The work of Aoude, Cook, and Mitchell (2009) reports a studying which "a series of 13 full-scale axial compression tests was conducted on reinforced concrete (RC) and steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) columns." (p.1) Results of the study are stated to indicate that "the addition of steel fibers can partially substitute for the confinement reinforcement in columns, thereby improving constructability while achieving significant confinement." (p.1) The work of Klemens (2004) entitled: "New Fibers Add Flexibility: Precast Concrete is an Ideal Use for the Product" states that the idea for steel fiber reinforcement for concrete emerged through research at the University of Michigan more than a decade ago. The resulting product, which greatly increases the effectiveness of steel fibers, is just now becoming commercially available." (p.1) It is related in this study that a screw type shape is used to reinforce the steel and that this serves to increase the bonding strength of the concrete." (Klemens, 2004, p.1) Klemens additionally states that this steel additive was originally developed for the purpose of enabling concrete to "...behave more like steel in blast- and earthquake-resistant structures, these steel fibers are likely to be added in concrete where added strength, flexibility, and fewer cracks are desired. And because less material is required and the fibers are small and flexible, the have good mixability and do not form clumps. They also lie flat in the finished concrete and finish as smooth as untreated concrete." (Klemens, 2004, p.1)

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There is presently a critical need for development and use of a concrete pavement product...

Therefore, it is recommended that a study be conducted investigating these factors as well as those stated in the foregoing research questions.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Vilkner, G., Meyer, C. And Shimanovich, S. (Date Unknown) Properties of Glass Concrete Containing Recycled Carpet Fibers. VILKNER, Glass Concrete with Carpet Fibers. Civil Engineering Columbia University. Online available at: http://www.civil.columbia.edu/meyer/publications/publications/84%20GLASS%20CONCRETE%20CONTAINING%20RECYCLED%20CARPET%20FIBERS.pdf

Aoude, Hassan, Cook, William D, Mitchell, Denis (2009) Behavior of Columns Constructed with Fibers and Self-Consolidating Concrete. ACI Structural Journal 1 May 2009. Online available at: http://www.allbusiness.com/science-technology/materials-science-technology/12325335-1.html

Klemens, Tom (2004) New Fibers Add Flexibility: Precast Concrete is an Ideal Use for the Product. The Concrete Producer. 1 April 2004. Online available at: http://www.allbusiness.com/manufacturing/nonmetallic-mineral-product-manufacturing/772172-1.html

Hwai-Chung Wu, Yun Mook Lim and V.C. Li (2004) Application of Recycled Tyre Cord in Concrete for Shrinkage Crack Control. Journal of Materials Science Letters. 22 Oct 2004. Vol. 15. No. 20 reprint of 1996 journal article. Online available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/m0173h022117q500/