increase ductility, and maintain its load-bearing capacity. We all know about rebar and steel mesh. But there is another solution that has quietly transformed concrete structures across the world for more than 40 years.

It is called steel fiber reinforcement.

Steel Fibers: A Different Kind of Reinforcement

 

The fundamental difference between steel fibers and traditional reinforcement is not only about form. It is about how they behave inside the concrete.

 

Rebar and mesh are discrete elements. They reinforce specific locations within the structure. Steel fibers, by contrast, are dispersed throughout the concrete mix. This transforms the concrete into a composite material - a single, isotropic material which has residual strength properties in all directions.

 

When a crack begins to form, steel fibers are already in place to respond. They bridge the crack, distribute the stress, and prevent it from growing. In effect, the fibers delay crack propagation, which enhances durability, reduces maintenance, and extends the life of the structure.

How It Works: A Closer Look

Let’s walk through the process.

When a concrete structure is subjected to a load, this induces internal forces. Compressive stress builds up in some areas, while tension develops in others. These tensile zones are where cracks typically begin.

As a crack forms, it starts small. If left unchecked, it grows and compromises the concrete structure integrity. Steel fibers are always in a closer vicinity to any crack forming compared to rebar or mesh. Each fiber is embedded in the concrete and equipped with hooked ends for optimal anchorage. As tension increases, the fiber stretches or begins to pull out in a controlled way, depending on its design and steel quality. This controlled resistance to stress prevents sudden failure. As one fiber reaches its limit and is being pulled out in a controlled way but still transferring stresses, the next one picks up the load. This gradual distribution of stresses over the tensile zone creates a strong, ductile response throughout the section of the structure. 
 

Choosing the Right Fiber for the Job

 

Not all steel fibers are the same. Different applications require different performance characteristics. That is why Bekaert offers three unique steel fiber families, each engineered for specific needs.

From Material to Method

Reinforcing concrete with steel fibers is not just about choosing a product. It is about designing a system that performs consistently and meets your project requirements at an optimal cost.

This means defining the right length-to-diameter ratio, selecting the correct fiber type, and ensuring the right dosage per cubic meter of concrete. The aim is to create a continuous, overlapping network of fibers that works together as a uniform matrix.

Bekaert provides expert guidance to help you get this right. From early design stages to execution on site, our specialists support you every step of the way.

Where to Use Steel Fibers

 

Steel fiber reinforced concrete has been used successfully across a wide range of applications:
 

  • Industrial floors that face heavy forklift traffic and high point loads
  • Jointless or seamless slabs, where crack control is essential
  • SigmaSlab: A combination of Dramix steel fibers and post tensioning for crack free floors with joint spacings up to 150 m.
  • Tunnels and underground structures, where safety and durability are critical
  • Precast elements, reducing rebar congestion and improving production speed
  • Shotcrete applications, for mines or slope stabilization
  • Foundations on piles, where high flexural strength is required
  • Liquid-tight floors, especially in food and chemical industries
  • Coupling beams and shear walls for high rise buildings in highly seismic zones.
     

In many of these cases, steel fibers can reduce or completely eliminate traditional mesh and rebar. This simplifies construction, speeds up placement, and reduces human error during installation. 

Benefits Beyond the Surface

 

Choosing steel fiber reinforcement means more than just structural strength. It also brings operational and economic advantages:
 

  • Faster installation: No need to tie or position mesh or rebar
  • Lower labor costs: Reduced handling and reinforcement work
  • Simplified jobsite management: No space needed for storing the rebar or mesh, no ordering and checking timely delivery of the reinforcement
  • Improved safety: Fewer on-site operations mean fewer risks
  • Reduced maintenance: Cracks are smaller and more controlled
  • Lower total cost of ownership: Structures last longer and perform better

Getting Started with Dramix®

 

At Bekaert, we understand that no two projects are the same. Our Dramix® product range gives you the flexibility to design exactly what you need - nothing more, nothing less.

 

If you are not sure which fiber is right for your project, or how much to use, we are here to help. Our design experts can assess your requirements and recommend a solution that balances strength, serviceability, and cost.

 

Let’s get in touch.

Conclusion

 

Concrete may be brittle by nature, but it does not have to be fragile in performance. With steel fiber reinforcement, you can turn concrete into a resilient, ductile, and long-lasting material.

 

Dramix® steel fibers work from the inside out, creating a reinforcing network that strengthens your structure, limits cracking, and improves overall behavior under stress.

 

For demanding structures, aggressive environments, or tight construction timelines, steel fibers offer a proven, high-performance alternative to traditional reinforcement.

 

Let Bekaert help you build smarter, stronger, and more efficiently - one fiber at a time.

Talk to an expert

Let’s talk about your project and discover what Dramix® fibers can do for your project.

Button Icon Contact us Button Icon