I would like to add fibers to a shotcrete mixture. Many research articles discuss steel fibers and sometimes synthetic. I’d like to consider glass or synthetic fibers because the exterior wall will be visible and I don’t want to see the corroding steel fibers toward the surface of the concrete. What are the pros/cons of glass fibers versus steel fibers and how much should I add to the mixture design to achieve a product that can be submerged in water and experience as few cracks as possible? Is there reference material for these questions?

GeneralQ I would like to add fibers to a shotcrete mixture. Many research articles discuss steel fibers and sometimes synthetic. I’d like to consider glass or synthetic fibers because the exterior wall will be visible and I don’t want to see the corroding steel fibers toward the surface of the concrete. What are the pros/cons of glass fibers versus steel fibers and how much should I add to the mixture design to achieve a product that can be submerged in water and experience as few cracks as possible? Is there reference material for these questions?
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Refer to ACI 506.1R-08, “Guide to Fiber-Reinforced Shotcrete,” at www.concrete.org for guidance on fiber types and dosages. Glass fibers are seldom (if ever) used in shotcrete because they tend to break under the high velocity required for shotcrete. Steel or macrosynthetic fibers should be used at about 0.4 to 0.5 volume percent to control hardened shotcrete cracking, 50 to 66 lb/yd3 (30 to 39 kg/m3) for steel (specific gravity (SG) of 7.85), and 6 to 7.5 lb/yd3 (3.6 to 4.5 kg/m3) for macrosynthetic polypropylene (SG of 0.91). Fiber suppliers can provide more technical guidance for their products. You can locate fiber suppliers by visiting the ASA Online Buyers Guide at www.shotcreteweb.wpengine.com/pages/products-services-information/buyers-guide/.