Lightweight aggregate concrete fiber reinforcement – A review

The higher brittleness and lower mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) compared to normal weight concrete (NWC) at the same compressive strength has prevented it from being widely used in the construction industry despite its many advantages. Studies have shown that the use of fibers in LWAC is an appropriate solution to resolve such problems. This paper reviews the influence of the addition of fibers on the properties of different types of LWAC. These properties include the workability, compressive strength, stress–strain behavior, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and compressive and flexural toughness. Generally, the inclusion of fibers in LWAC, as single or hybrid forms, improve its mechanical properties, and significantly increase its toughness, ductility performance and energy absorption, while decreasing its workability, particularly when steel fiber is used in the concrete mixture. In the case of splitting tensile and flexural strengths, the effectiveness of fiber in LWAC is more pronounced than NWC.

► The addition of fibers on the properties of different types of LWACs was reviewed.
► Generally, the inclusion of fibers in LWAC improves its mechanical properties.
► Even very low volume fractions of steel fiber prevent brittle failure of LWAC.
► The effectiveness of fiber in LWAC is more pronounced than NWC.
► A combination of steel fiber and non-metallic fibers results in better toughness.