DURABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE UNDER AGGRESSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) has emerged as a promising composite material for enhancing structural performance in aggressive environmental conditions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the durability characteristics of SFRC exposed to chloride, sulfate, acid, and freeze-thaw attack. Comprehensive analysis of laboratory testing methodologies reveals that SFRC exhibits superior durability performance compared to plain concrete through enhanced chloride resistance, improved freeze-thaw cycling durability, and better performance under combined environmental exposures. The review identifies critical factors influencing durability including fiber dosage, fiber type, concrete matrix properties, supplementary cementitious materials, and environmental parameters. Results from 42 peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that well-designed SFRC can extend service life by up to seven-fold in marine environments. However, synergistic interactions between multiple aggressive mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized, particularly regarding coupled sulfate-freeze-thaw and chloride-sulfate attack. Strategic recommendations for advancing SFRC durability design include optimization of nano-reinforcement integration, development of predictive service life models, and enhanced understanding of fiber-matrix interface behavior under combined environmental stresses. This review establishes the foundation for evidence-based design practices and identifies critical research gaps in sustainable SFRC development for infrastructure applications in extreme environments.