The effect of fibre type and dosage rate on the performance of Fibre Reinforced Shotcrete

A study was undertaken to optimise the performance and reduce the cost of Fibre Reinforced Shotcrete (FRS) in an underground mine by varying fibre type and dosage rates. The effect of two steel and two plastic type fibres were assessed in terms of strength and post-crack toughness of the FRS. Samples were subjected to the ASTM C-1550 round panel test and uniaxial compressive strength test. A cost model was developed to assess differences in the cost of each fibre type and addition rate. Significant differences were observed across the range of fibre types investigated. One mix was found to be more cost effective than the others while achieving a better level of performance. This paper presents the results of this investigation