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One technique that has continued to gain traction goes by the name of steel fiber concrete. Unfortunately, many customers still don't understand the advantages posed by this particular type of concrete mix. If you would like to develop a more thorough knowledge of today's concrete options, keep reading. This article outlines three key things to know about steel fiber concrete.
To those outside the concrete industry, all concrete seems like more or less the same thing. Yet the more you learn about the world of concrete, the more you recognize the incredible diversity it contains. Manufacturers and contractors constantly experiment with new and exciting ways to improve concrete performance.
1. Five Types of Steel Fibers Exist
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The steel fibers used to reinforce concrete come in five different types and differ in terms of their production. For instance, Type I fibers consist of cold-drawn wires, while Type III Fibers consist of melt-extracted steel. Each type of fiber boasts a slightly different tensile strength. Likewise, different types have slightly different shapes, which contractors often refer to as aspect ratios.
A contractor must closely consider such properties when selecting the best type of fiber for a given project. Another key factor involves the average length of the fibers. While longer fibers tend to result in stronger concrete, they present more difficulties for mixing. Contractors can more easily and evenly distribute shorter fibers in a concrete mix.
You've probably already guessed that steel fiber concrete gets its name from the addition of thin strands of steel. Generally speaking, these short pieces of wire boost the overall strength and stability of the concrete. That said, the performance of the concrete depends a lot on the attributes of the particular steel fiber used.
2. Steel Fibers Increase Strength in Numerous Ways
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This property makes steel fiber concrete a great choice for applications such as building floors and bridge decks. Steel fibers also boost the concrete's fatigue resistance by almost 1.5 times. Fatigue involves the tendency to rupture beneath repeated loadings. Compression, torsion, and bending forces all contribute to concrete fatigue.
Finally, cured steel fiber concrete exhibits greater strength when it comes to resisting impact and abrasive forces. Impact forces happen when heavy objects strike the surface of the concrete. Abrasion includes surface-level friction and wear, as well as processes like spalling, which can leave the top layer of concrete pitted and rough.
As noted above, the chief advantage of steel fiber concrete lies in its greater strength as compared to conventional concrete. The steel fibers boost strength in a number of key ways. First of all, they improve the hardened concrete's flexural strength. In other words, steel fibers allow the concrete to resist bending forces up to 3 times better than conventional concrete.
3. Steel Fibers Reduce Shrinkage Cracks
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This accelerated evaporation causes a volume decrease at the top of the concrete. This volume change creates shrinkage forces that often result in small cracks on the surface. While steel fibers cannot eliminate this volume change, they give the concrete the extra boost of strength necessary to hold together under such forces.
To best resist plastic shrinkage cracks, a contractor must add a certain percentage of steel fibers. Shape, or aspect ratio, also plays an important role in reducing the total cracked area.
Steel fibers boost the performance characteristics of concrete. For more information about whether steel fiber concrete would make a good choice for your next building project, please contact the industry veterans at Central Carolina Concrete
Steel fibers also directly benefit concrete before it has reached a hardened state. Specifically, those metal fibers decrease the likelihood of plastic shrinkage cracks. Plastic shrinkage cracks occur when water evaporates out of the curing concrete at a greater rate than it rises up to the surface.
Steel Fiber Market Overview
Global steel fiber market size was valued at USD 1,885.97 million in . The market is projected to grow from USD 1,972.35 million in to USD 2,880.90 million by , exhibiting a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.
Steel fibers are short, discontinuous filaments of steel that are typically added to concrete, refractory materials, or composite materials to enhance their mechanical properties. These fibers are generally manufactured from high-strength stainless steel or carbon steel and are available in various shapes, sizes, and configurations depending on their intended application.
The global demand for steel fibers is driven by extensive infrastructure development projects worldwide, which require materials that withstand heavy loads, environmental conditions, and prolonged service life. Furthermore, the need to reduce maintenance costs and the rising demand for durable, eco-friendly building materials are driving this trend.
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The adoption of advanced construction techniques, such as 3D printing and prefabrication, increases the demand for steel fibers. These techniques often require specialized concrete mixtures that benefit from the reinforcing properties of steel fibers. Thus, companies capitalize on the growing global demand for steel fibers by expanding their market reach into emerging economies where infrastructure development is thriving.
Steel Fiber Market Trends
Rising Requirements for Steel Fibers in Construction Industry
Steel fibers are increasingly used in concrete to improve its mechanical properties. They enhance tensile strength, impact resistance, and flexibility. This makes concrete more robust and less prone to cracking, which is crucial for constructing high-performance structures. The growing demand for such high-quality and durable structures is a major driver for the steel fiber industry.
Many countries are investing heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, and tunnels. These projects require concrete that can withstand harsh conditions and high loads. Steel fibers help meet these requirements by reinforcing concrete, which increases its durability and lifespan. As infrastructure projects expand globally, the demand for steel fibers to enhance concrete performance grows accordingly. Thus, companies are engaged in the production of steel fibers and get environmental declarations, which are used in construction to enhance the performance and durability of concrete.
