We have started the development of concrete with fibres from renewable sources

The development of high-performance concrete with viscose fibre admixture is underway in the laboratories of the CTU UCEEB. The Composite Construction Research team is collaborating with Indorama Ventures Mobility Bohemia. Thanks to its higher fire safety and lower susceptibility to microcracking, the resulting fibre-reinforced concrete should successfully compete with the functional properties of the currently used concrete with artificial polypropylene fibres and thus contribute to the reduction of plastic production.

One of the main objectives of the project is to increase the resistance of of high-performance concrete structures to heat exposure during fire, during which concrete commonly spalls. This will be prevented by using a network of pores to allow water vapour to escape, created through the developed fibres. They will also reduce unwanted shrinkage and the associated development of fibre cracks, particularly in floor structures. Another very important goal for us is to fully replace synthetic fibers in concrete structures with viscose fibers, which, unlike polypropylene, are fully compostable, biodegradable, and produced from renewable materials.

As part of the preparation of the project, we have carried out a patent search which shows the uniqueness of the proposed solution. This will result in two proven technologies. The first will be the efficient processing of viscose waste fibre, which will yield appropriate parameters for concrete admixtures. The second will ensure optimal mixing of chopped viscose fibre in concrete mixes. The final output for Indorama Ventures Mobility Bohemia will be a defined chopped viscose multifilament fibre that will be commonly used by its customers in practice.

The project was supported by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness.