Effect of the addition of synthetic fibers to concrete thin slabs on plastic shrinkage cracking

Plastic shrinkage cracks may occur even when standard precautions have been taken, which may impair the durability and serviceability of concrete structures. One way to prevent such cracks is by adding short fibers to the concrete mixture. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of the addition of synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, glass, nylon and PET fibers in concrete cracking control. An experimental program was conducted to investigate plastic shrinkage cracking in small thin slabs, by varying the fiber volume fraction of fibers in the mixtures. Concluding remarks and a few recommendations are given at the end of the work.