For instance, in October , Bekaert secured an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its Dramix steel fibers produced for concrete reinforcement at its Petrovice facility in the Czech Republic. This certification highlights the sustainability of Dramix, enabling architects, developers, and other construction professionals to compare it with traditional concrete reinforcement options. Such innovation plays a crucial role in advancing the use of steel fibers in construction, helping to meet the growing demands of the steel fiber market.
Rising Investment in Construction Sectors Driving the Steel Fiber Market
The rising investment in the construction sector is a significant driver of growth in the steel fiber market. Rapid urbanization and population growth are driving significant investments in residential and commercial real estate. New buildings, high-rise apartments, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities all require robust concrete solutions. Steel fibers are used to reinforce concrete in these construction projects, providing the strength and durability needed for modern buildings.
Governments and private entities around the globe are ramping up investments in construction projects, particularly in residential housing, to address several pressing needs. Additionally, they help improve infrastructure, support sustainable urban development, and promote affordable housing solutions, ensuring that more people have access to quality homes.
For instance, in June , the India Government decided to extend the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) by assisting an additional three crore households following the successful sanction of 4.21 crore houses. The scheme has already sanctioned 1.18 crore houses, with 1.14 crore under construction and 83.67 lakh completed, totaling an expenditure of Rs 1,51,246 crore. Notably, 16 lakhs of these houses are utilizing new technologies, highlighting the program&#;s commitment to modern and sustainable construction. This substantial investment in the construction sector is driving the steel fiber market revenue.
Steel Fiber Market Segment Insights
Steel Fiber Product Breakdown by Product Type Insights
The global steel fiber market segmentation, based on product type, includes straight, hooked, crimped, deformed, and others. The hooked segment is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to their superior bonding characteristics with concrete. The hooked shape creates a mechanical interlock with the surrounding concrete, leading to improved reinforcement and resistance to crack propagation.
Modern construction techniques and innovations, such as high-performance concrete and advanced structural designs, benefit significantly from the use of hooked-end fibers. Their ability to improve the mechanical properties of concrete makes them ideal for these advanced applications, contributing to their growing popularity. The steel fiber market is seeing increased technological innovation and expansion. Companies are investing in improving the production and performance of hooked-end fibers, which supports their growing adoption and market share.
For instance, Tengzhou Star Smith Metal Products Co., Ltd. offers SDS Loose Hooked End Steel Fiber and SDS Glued Hooked End Steel Fiber, known for their exceptional tensile strength, excellent toughness, and cost-effectiveness. These versatile fibers are ideal for a wide range of applications, including roads, highways, curbs, factory floors, and airport runways.
Steel Fiber Market Breakdown by End Use Insights
The global steel fiber market segmentation, based on end use, includes buildings & construction, transportation, and others. The buildings & construction accounted for the largest market share and are anticipated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
The ongoing trend of urbanization and large-scale infrastructure development worldwide fuels the need for advanced construction materials. As cities expand and new infrastructure projects are initiated, the demand for high-performance concrete reinforced with steel fibers increases significantly. This growth in construction activity directly impacts the steel fiber market.
Key players often collaborate to expand their geographical reach and market presence. By working with local distributors, construction firms, and international partners, companies penetrate new markets and increase their supply capabilities.
For instance, in April , ArcelorMittal joined forces with BP2, the manufacturer of complete solutions for residential construction, to supply XCarb steel fiber for BP2&#;s integrated photovoltaic roof system. This strategic expansion helps address regional demands and enhances the steel fibers market demand.
Steel Fiber Market Breakdown by Regional Insights
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific steel fiber market accounted for the largest share in due to rapid urbanization, with cities expanding and new infrastructure projects being launched. This growth drives the need for high-performance construction materials, including steel fibers, to reinforce concrete in roads, bridges, high-rise buildings, and other infrastructure projects.
The presence of major companies such as Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang Boen Metal Products Co., Ltd.; Zhitai Steel Fiber Manufacturing Co., Ltd.; and KOSTEEL (Bundrex); offering their products further strengthens the market landscape in APAC.
The key market players are merging, acquiring, and collaborating to strengthen their market presence and to serve better offerings in APAC, further driving the market during the forecast period.
Japan's steel fiber market held the largest share in , with its advanced construction techniques and innovation. The integration of steel fibers in various construction applications, including high-rise buildings and complex structures, is driven by technological advancements and the pursuit of superior performance. The major players in this market have strategically acquired the stake of steelmakers to enhance their productivity, thereby driving the steel fiber market.
For instance, in January , Japan's Nippon Steel announced buying two electric arc furnace steelmakers in Thailand for up to $763 million, which indicated the rising development in the steel fiber market.
India's steel fiber market held a substantial share in due to the country's significant urbanization and infrastructure development. Steel fibers significantly enhance the durability and performance of concrete, making them essential in large-scale construction projects. The increased demand has led leading suppliers to cater to the evolving needs of the construction sector, contributing to the market's robust growth and importance in India's development landscape.
