ASTM C1116/C1116M-23

Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

ABSTRACT
This specification covers all forms of fiber-reinforced concrete that are delivered to a purchaser with the ingredients uniformly mixed. This specification may also apply to fiber-reinforced concrete intended for shotcreting by the dry-mix process when sampling and testing is possible at the point of placement. It, however, does not cover the placement, consolidation, curing, or protection of the fiber-reinforced concrete after delivery to the purchaser. Materials are classified according to the type of fiber incorporated, which are: Type I, steel fiber-reinforced concrete that contains stainless, alloy, or carbon steel fibers; Type II, glass fiber-reinforced concrete that contains alkali-resistant glass fibers; Type III, synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete that contains synthetic fibers; and Type IV, natural fiber-reinforced concrete that contains cellulose fibers. The fiber-reinforced concretes shall be furnish either by batch mixing or continuous mixing, and shall be free of fiber balls when delivered to the point designated by the purchaser. Tolerances, acceptance criteria, and performance requirements for workability and air content are discussed thoroughly.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers most forms of fiber-reinforced concrete manufactured in accordance with Specification C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M as modified herein. It does not cover the placement, consolidation, curing, or protection of the fiber-reinforced concrete after delivery to the purchaser.  
1.2 Certain sections of this specification are also applicable to fiber-reinforced concrete intended for shotcreting by the dry-mix or to zero-slump, and fiber-reinforced concrete used to manufacture precast elements. In these cases, the sections dealing with batching plant, mixing equipment, mixing and delivery, and measurement of workability and air content, are not applicable.  
1.3 This specification does not cover thin-section glass fiber-reinforced concrete manufactured by the spray-up process that is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee C27.40.  
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.5 If required results obtained from another standard are not reported in the same system of units as used by this standard, it is permitted to convert those results using the conversion factors found in the SI Quick Reference Guide.2  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)3  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2023
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: C09 - Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Drafting Committee: C09.42 - Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24a - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C94/C94M-24a - Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C31/C31M-24 - Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1077-24 - Standard Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C94/C94M-24 - Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1609/C1609M-24 - Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point Loading)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM C39/C39M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1604/C1604M-05(2019) - Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores of Shotcrete
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1140/C1140M-11(2019) - Standard Practice for Preparing and Testing Specimens from Shotcrete Test Panels
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1609/C1609M-19a - Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point Loading)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6942-03(2019) - Standard Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM C94/C94M-19 - Standard Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1609/C1609M-19 - Standard Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point Loading)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM C125-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019

Overview

ASTM C1116/C1116M-23: Standard Specification for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete establishes requirements for various types of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC), which is concrete mixed with fiber materials to enhance its properties. Issued by ASTM International, this specification ensures that FRC is delivered to the purchaser in a uniformly mixed state and covers batch and continuous mixing processes. The standard classifies FRC by the type of fiber used-steel, glass, synthetic, or natural-and specifies acceptance criteria for workability, air content, and sampling. It is widely referenced in construction and engineering for both cast-in-place and precast concrete, as well as shotcrete applications.

Key Topics

• Types of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete:
  • Type I: Steel fiber-reinforced concrete using stainless, alloy, or carbon steel fibers.
  • Type II: Glass fiber-reinforced concrete containing alkali-resistant glass fibers.
  • Type III: Synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete with synthetic fibers resistant to alkaline environments.
  • Type IV: Natural fiber-reinforced concrete utilizing cellulose or other natural fiber types.
• Uniform Mixing and Delivery: Ensures concrete is mixed thoroughly and free of fiber balls, delivered ready for immediate use.
• Testing and Sampling: Stipulates the frequency of tests for workability (slump), air content, flexural performance, and compressive strength using standard ASTM methods.
• Material Measurement: Details the measurement accuracy of fiber content by mass or volume within specified tolerances.
• Scope Limitations: Does not cover placement, consolidation, curing, or protection after delivery. Also excludes thin-section glass fiber concretes produced by spray-up processes.

Applications

• Structural Concrete: FRC is used to improve toughness, ductility, and crack resistance in structural elements such as slabs, walls, beams, and foundations.
• Shotcrete: Fiber-reinforced shotcrete benefits from the enhanced cohesion and energy absorption provided by fibers, making it ideal for tunnels, mining, and slope stabilization.
• Precast Elements: FRC is utilized in factory-manufactured components to achieve greater durability and resistance to mechanical stress.
• Specialized Environments: FRC is suitable for environments requiring increased resistance to impact, abrasion, and shrinkage cracking, such as industrial floors and pavements.

Related Standards

• ASTM A820/A820M: Specification for Steel Fibers for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
• ASTM C94/C94M: Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
• ASTM C685/C685M: Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
• ASTM C1666/C1666M: Specification for Alkali Resistant Glass Fiber
• ASTM D7357/D7357M: Specification for Cellulose Fibers
• ASTM D7508/D7508M: Specification for Polyolefin Chopped Strands
• ASTM C143/C143M: Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
• ASTM C1609/C1609M: Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Practical Value

ASTM C1116/C1116M-23 provides a robust framework for specifying and accepting fiber-reinforced concrete in a wide range of construction projects. By standardizing FRC types and testing procedures, it supports:

• Reliable performance: Ensures enhanced mechanical and durability properties are consistently achieved.
• Quality assurance: Facilitates rigorous material acceptance based on standardized test criteria.
• Versatile applications: Enables the use of FRC in structural, precast, and shotcrete projects, maximizing design flexibility and service life.

By adhering to this specification, construction professionals can confidently select and specify fiber-reinforced concrete solutions tailored to their project needs, ensuring safety, longevity, and compliance with international standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C1116/C1116M − 23
Standard Specification for
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1116/C1116M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* caustic and may cause chemical burns to skin and tissue upon
prolonged exposure.)
1.1 This specification covers most forms of fiber-reinforced
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
concrete manufactured in accordance with Specification C94/
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
C94M or Specification C685/C685M as modified herein. It
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
does not cover the placement, consolidation, curing, or protec-
tion of the fiber-reinforced concrete after delivery to the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
purchaser. mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 Certain sections of this specification are also applicable
to fiber-reinforced concrete intended for shotcreting by the
2. Referenced Documents
dry-mix or to zero-slump, and fiber-reinforced concrete used to
manufacture precast elements. In these cases, the sections
2.1 ASTM Standards:
dealing with batching plant, mixing equipment, mixing and
A820/A820M Specification for Steel Fibers for Fiber-
delivery, and measurement of workability and air content, are
Reinforced Concrete
not applicable.
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
1.3 This specification does not cover thin-section glass
Specimens in the Field
fiber-reinforced concrete manufactured by the spray-up process
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylin-
that is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee C27.40.
drical Concrete Specimens
C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
gregates
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Con-
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
crete
used independently of the other, and values from the two
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
systems shall not be combined.
Specimens in the Laboratory
1.5 If required results obtained from another standard are
C387/C387M Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined
not reported in the same system of units as used by this
Materials for Concrete and High Strength Mortar
standard, it is permitted to convert those results using the
2 C685/C685M Specification for Concrete Made by Volumet-
conversion factors found in the SI Quick Reference Guide.
ric Batching and Continuous Mixing
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Testing Agency Evaluation
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
C1140/C1140M Practice for Preparing and Testing Speci-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
mens from Shotcrete Test Panels
use.Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are
C1385/C1385M Practice for Sampling Materials for Shot-
crete
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
C09.42 on Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing,
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1116/ For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
C1116M–10a(2015). DOI: 10.1520/C1116_C1116M-23. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Annex A in Form and Style for ASTM Standards, www.astm.org/COMMIT/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Blue_Book.pdf the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1116/C1116M − 23
NOTE 1—The performance of fiber-reinforced concrete depends upon
C1436 Specification Materials for Shotcrete (Withdrawn
the susceptibility of the fibers to physical damage during mixing or
2022)
shotcreting and to chemical damage on exposure to the cement paste
C1550 Test Method for Flexural Toughness of Fiber Rein-
solution, which is highly alkaline and may also contain chlorides, sulfates
forced Concrete (Using Centrally Loaded Round Panel)
or oxygen. Improper methods of fiber addition to a concrete batch can lead
C1579 Test Method for Evaluating Plastic Shrinkage Crack-
to balling of some types of fiber; consult manufacturer for advice on the
correct method of adding fibers before use. The magnitude of improve-
ing of Restrained Fiber Reinforced Concrete (Using a
ments in the mechanical properties of the concrete or shotcrete imparted
Steel Form Insert)
by fibers are affected by the material characteristics, geometry, and design
C1604/C1604M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing
of the fiber type.
Drilled Cores of Shotcrete
4.1.1 Type I Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains
C1609/C1609M Test Method for Flexural Performance of
stainless steel, alloy steel, or carbon steel fibers conforming to
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point
Specification A820/A820M.
Loading)
4.1.2 Type II Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains
C1666/C1666M Specification for Alkali Resistant (AR)
alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibers conforming to Specification
Glass Fiber for GFRC and Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and
C1666/C1666M.
Cement
4.1.3 Type III Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—
D6942 Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in
Contains synthetic fibers for which documentary evidence can
Alkaline Environments
be produced confirming their resistance to deterioration when
D7357/D7357M Specification for Cellulose Fibers for Fiber-
in contact with the moisture and alkalis present in cement paste
Reinforced Concrete
and the substances present in admixtures (see Note 2 and 4.2).
D7508/D7508M Specification for Polyolefin Chopped
If Type III fiber-reinforced concrete contains polyolefin fibers,
Strands for Use in Concrete
6 they shall conform to Specification D7508/D7508M.
2.2 European Standard:
EN 14651 Test Method for metallic fiber concrete – NOTE 2—Fibers such as polyolefins (polypropylene and polyethylene),
nylon, and carbon have been shown to be durable in concrete.
Measuring the flexural tensile strength (limit of propor-
tionality (LOP), residual)
4.1.4 Type IV Natural Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains
natural fibers for which documentary evidence can be produced
3. Terminology
confirming their resistance to deterioration when in contact
3.1 Definitions
with the moisture and alkalis present in cement paste and the
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer substances present in admixtures. If Type IV fiber-reinforced
to Terminology C125.
concrete contains cellulose fibers, they shall conform to Speci-
fication D7357/D7357M.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
NOTE 3—The classification, natural fibers, refers to a population of
3.2.1 manufacturer, n—the producer who supplies the fiber-
fibers that are manufactured from natural fibrous resources and are used
reinforced concrete.
for the first time in concrete. Depending on the initial raw material and the
manufacturing process employed to produce the fiber, the final physical
3.2.2 purchaser, n—the owner, or representative thereof,
and chemical fiber properties in this general classification can vary greatly.
who buys the fiber-reinforced concrete.
Some natural fibers are susceptible to deterioration from exposure to
3.2.3 fiber ball, n—entangled clump of fibers that are alkalis; Test Method D6942 may be used to determine the susceptibility of
these fibers to deterioration as a result of exposure to alkalis in concrete.
intended to be dispersed uniformly.
Conversely, many other natural fiber types are highly resistant to alkalis
3.2.4 fiber supplier, n—the seller who distributes the fiber to
and can remain in concrete with no degradation for the complete product
the market.
life cycle.
3.2.5 flexural toughness—energy absorption of a fiber-
4.2 If the purchaser chooses to permit the use of fibers other
reinforced concrete test specimen in the post-crack range as
than those complying with the classifications in 4.1, the
measured by Test Method C1550 and by Test Method C1609/
manufacturer or fiber supplier shall show evidence satisfactory
C1609M.
to the purchaser that the type of fiber proposed for use shows
resistance to deterioration if in contact with the moisture and
3.2.6 post-crack flexural performance—behavior of test
alkalis present in cement paste and the substances present in
specimen after the fiber-reinforced concrete has cracked as
admixtures.
measured by Test Method C1609/C1609M or EN 14651.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—EN 14651 uses a notched beam with
5. Basis of Purchase
center-point loading for measuring flexural strength and post-
crack performance of fiber-reinforced concrete. 5.1 The basis of purchase for fiber-reinforced concrete shall
be in accordance with the section titled Basis of Purchase in
4. Classification
Specification C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M.
4.1 This specification classifies fiber-reinforced concrete by
6. Ordering Information
the material type of the fiber incorporated.
6.1 In the absence of designated applicable general
specifications, the purchaser shall specify the following:
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
6.1.1 Type of fiber-reinforced concrete required. See Sec-
www.astm.org.
Available from European Standards s.r.o, www.en-standard.eu/store/ tion 4.
C1116/C1116M − 23
concrete suitable for various types of structures and conditions of
6.1.2 Applicable ordering information given in the Section
exposure, and to ACI PRC-544.3 for selecting concrete and fiber
titled Ordering Information in Specification C94/C94M or
parameters suitable for fiber reinforced concrete. For guidance on select-
Specification C685/C685M.
ing proportions for fiber-reinforced shotcrete, the purchaser is referred to
9 10
ACI PRC-506.1 and ACI PRC-506 .
6.2 The purchaser shall specify whether Option A or Option
B shall be used as the basis for determining the mixture
7. Materials
proportions for the fiber-reinforced concrete.
7.1 In the absence of designated applicable specifications
6.2.1 Option A: Manufacturer is Responsible for Mixture
covering requirements for quality of materials, the following
Proportioning—If the purchaser requires the manufacturer to
specifications shall govern:
assume responsibility for the mixture proportioning, the re-
7.1.1 Except for fibers, materials for the manufacture of
quirements under Option A of Specification C94/C94M or
fiber-reinforced concrete shall conform to Specification C94/
Specification C685/C685M shall apply.
C94M, or Specification C685/C685M, and materials for the
6.2.1.1 The purchaser shall specify requirements for post-
manufacturer of fiber-reinforced shotcret shall conform to
crack flexural performance or flexural toughness.
Specification C1436.
(1) Test Method C1609/C1609M or EN 14651 shall be
7.1.2 Fibers—Fibers shall conform to the applicable speci-
used to measure post-crack flexural performance of fiber-
fications given in Section 4.
reinforced concrete.
(2) Test Method C1550 shall be used to measure the
8. Measuring Materials
flexural toughness of fiber-reinforced shotcrete.
8.1 Except as otherwise specifically permitted by the
(3) Post-cracking flexural performance is not specified if
purchaser, cement, supplementary cementitious materials, fine
the fiber reinforcement is used only to mitigate plastic shrink-
and coarse aggregates, mixing water, and admixtures shall be
age cracking.
measured in accordance with the applicable requirements of
6.2.1.2 All samples shall be obtained in accordance with
Specification C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M.
Practice C172/C172M. At the option of the purchaser, com-
8.2 Fibers shall be batched by mass or volume with an
pressive strength determined in accordance with Test Method
accuracy of –3 % and +5 % of the amount required per batch.
C39/C39M shall be specified if the flexural performance
requirements are considered inadequate for ensuring the qual-
8.3 Fibers shall be measured by mass if fiber-reinforced
ity of the matrix of the fiber-reinforced concrete. Tests shall be
concrete is produced in accordance with Specification C94/
performed after standard moist curing in accordance with
C94M. If the fibers are to be measured by mass, bags, boxes,
Practice C31/C31M at 28 days, or other age specified
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1116/C1116M − 10a (Reapproved 2015) C1116/C1116M − 23
Standard Specification for
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1116/C1116M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers allmost forms of fiber-reinforced concrete that are delivered to a purchaser with the ingredients-
manufactured in accordance with Specification C94/C94M uniformly mixed, andor Specification C685/C685M that can be
sampled and tested at the point of delivery. as modified herein. It does not cover the placement, consolidation, curing, or protection
of the fiber-reinforced concrete after delivery to the purchaser.
1.2 Certain sections of this specification are also applicable to fiber-reinforced concrete intended for shotcreting by the dry-mix
process when sampling and testing of concrete is possible only at the point of placement. In this case,or to zero-slump, and
fiber-reinforced concrete used to manufacture precast elements. In these cases, the sections dealing with batching plant, mixing
equipment, mixing and delivery, and measurement of workability and air content, are not applicable.
1.3 This specification does not cover thin-section glass fiber-reinforced concrete manufactured by the spray-up process that is
under the jurisdiction of ASTM Subcommittee C27.40.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not beare not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
used independently of the other. Combiningother, and values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
standard.shall not be combined.
1.5 If required results obtained from another standard are not reported in the same system of units as used by this standard, it is
permitted to convert those results using the conversion factors found in the SI Quick Reference Guide.
1.6 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test method portion, Sections 15 and 18, of this specification:This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.Warning—Fresh hydraulic cementitious mixtures are caustic and may cause
chemical burns to skin and tissue upon prolonged exposure.)
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C09.42 on
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.
Current edition approved April 1, 2015Aug. 1, 2023. Published May 2015August 2023. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
C1116/C1116MC1116/C1116M–10a(2015).–10a. DOI: 10.1520/C1116_C1116M-10AR15.10.1520/C1116_C1116M-23.
Annex A in Form and Style for ASTM Standards, www.astm.org/COMMIT/Blue_Book.pdf
Section on Safety Precautions, Manual of Aggregate and Concrete Testing, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 04.02
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1116/C1116M − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A820/A820M Specification for Steel Fibers for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
C31/C31M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Field
C39/C39M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens
C42/C42M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
C94/C94M Specification for Ready-Mixed Concrete
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
C138/C138M Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
C143/C143M Test Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement Concrete
C150 Specification for Portland Cement
C172C172/C172M Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Concrete
C173/C173M Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Volumetric Method
C192/C192M Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory
C231 Test Method for Air Content of Freshly Mixed Concrete by the Pressure Method
C387C387/C387M Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined Materials for Concrete and High Strength Mortar
C567 Test Method for Determining Density of Structural Lightweight Concrete
C666/C666M Test Method for Resistance of Concrete to Rapid Freezing and Thawing
C684 Test Method for Making, Accelerated Curing, and Testing Concrete Compression Test Specimens (Withdrawn 2012)
C685/C685M Specification for Concrete Made by Volumetric Batching and Continuous Mixing
C1077 Practice for Agencies Testing Concrete and Concrete Aggregates for Use in Construction and Criteria for Testing Agency
Evaluation
C1140C1140/C1140M Practice for Preparing and Testing Specimens from Shotcrete Test Panels
C1385/C1385M Practice for Sampling Materials for Shotcrete
C1399 Test Method for Obtaining Average Residual-Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
C1436 Specification Materials for Shotcrete (Withdrawn 2022)
C1480 Specification for Packaged, Pre-Blended, Dry, Combined Materials for Use in Wet or Dry Shotcrete Application
C1550 Test Method for Flexural Toughness of Fiber Reinforced Concrete (Using Centrally Loaded Round Panel)
C1602/C1602MC1579 Specification for Mixing Water Used in the Production of Hydraulic Cement ConcreteTest Method for
Evaluating Plastic Shrinkage Cracking of Restrained Fiber Reinforced Concrete (Using a Steel Form Insert)
C1604/C1604M Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores of Shotcrete
C1609/C1609M Test Method for Flexural Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (Using Beam With Third-Point Loading)
C1666/C1666M Specification for Alkali Resistant (AR) Glass Fiber for GFRC and Fiber-Reinforced Concrete and Cement
D6942 Test Method for Stability of Cellulose Fibers in Alkaline Environments
D7357D7357/D7357M Specification for Cellulose Fibers for Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
D7508/D7508M Specification for Polyolefin Chopped Strands for Use in Concrete
2.2 ACI Standards and Reports:European Standard:
211.1EN 14651 Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Normal, Heavyweight, and Mass ConcreteTest Method for
metallic fiber concrete – Measuring the flexural tensile strength (limit of proportionality (LOP), residual)
211.2 Standard Practice for Selecting Proportions for Structural Lightweight Concrete
506.2 Specification for Materials, Proportioning and Application of Shotcrete
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer to Terminology C125.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 manufacturer, n—the producer who furnishessupplies the fiber-reinforced concrete.
3.2.2 purchaser, n—the owner, or representative thereof, who buys the fiber-reinforced concrete.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from European Standards s.r.o, www.en-standard.eu/store/
C1116/C1116M − 23
3.2.3 fiber ball, n—entangled clump of fibers that are intended to be dispersed uniformly.
3.2.4 fiber supplier, n—the seller who distributes the fiber to the market.
3.2.5 flexural toughness—energy absorption of a fiber-reinforced concrete test specimen in the post-crack range as measured by
Test Method C1550 and by Test Method C1609/C1609M.
3.2.6 post-crack flexural performance—behavior of test specimen after the fiber-reinforced concrete has cracked as measured by
Test Method C1609/C1609M or EN 14651.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
EN 14651 uses a notched beam with center-point loading for measuring flexural strength and post-crack performance of
fiber-reinforced concrete.
