Clear and reliable standards are essential for the effective and safe use of fibre-reinforced concrete. From fibre classification and mechanical property testing to structural design principles, this MC-Pedia article offers a structured overview of the key norms and guidelines – in Germany and internationally.
The design and application of fibre-reinforced concrete require both a standards-compliant classification of the fibres used and the testing of relevant mechanical properties. Structural design is typically based on the internationally recognised fib Model Code 2010. In Germany, additional national guidelines such as the DAfStb Code of Practice for Steel Fibre Concrete apply. These not only supplement the Model Code but also ensure compliance with building authority requirements. The following overview summarises the most important standards and their fields of application.
Fibre classification
| Standard | Title / Content | Application |
| EN 14889-1 | Fibres for concrete – Part 1: Steel fibres – Definitions, specifications, conformity | Classification of steel fibres for load-bearing and non-load-bearing use |
| EN 14889-2 | Fibres for concrete – Part 2: Polymer fibres – Definitions, specifications, conformity | Classification of polymer fibres, with distinction between Class I and II |
Testing mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced concrete
| Standard | Title / Content | Application |
| EN 14651 | Testing of fibre-reinforcedconcrete – Determination of flexural tensile strength using notched specimen | Measures residual flexural tensile strength for verification of structural performance |
| EN 14488-5 | Test methods for sprayed concrete – Part 5: Energy absorption capacity under bending load | Characterises post-crack energy absorption |
| EN 12390-3/-6/-7/-16 | Testing of hardened concrete (compressive strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, shrinkage) | Additional material properties for design and comparison with reference concrete |
Structural design of fibre-reinforced concrete
| Standard / Guideline | Content / Purpose | Application Area |
| fib Model Code 2010 | International design approach for steel and fibre-reinforced concrete, including ULS and SLS | Basis for design-based application of fibre-reinforced components |
| DAfStb Guideline "Steel fibre concrete" (2010) | German supplementary standard for design, execution and testing of steel fibre concrete | Applies to load-bearing components made of steel fibre concrete in Germany |
| EN 1992-1-1 / Eurocode 2 | General design and construction of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures | No direct regulation for fibre-reinforced concrete – can be combined with the Model Code |
| ZTV-ING / RIL 853 (DB) | Additional technical specifications in civil and railway engineering in Germany | Use of fibre-reinforced concrete e.g. for shotcrete in tunnel or infill |
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