What is fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC)?

• A. Concrete containing fibrous materials that increases its structural integrity, ductility, and toughness.
• B. Concrete containing decorative pigments only.
• C. Concrete reinforced with plastic sheeting.
• D. Concrete with metallic mesh only.

Answer: (A)

Fiber-reinforced concrete is concrete that has fibrous materials mixed into it, dispersed throughout the matrix. Those fibers bridge cracks and carry load across them, which boosts structural integrity, ductility, and toughness. The fibers—often steel, glass, or synthetic types—help arrest crack growth and improve post-crack strength and energy absorption, leading to better durability under load and impact. This isn’t about color or decoration, so decorative pigments don’t apply; it isn’t about plastic sheeting, which isn’t a reinforcing fiber; and while metallic mesh is a form of reinforcement, FRC uses distributed fibers to provide reinforcement throughout the entire material rather than a separate mesh network.