4. Classification
4.1 This specification classifies fiber-reinforced concrete by the material type of the fiber incorporated.
NOTE 1—The performance of fiber-reinforced concrete depends upon the susceptibility of the fibers to physical damage during mixing or shotcreting and
to chemical damage on exposure to the cement paste solution, which is highly alkaline and may also contain carbon dioxide, chlorides, sulfates or oxygen.
Improper methods of fiber addition to a concrete mixbatch can lead to balling of some types of fiber; consult manufacturer for advice as toon the correct
method of adding fibers before use. The magnitude of improvements in the mechanical properties of the concrete or shotcrete imparted by fibers can also
reflectare affected by the material characteristics, geometry, and design of the fiber type.
4.1.1 Type I Steel Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains stainless steel, alloy steel, or carbon steel fibers conforming to
Specification A820/A820M.
4.1.2 Type II Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains alkali-resistant (AR) glass fibers conforming to Specification
C1666/C1666M.
4.1.3 Type III Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains synthetic fibers for which documentary evidence can be produced
confirming their resistance to deterioration when in contact with the moisture and alkalis present in cement paste and the substances
present in admixtures throughout the anticipated useful life of the structure (see Note 2 and 4.2). WhenIf Type III fiber-reinforced
concrete contains polyolefin fibers, they shall conform to Specification D7508/D7508M.
NOTE 2—Fibers such as polyolefins (polypropylene and polyethylene), nylon, and carbon have been shown to be durable in concrete.
4.1.4 Type IV Natural Fiber-Reinforced Concrete—Contains natural fibers for which documentary evidence can be produced
confirming their resistance to deterioration when in contact with the moisture and alkalis present in cement paste and the substances
present in admixtures throughout the anticipated useful life of the structure. When admixtures. If Type IV fiber-reinforced concrete
contains cellulose fibers, they shall conform to Specification D7357D7357/D7357M.
NOTE 3—The classification, natural fibers, refers to a population of fibers that are manufactured from natural fibrous resources and are used for the first
time in concrete. Depending on the initial raw material and the manufacturing process employed to produce the fiber, the final physical and chemical fiber
properties in this general classification can vary greatly. Some natural fibers are susceptible to deterioration from exposure to alkalis; Test Method D6942
may be used to determine the susceptibility of these fibers to deterioration as a result of exposure to alkalis in concrete. Conversely, many other natural
fiber types are highly resistant to alkalis and can remain in concrete with no degradation for the complete product life cycle.
4.2 WhenIf the purchaser chooses to permit the use of fibers other than those complying with the classifications in 4.1, the
manufacturer or fiber supplier shall show evidence satisfactory to the purchaser that the type of fiber proposed for use shows
resistance to deterioration whenif in contact with the moisture and alkalis present in cement paste and the substances present in
admixtures throughout the anticipated useful life of the structure.admixtures.
5. Basis of Purchase
5.1 The basis of purchase for fiber-reinforced concrete shall be in accordance with the section titled Basis of Purchase Sections
of in Specification C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M.
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6. Ordering Information
6.1 In the absence of designated applicable general specifications, the purchaser shall specify the following:
6.1.1 Type of fiber-reinforced concrete required. See Section 4.
6.1.2 Type of cement at the purchaser’s option, otherwise the cement shall be Type 1 meeting the requirements of Specification
C150;
6.1.3 Designated size, or sizes, of coarse aggregates;
6.1.4 Slump required at the point of delivery, or when appropriate the point of placement, subject to the tolerances hereinafter
specified;
6.1.5 Air content when air-entrainment is required, based on the air content of samples taken at the point of discharge, or when
appropriate the point of placement, subject to the tolerances hereinafter specified;
NOTE 4—In selecting the specified air content, the purchaser should consider the exposure conditions to which the concrete will be subjected. Air contents
less than shown in Table 1 may not produce adequate durability. Air contents higher than the levels shown may reduce strength without contributing
further to freeze-thaw resistance.
6.1.6 When structural lightweight concrete is specified, the purchaser shall specify the density as freshly mixed density,
equilibrium density, or oven-dry density.
NOTE 5—The freshly mixed density of lightweight concrete, that is the only density determinable at the time of delivery, is always higher than the
equilibrium density or oven-dry density. Definitions of, and methods for determining or calculating freshly mixed, equilibrium, and oven-dry densities
of lightweight concrete are covered in Test Methods C138/C138M and C567.
