The challenge

The main challenge was the transition from the original reinforced concrete design to steel fiber reinforced concrete. This change required close collaboration and agreement between the project stakeholders, including the owner and the general contractor. It was also important to ensure that the mix proportions and fiber content were optimized for the specific requirements of the project, which involved floors of different thicknesses depending on the intended use of the area and the loadbearing requirements.

The solution

To execute the change from traditional reinforcement to steel fiber reinforced concrete, Bekaert conducted an in-depth structural analysis to ensure that the new design met the necessary load-bearing and safety standards. It was decided that the optimal material was Dramix® 4D 80/60BG steel fibers, which were used to produce reinforced concrete floors of thicknesses 15, 18 and 21 cm. The enhanced durability and crack resistance of Dramix® will lead to significantly lower maintenance requirements and longer service life for the warehouse and pavements.

Bekaert’s experienced sales personnel provided technical support and specialized design capabilities. Specifically, engineering support incorporating calculations for structural integrity and internal reviews were integral to the success of the project. On-site testing further validated the performance of the Dramix® design for the project’s successful implementation.