The assessment of a fibre reinforced industrial ground slab

Abstract

A fibre reinforced industrial ground slab was investigated ten years after completion. This was done to point out shortcomings, if any, and to give recommendations for an extension to be built in the coming year. The investigation included a visual analysis, a study of tenders and bids and a comparison with related standards. It was found that the slab performs well, how it has failed under certain serviceability criteria. It was noted that a substantial amount of shrinkage took place and that the slab could not efficiently deal with the resulting induced stresses. The reasons for this were identified as, contractual compromises, inadequate planning and execution of procedures, especially with regards to jointing and isolation, a mediocre mix design, a questionable fibre dosage and poor quality control.