Why use fibre reinforced concrete?
Fibres are the ideal component for enhancing and improving concrete and mortar because they’re easy to work with and bond well within the mix, whatever the application.
Sprayed concrete
The ductility of sprayed concrete is increased with the addition of fibres. If the sprayed concrete lining of an excavated tunnel support is cracked due to high flexural stresses, fibre reinforced concrete can accommodate tensile forces and act as an excellent yielding support.
Fibres also:
- Increase the mechanical capacity of the lining, reducing or omitting the need for extra reinforcement.
- Result in faster, more cost-effective tunnel excavation support installation.
Fire protection
Synthetic micro fibres increase the fire resistance of concrete, which is particularly important in structures like traffic tunnels. Fibre reinforced concrete structures with these micro fibres are more stable and durable, and safer.
- Synthetic fibres within the concrete melt and create a capillary system
- Water vapour pressure can be relieved
- Concrete spalling is either reduced significantly or prevented completely
- Amount of repair work required is reduced
Slabs, runways and roads
Using fibres in concrete floor slabs and runways helps to stabilise the reinforced concrete mix and greatly reduces early-age shrinkage cracks.
Fibres result in:
- Better flexural behaviour
- Greater impact resistance
- Increased durability
The amount of extra reinforcement needed can be reduced and the joint spacing increased. Fibres also help to prevent the joints and other perimeter edges from shearing.
High strength concrete (HSC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC)
Particularly slender components usually require HSC or UHPC, as do projects where high structural and load-bearing stability is needed during extreme conditions. Thin, short fibres that have a high E-modulus can be used in these cases. This means extra, untensioned reinforcement can be reduced or combined with the fibre reinforcement to greatly increase energy absorption capabilities.
Where our fibre reinforced concrete has been used
Witchford Recycling Centre
Working in partnership with Sika , Heidelberg Materials Concrete supplied steel fibre reinforced concrete to this purpose‑built recycling centre in Witchford, near Ely, for Cambridgeshire County Council. The groundwork contractor wanted to avoid using traditional steel mesh reinforcement, so they opted for a concrete solution that created a durable and strong base slab in a cost‑effective manner.
Greengill Anaerobic Digestion Plant
We’ve supplied our FibreCrete concrete to a renewable energy project in Penrith, Cumbria, where a 2.4MW anaerobic digestion (AD) plant has been constructed.
“The original specification for the tanks was a concrete with reinforcing mesh to provide the structural performance required. But I have used Heidelberg Materials’ FibreCrete on previous projects and know what it can deliver in terms of time and cost savings. With this proven track record, it was not difficult to convince the client of its benefits and the results speak for themselves.”
Tim Kemp, contractor for Greengill Anaerobic Digestion Plant
Our accreditations
Heidelberg Materials is a member of the Quality Scheme for Ready-Mixed Concrete (QSRMC) and all our reinforced fibre concrete products carry this certification.
From the experts: Fibre reinforced concrete
“The original specification for the bays was a concrete with reinforcing mesh to provide the structural performance required, but I have used Heidelberg’s FibreCrete on previous projects and know what it can deliver in terms of time and cost savings.
“With this proven track record it was not difficult to convince the client of its benefits and the results speak for themselves.”
Tim Kemp, Owner of T J Kemp Ltd
Why you can trust Heidelberg Materials
Quality-Assured Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Our ranges of fibre reinforced concrete have been tested to the highest standards, with solutions to suit every application.
Extensive Product Availability
Choose from over 120 static and mobile plants across the UK for your fibre reinforced concrete supply.
Bespoke Fibre Reinforced Concrete Products
Select your ideal additives, admixtures, cement and aggregates.
Dedicated Sales Support
We integrate sales management with every order for seamless delivery.
National Delivery Fleet
Trust our 1,200 vehicles, 140 rail freight wagons, and 4 locomotives to safely deliver your concrete.
Contact details
Contact the team nearest to you using the details in the table below. Alternatively, please complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.
| Region | Telephone | Email address |
| National Cash Sales | 0330 678 1312 | concretecashsales@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| Scotland | 0330 123 4627 | concretescotland@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| North East | 0330 123 4628 | concretenortheast@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| North West | 0330 123 4629 | concretenorthwest@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| Central West | 0330 123 4631 | concretecentralwest@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| Central East | 0330 123 4632 | concretecentraleast@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| South West | 0330 123 3406 | concretesouthwest@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| South Wales | 0330 123 3403 | concretesouthwales@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| South East | 0330 123 4633 | concretesoutheast@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |
| London | 0330 123 4635 | concretelondon@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |