Title: Performance of Macrofiber-Reinforced Concrete in a Sidewalk Overlay

Author(s): M.K. Hurd

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 33

Issue: 7

Appears on pages(s): 40-43

Keywords: cracking, concrete overlay, fiber reinforcement, sawcutting

DOI:

Date: 7/1/2011

Abstract:
A 50-year-old sidewalk was crushed and left in place as the base for a new concrete overlay reinforced with macrosynthetic fibers. Microsynthetic fibers, typically added in lower volumes, are intended to reduce plastic shrinkage. The heavier macrofibers, typically added in higher volumes, provide distribution of drying shrinkage stresses. This results in many fine, tight microcracks and control joints that open less and offer better resistance to impact and fatigue stresses. The sidewalk’s performance over its first four years is reported.