PERMEABILITY AND POROSITY CHARACTERISTICS OF STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

Steel fibres have gained popularity in recent decades for use in concrete at relatively low volume fractions. They are mainly used to enhance toughness, flexural strength and resistance to shrinkageinduced cracking. However, little information is available about the effects of fibers on permeability and porosity, which play an important role in long —term durability of concrete materials. This paper presents the results of an experimental study that was carried out to examine the influences of steel fiber addition on the permeability and porosity of a concrete prepared mainly from local materials. The test results are discussed in this paper, the interpretation of the test results is reported as well as conclusions regarding the effects of steel fibers on the water and gas permeability of concrete.