The durability of prestressed concrete elements reinforced with fibres

The aim of the study is to show the improvements on durability of prestressed concrete elements by introducing in concrete mass a certain quantity of fibres. Random distributed fibres provide a significant increase in the tensile strength, having also favourable consequence on other mechanical and durability characteristics. The prestressed concrete elements are under a permanent stress state that is not optimal in all their sections and zones. One of the most unfavourable effects is the reduction of material durability, especially in aggressive environments, in which prestressed reinforcements are more sensitive to utilization than reinforced concrete components. The authors present the result brought up by the use of steel fibres in the improvement of the durability of concrete elements, in relation with the volumetric steel ratio, and the geometrical ratio of steel fibres, leading to a favourable effect on prestressing efficiency.