U. S. A.

REPORT #20-05
• Compressive Strength
• Residual Strength

TEST REPORT: Residual Strength at Various Fiber Dosages: FORTA-FERRO®

SUMMARY: FORTA-FERRO® is recognized in the industry as a next-generation, macro or

structural synthetic fiber. These fibers have shown the ability to dramatically improve concrete
residual strength – the ability to carry load after initial crack. This residual strength/post-crack result
allows engineers and designers to determine the appropriate dosage of fiber that will fulfill the
reinforcement requirements for a specific project application. Research was performed to provide
these performance values to the design community for various dosage levels of the FORTA-

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FERRO® structural synthetic fiber.

RESEARCH PARTICULARS: The various fiber dosages were included in identical concrete

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mixes, and were mixed, placed, and tested in the same manner. Fiber-reinforced cylinders (4 in. x
8 in. / 100 mm x 200 mm) were cured in a fog room at 85-100% humidity, and tested for
compressive strength per ASTM C-39 procedures at 28 days. Compressive results were reported
as an average of three specimens at each fiber dosage. Fiber-reinforced flexural beams (4 in. x 4

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in. x 14 in. / 100 mm x 100 mm x 350 mm) were also cured in a fog room, and then tested for
residual strength per ASTM C-1399 procedures at 28 days. Average Residual Strength (ARS)
results were recorded in p.s.i., using the average of six specimens at each fiber dosage. The fiber

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dosages involved in both compressive and residual strength testing were 3.0, 5.0, and 7.5 lbs./cubic
yard (1.8, 3.0, and 4.5 kgs./cubic meter).

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RESULTS: Compressive Strength and ARS values for 2-1/4”/54mm FORTA-FERRO®
Dosage Compressive Strength ARS
3.0 lb./cubic yard (1.8 kg./cubic meter) 6,500 p.s.i (44.8 MPa) 126 p.s.i. (.869 MPa)

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5.0 lb./cubic yard (3.0 kg./cubic meter) 6,110 p.s.i (42.1 MPa) 185 p.s.i. (1.276 MPa)
7.5 lb./cubic yard (3.6 kg./cubic meter) 5,860 p.s.i (40.4 MPa) 260 p.s.i. (1.8 MPa)

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[From: “Average Residual Strength Comparisons of Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete”, South Dakota
School of Mines and Technology, Dr. Anil Patnaik, May 2007.]

CONCLUSION: The compressive strength results were quite similar for each fiber dosage, with
differences falling well within the normal deviation of the test method. These results would support H
the idea that fibers are not expected to affect the first-crack compressive strength of the concrete.
As would be expected, the ARS results increased as fiber dosage increased. The ability of these
macro/synthetic fibers to hold cracked concrete together is significant and considerable, especially
at the higher 5 and 7.5 pound dosages in the range of 200+ p.s.i. These ARS performance levels
may be used with confidence by the design engineer to calculate the reinforcement needs for a
specific project or application.

FORTA® personnel are available to assist with fiber selection and use, as well as the explanation of reasonable
expectations of the fiber. FORTA® representatives do not engage in the practice of engineering or architecture as
licensed by government agencies, nor are they licensed to act in a role of overall project supervision where FORTA®
products are used. FORTA® personnel are available solely for the support of our customers - those that purchase and
specify our products.

FORTA-FERRO®, and are registered trademarks of FORTA Corporation