Use glued steel fibres by batching them into a correctly proportioned concrete mix, adding them gradually under controlled mixing, and checking that they disperse without persistent bundles before placement. The adhesive holding the fibres together is intended to release during mixing, allowing individual fibres to distribute through the concrete. The right addition sequence, mixing time, and fibre dosage depend on the fibre product, mixer, concrete composition, and project specification. We recommend confirming these details with the mix designer and the fibre supplier before production.
Glued steel fibres are individual steel filaments temporarily arranged in small bundles using an adhesive. This format can make fibres easier to handle and feed than loose fibres, while the bundle is designed to separate during mixing. Once dispersed, the fibres can help control cracking and contribute to the concrete’s post-crack behaviour, depending on the fibre geometry, dosage, concrete mix, and design requirements.
Steel fibres do not automatically replace conventional reinforcement in every application. Their structural role must be established by the project engineer using the relevant design method and performance requirements. For non-structural or crack-control uses, the project specification should still define the intended performance and placement requirements.
Before batching, check the approved concrete mix design, fibre product data, and project specification. Confirm the required fibre type, length, diameter or aspect ratio where specified, dosage, and any restrictions on mixing or placement. Do not choose a dosage solely by copying a value from another project, because the required performance and mix conditions may differ.
As an orientation point rather than a design recommendation, steel-fibre concrete specifications may use dosages in the range of 20–40 kg/m3. Actual requirements can fall outside this range, so use the engineer’s design and supplier guidance to set the production quantity. Check that the batch calculation accounts for the concrete volume and that the fibre packaging and product identification match the approved selection.
Use a mixer suited to the concrete volume and the expected fibre content. Confirm that the mixer is clean, operational, and able to achieve consistent circulation of the materials. Plan a controlled feeding method that avoids pouring a large quantity of bundles into one spot.
Fibre length is one of the factors that can affect handling, dispersion, and passage through equipment. For example, products with lengths around 30–60 mm are used in some concrete applications, but this is not a universal specification. Verify the product dimensions against the mix design, pumping or placement method, and project requirements.
Follow the approved batching sequence for the concrete materials, including aggregates, cementitious materials, water, and admixtures. The sequence for adding fibres should be agreed with the mix plant and fibre supplier, because the best method can depend on the equipment and product format. Keep the specified water content under control rather than adding water to make a fibre-containing mix appear easier to handle.
Where the approved procedure calls for fibres to be added to an already mixing concrete batch, introduce them gradually. Steady feeding gives the mixer time to draw the bundles into the mix and helps reduce the risk of fibre balls. If fibres are added with aggregates or by another method, use only a procedure validated for the specific mixer and product.
Continue mixing for the period specified in the production procedure, then inspect a representative sample for visible bundles or uneven fibre concentration. An additional mixing period of about 3–5 minutes after fibre addition may be used as a trial starting point in some operations, but it is not a universal rule. Mixer type, batch size, fibre geometry, and mix consistency all affect the time needed, so confirm the appropriate duration through a controlled trial.
Excessive mixing should also be avoided unless the approved procedure requires it. Longer mixing can affect concrete workability and production efficiency, while insufficient mixing may leave bundles in the batch. Record the fibre addition method and mixing duration during trials so the production team can repeat the approved process.
Before placing, inspect the fresh concrete for uniformity and visible fibre clumps. Carry out the fresh-concrete checks required by the project quality plan, and compare results with the specified acceptance criteria. If the mix is difficult to place, consult the mix designer rather than making unapproved water or admixture adjustments.
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Place and compact the concrete using the method approved for the application. Pay attention to corners, congested areas, joints, and changes in section, where poor flow or fibre accumulation may be more apparent. Follow the project’s curing and finishing requirements, since fibre selection does not remove the need for appropriate concrete construction practices.
Consider fibre length, diameter, tensile properties, shape, and the required performance together. A fibre that feeds well in one mix may not be the best fit for another mix or placement method. Ask for the product specification and confirm that the proposed fibre is suitable for the concrete design and the intended application.
Common application areas include industrial floors, pavements, precast elements, shotcrete, and other concrete works where the design calls for steel-fibre reinforcement. Suitability depends on structural design, exposure conditions, construction details, and applicable project requirements. For load-bearing uses, the engineer must determine whether fibres supplement or replace other reinforcement, and under what conditions.
Fibre addition can change how a concrete mix behaves during handling and finishing. The effect depends on fibre dosage and geometry as well as the aggregate grading, paste volume, admixtures, and placing equipment. Evaluate workability and finish quality with a trial mix representative of actual production conditions.
For pumped concrete, verify the proposed fibre and mix with the pumping contractor and mix designer before full-scale use. Consider hose and line arrangements, placement rate, and access to the pour area. Avoid assuming that a mix suitable for direct discharge will perform identically through a pump.
Run a trial using the intended materials, mixer, batch size, fibre-feeding method, and placement equipment. Assess fibre dispersion, fresh-concrete handling, finishing, and any specified performance requirements. Adjust one process factor at a time where practical, and record the approved settings so plant operators can reproduce them.
For repeat production, use a documented checklist covering product identification, batch quantity, addition sequence, mixing duration, fresh-concrete inspection, and corrective-action procedure. If clumping or inconsistent workability occurs, pause and investigate the cause before changing the dosage or mix. This approach helps distinguish a feeding issue from a mix-design or equipment issue.
Before ordering, share the application, concrete production method, expected placement conditions, and project specification with the supplier. Request product dimensions, material information, packaging details, and handling and mixing recommendations for the selected fibre. Also confirm availability, order quantity, packaging configuration, lead time, and the documents supplied with the shipment.
At BEKA, we can discuss glued steel fibre options and provide product information to support specification and procurement review. To help us assess your request, include the required fibre dimensions, estimated quantity, destination, intended application, and any project-specific requirements. Final fibre selection and dosage should be confirmed by the responsible engineer and concrete mix designer.
Glued steel fibres are used by feeding the bundles into a suitable concrete mix under controlled conditions, mixing until the fibres disperse, and checking the fresh concrete before placement. The most important controls are a project-approved dosage, a gradual addition method, validated mixing time, and checks matched to the installation process. No single dosage or mixing duration is suitable for every fibre, mixer, or application.
Start by confirming the design requirements, then request product data and supplier handling guidance. Conduct a representative trial before full production, document the successful procedure, and involve the mix designer or engineer if the application is structural. Contact BEKA with your project details to discuss suitable glued steel fibre options and procurement requirements.
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