**Properties and Effects of Plastic Fibers in Concrete**

Using these fibers can enhance multiple properties of concrete, including: – **Reduction of Shrinkage Cracks:** During the early stages of concrete hardening, cracks form due to water evaporation or shrinkage. Macro-synthetic fibers, with their three-dimensional structure, prevent the development of these cracks. – **Increased Ductility:** Fiber-reinforced concrete performs better under tensile or bending forces and is less prone to sudden failure. – **Improved Impact Resistance:** In structures exposed to impact or vibration, these fibers help absorb energy and improve concrete stability. – **Reduced Need for Thermal Reinforcement:** In many slabs and floors, the use of these fibers can replace a significant portion of thermal steel reinforcement. — **Applications of Plastic Fibers in Concrete** Plastic fibers in concrete are used in a wide range of construction and civil engineering projects: – **Industrial Flooring:** Commonly used in warehouse and parking lot floors that require high load and impact resistance. – **Tunnel Construction and Underground Structures:** Perform well in humid and harsh underground environments. – **Road Construction Projects:** Reduce longitudinal cracks and increase durability in concrete road layers. – **Precast Structures:** Used in panels, beams, walls, and other precast elements to boost mechanical strength. — **Safety and Handling of Plastic Fibers in Concrete** Although generally safe, the following precautions are recommended: – When unloading or mixing fibers, fine particles may become airborne; therefore, wearing a mask is advisable. – Use gloves when opening the packaging to avoid direct skin contact. – Store fibers in a dry location away from direct sunlight and humidity to maintain their properties. – Avoid mixing directly with dry concrete; instead, add the fibers during the wet mix stage. — **Dosage of Plastic Fibers in Concrete** The required dosage depends on the project type, expected performance, concrete thickness, and fiber type. Typically, consumption ranges from **3 to 9 kg per cubic meter of concrete**. – For general uses such as industrial flooring: **5–7 kg/m³**. – For specialized applications like tunnel construction or heavy-load structures: up to **9 kg/m³** or more. Note: Excessive use without technical assessment can reduce concrete workability and complicate pumping. Always consult technical experts and follow project specifications. — **Storage and Shelf Life of Plastic Fibers in Concrete** – **Shelf life:** 1 year in original packaging – **Storage conditions:** In a sealed container, away from freezing and direct sunlight – **Optimal storage temperature:** +10°C to +30°C — **Why Choosing Macro-Synthetic Fibers Is a Smart Move** Using plastic fibers in concrete is not only a cost-effective way to reduce cracks and enhance durability but also an environmentally friendly solution. Since they are corrosion-resistant and require less maintenance compared to steel reinforcement, they extend the service life of structures. In projects aiming to speed up execution and reduce labor needs, replacing part of the rebar with these fibers increases construction speed. With proper selection and correct application, highly satisfactory results in concrete performance can be achieved.