6.1.2 If desired, any of the optional requirementsApplicable ordering information given in the Section titled of Table 2Ordering
Information ofin Specification C1602/C1602MC94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M.
6.1.8 One of the following Options A, B, or C, shall be used as the basis for determining the proportions of the fiber-reinforced
concrete of the quality required.
6.2 Option A:
6.2.1 When the purchaser assumes responsibility for mixture proportioning, the following parameters shall also be specified by
the purchaser:
6.2.1.1 The cement content in kilograms per cubic metre [pounds per cubic yard],
6.2.1.2 If supplementary cementitious materials are required, the type, and amounts to be used in kilograms per cubic metre
[pounds per cubic yard], or in percentages by mass of cement,
6.2.1.3 The maximum allowable amount of mixing water in litres per cubic metre [gallons per cubic yard], including surface
moisture on the aggregates, but excluding water absorbed by the aggregate,
6.2.1.4 If air-entraining admixtures are required, the type, name, and dosage range to be used to achieve the specified air content,
(see 6.1.4),
6.2.1.5 If chemical admixtures are required, the type, name, and dosage range to be used, and:
6.2.1.6 The type of fibers to be used and the amount in kilograms per cubic metre [pounds per cubic yard], (see Classification
Section 4).
NOTE 6—The dosage of air-entraining, water-reducing (including high-range), accelerating, and retarding admixtures needed to satisfy the material
performance requirements varies. Therefore, dosage ranges should be specified to ensure that the material performance requirements can be met.
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NOTE 7—The purchaser, in selecting requirements for which he assumes responsibility should give consideration to requirements for workability,
placeability, durability, surface texture, and density. The purchaser is referred to ACI Practices 211.1 and 211.2 for selecting proportions that will result
in concrete suitable for various types of structures and conditions of exposure, and to ACI Report 544.3R for selecting concrete and fiber parameters
suitable for fiber-reinforced concrete. For guidance on selecting proportions for fiber-reinforced shotcrete, the purchaser is referred to ACI Reports
6 7
506.1R and 506.R and ACI Specification 506.2.
6.2.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual delivery of concrete, furnish a statement to the
purchaser giving the sources, relative densities, sieve analyses, and saturated surface-dry masses of fine and coarse aggregates, and
the amount of mixing water per cubic metre [per cubic yard] that will be used in the manufacture of each class of concrete ordered
by the purchaser.
6.2 Option B: The purchaser shall specify whether Option A or Option B shall be used as the basis for determining the mixture
proportions for the fiber-reinforced concrete.
6.2.1 Option A: Manufacturer is Responsible for Mixture Proportioning—WhenIf the purchaser requires the manufacturer to
assume full responsibility for mixture proportioning (see the mixture proportioning, Note 7), the purchaser shall also specify the
following:the requirements under Option A of Specification C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M shall apply.
6.2.1.1 The purchaser shall specify requirements for post-crack flexural performance or flexural toughness.
(1) Test Method C1609/C1609M or EN 14651 shall be used to measure post-crack flexural performance of fiber-reinforced
concrete.
(2) Test Method C1550 shall be used to measure the flexural toughness of fiber-reinforced shotcrete.
(3) Post-cracking flexural performance is not specified if the fiber reinforcement is used only to mitigate plastic shrinkage
cracking.
6.2.1.2 Requirements for flexural performance determinedAll samples shall be obtained in accordance with one of the following:
Test Method Practice C1399C172/C172M,. C1550 or C1609/C1609M, using samples obtained at the point of discharge, or when
appropriate at the point of placement. At the option of the purchaser, compressive strength (Test determined in accordance with
Test Method C39/C39M) shall be specified whenif the flexural performance requirements are considered inadequate for ensuring
the quality of the matrix of the fiber-reinforced concrete. Unless accelerated curing and testing in accordance with the warm water
or boiling water procedures of Test Method Tests C684 is specified, tests shall be performed after standard moist curing in
accordance with PracticesPractice C31/C31M at 28 days, or such other ages as are other age specified by the purchaser.
NOTE 4—While flexural strength at first peak is affected by the type and amount of fibers, it is more dependent on the characteristics of the mortar or
concrete matrix, somatrix. So, it is recommended that the purchaser, whenif specifying flexural strength at first peak, consider factors known to influence
the strength of normalordinary concrete such as, water-cement ratio, aggregate maximum size, maximum size of aggregate, and the presence of chemical
admixtures or supplementary cementitious materials.