For instance, Kasturi Metal Composite Ltd., manufactures, imports, and supplies a comprehensive range of steel fibers. Their offerings include flat steel fibers for industrial flooring, docks, and pavements; loose and glued hooked-end steel fibers for dams, tunnel and mine shotcreting, roadways, highways, shipping dockyards, and precast elements; and stainless-steel fibers for refractory shotcrete and castables.
In , the steel fiber market in North America held a significant share due to advances in construction technology and innovations in steel fiber production. These innovations have expanded the range of applications and improved the performance of steel fibers, driving market growth by providing more effective and versatile solutions for various construction needs, thereby boosting demand across the region.
The US steel fiber market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by manufacturers and suppliers who are expanding their operations in the country, introducing new steel fiber product lines, and significantly supporting the growth of the steel fiber market.
For instance, Helix Steel introduced two new products tailored for the Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) market, including Twisted Steel Micro Rebar technology and Helix's unique twisted, screw-like steel fibers. These innovations offer significant advantages over traditional smooth steel fibers, enhancing concrete performance. Such advancements are expected to boost the steel fiber market demand. On the other hand, the Canadian steel fiber market held notable growth in due to robust activity in both residential and commercial projects. As developers and builders sought high-performance concrete solutions to meet modern standards, the adoption of steel fibers became more prevalent.
Steel Fiber Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players are pivotal in shaping market trends and influencing demand through their market developments, including diverse product offerings, strategic initiatives, and the ability to address evolving industry needs. Manufacturer innovations such as enhanced fiber shapes, improved bonding properties, and eco-friendly materials capture a significant steel fiber market share and meet the diverse needs of the construction sector.
Opportunities exist for market growth through technological advancements, expansion into emerging markets, and adherence to regulatory standards. By leveraging these opportunities, key players strengthen their steel fiber market position and meet the evolving demands of the various industries.
Major players in the steel fiber market, including ArcelorMittal; ENVIROMESH; Fibrometals; Green Steel Group; Hunan Sunshine Steel Fiber Co., Ltd; Jiangsu Shagang Group; Kerakoll SpA; KOSTEEL (Bundrex); Nippon Seisen Co., Ltd.; R. STAT; SEVERSTAL; Sika; Spajic DOO; Zhejiang Boen Metal Products Co., Ltd.; and Zhitai Steel Fiber Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
KOSTEEL (Bundrex) offers its steel fiber brand, BUNDREX, a major solution for concrete reinforcement. For the past 18 years, Bundrex has been manufacturing steel fibers in Korea using innovative developments and specialized techniques. The company is dedicated to developing new solutions and aims to become a significant player in the global steel fiber market. In September , Bundrex-reinforced steel fibers were supplied for the Tesalia Tunnel project in Colombia.
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a global presence, specializing in the production and development of systems and products for sealing, bonding, damping, protecting and reinforcing in the building and automotive industries. With subsidiaries in 103 countries and over 400 factories worldwide, Sika delivers innovative technologies to its global customer base. In March , Sika introduced new free software to calculate the amount of SikaFiber needed for ground-bearing concrete slabs. This tool helps identify potential cost savings through optimized steel fiber specifications.
List of Key Companies in Steel Fiber Market
Steel Fiber Industry Developments
April : Sika is launching an advanced facility in Lima, Peru, to manufacture synthetic macro fibers, further expanding its product range with high growth potential in Latin America. This new technology reinforces Sika&#;s position as a major supplier to the mining industry and a key partner for infrastructure projects.
July : ArcelorMittal signed an agreement to acquire CSP, a state-of-the-art steel facility in northeast Brazil. This acquisition enhances ArcelorMittal&#;s footprint in the rapidly growing Brazilian steel market.
Steel Fiber Market Segmentation
By Steel Type Outlook
Carbon Steel Fibers
Stainless Steel Fibers
By Product Type Outlook
Straight
Hooked
Crimped
Deformed
Others
By Manufacturing Process Outlook
Slit Sheet
Melt Extract
Cut Wire
Cold Drawn
Others
By Application Outlook
Concrete
Refractories
Composites
Others
By End Use Outlook
Buildings & Construction
Transportation
Others
By Regional Outlook
North America
US
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Canada
Europe
Germany
France
UK
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Russia
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Malaysia
South Korea
Indonesia
Australia
Vietnam
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Israel
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
Latin America
Mexico
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of Latin America
Steel Fiber Report Scope
Report Attributes
Details
Market Size Value in
USD 1,885.97 million
Market Size Value in
USD 1,972.35 million
Revenue Forecast in
USD 2,880.90 million
CAGR
4.8% from to
Base Year
Historical Data
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Forecast Period
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Quantitative Units
Revenue in USD million and CAGR from to
Report Coverage
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Industry Trends
Segments Covered
By Steel Type
By Product Type
By Manufacturing Process
By Application
By End Use
By Region
Regional Scope
North America
Europe
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East & Africa
Competitive Landscape
Steel Fiber Industry Share Analysis ()
Company Profiles/Industry participants profiling includes company overview, financial information, product/service benchmarking, and recent developments
Report Format
PDF + Excel
Customization
Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, regions, and segmentation.
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