Effect of Fibres on the Properties of Concrete.

Concrete is inherently brittle with low tensile strain capacity, leading to microcracking and sudden cataclysmic failure under overload.Fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) mitigates these structural shortcomings through the introduction of discrete micro-and macro-fibres into the cementitious matrix.This paper presents a detailed critical review of ten representative case studies covering steel, polypropylene, synthetic, natural, bio-derived, and hybrid fibre systems.The synthesis demonstrates that while compressive strength exhibits variable or negligible gains depending on packing density and air entrainment, tensile strength, flexural toughness, postcracking residual capacity, and impact energy absorption are dramatically improved via crack-bridging and pull-out mechanisms.Key operational challenges including workability reduction, fibre balling, hydrophobic interface limitations, and matrix degradation are thoroughly evaluated alongside standardized testing protocols and durability implications.