NOTE 5—To control fiber alignment in preparing test specimens, it is essential to follow the consolidation procedures in the applicable test methods. The
standard specimen consolidation procedures found in Practice C31/C31M and Practice C192/C192M, including rodding and filling the mold in layers,
can lead to increased variability and bias of test results with fiber-reinforced concrete.
NOTE 6—Test Method C1579 can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of fibers in controlling plastic shrinkage cracking.
6.2.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual delivery of concrete, furnish a statement to the
purchaser giving the sources, relative densities, sieve analyses, and saturated surface-dry masses of fine and coarse aggregates, the
dry masses of cement and supplementary cementitious materials, the type, dimensions, and weight of fibers, the quantities, types
and names of chemical and air-entraining admixtures (if any), and the amount of mixing water per cubic metre [per cubic yard]
that will be used in the manufacture of each class of concrete ordered by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall also furnish
evidence satisfactory to the purchaser that the materials to be used and the proportions selected will produce fiber-reinforced
concrete of the quality specified. Option B:Purchaser is Responsible for Mixture Proportioning:
6.2.2.1 If the purchaser assumes responsibility for mixture proportioning, the requirements under Option B of Specification
C94/C94M or Specification C685/C685M shall apply.
6.2.2.2 The purchaser shall specify the fiber type in accordance with Section 4 and the amount of fibers per unit volume of
fiber-reinforced concrete.
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NOTE 7—The purchaser, in selecting requirements for which he assumes responsibility should consider requirements for workability, placeability,
durability, surface texture, and density. The purchaser is referred to ACI PRC-211.1 for selecting proportions that will result in concrete suitable for
various types of structures and conditions of exposure, and to ACI PRC-544.3 for selecting concrete and fiber parameters suitable for fiber reinforced
9 10
concrete. For guidance on selecting proportions for fiber-reinforced shotcrete, the purchaser is referred to ACI PRC-506.1 and ACI PRC-506 .
6.4 Option C:
6.4.1 When the purchaser requires the manufacturer to assume responsibility for mixture proportioning with the minimum
allowable cement content specified (see Note 7), the purchaser shall also specify the following:
6.4.1.1 Requirements for flexural performance determined in accordance with one of the following: Test Method C1399, C1550,
or C1609/C1609M, using samples obtained at the point of discharge, or when appropriate the point of placement. At the option
of the purchaser, compressive strength (Test Method C39/C39M) shall be specified when the flexural requirements are considered
inadequate for ensuring the quality of the matrix of the fiber-reinforced concrete. Unless accelerated curing and testing in
accordance with the warm water or boiling water procedures of Test Method C684 is specified, tests shall be performed after
standard moist curing in accordance with Practices C31/C31M at 28 days, or such other ages as are specified by the purchaser (see
Note 8).
6.4.1.2 Minimum cement content in kilograms per cubic metre [pounds per cubic yard].
6.4.1.3 If admixtures are required, the type, name, and dosage to be used. The cement content shall not be reduced when
admixtures are used.
NOTE 9—Option C can be distinctive and useful only if the designated minimum cement content is at about the same level that would ordinarily be
required for the mechanical properties, aggregate size, and workability specified. It must be an amount that will be sufficient to ensure durability under
expected service conditions, as well as satisfactory surface texture and density. For additional information refer to ACI Practices 211.1 and 211.2.
6.4.2 At the request of the purchaser, the manufacturer shall, prior to the actual delivery of the concrete, furnish a statement to
the purchaser giving the sources, relative densities, sieve analyses and saturated surface-dry masses of fine and coarse aggregates,
the dry masses of cement and supplementary cementitious materials, the type, dimensions, and weight of fibers, the quantities,
types and names of chemical and air-entraining admixtures (if any), and the amount of mixing water per cubic metre [per cubic
yard] that will be used in the manufacture of each class of concrete ordered by the purchaser. The manufacturer shall also furnish
evidence satisfactory to the purchaser that the materials to be used and the proportions selected will produce fiber-reinforced
concrete of the quality specified.
6.5 The proportions arrived at by Options A, B, or C for each class of fiber-reinforced concrete approved for use in a project shall
be assigned a designation to facilitate identification of e
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