Structural design according to fib MC 2010: Comparison between RC and FRC elements

After several decades of research work and some years of pioneer applications, fibrereinforced concrete (FRC) is nowadays a material ready for the world community, also considering that design rules are already available in several countries and the fib Model Code 2010 includes specific sections for design of FRC elements. FRC can be a suitable solution, especially for statically indeterminate structures, where stress redistribution occurs. In addition to the structural bearing capacity, FRC is particularly useful for better controlling crack opening in service conditions, which has a particular influence on structural durability, especially in aggressive environments. Furthermore, structural robustness is nowadays a major concern among structural engineers. Also in this perspective, FRC could improve structural behaviour since it provides structural resistance both in compression and in tension in all the regions of the structural element. In the present paper, the design procedure is applied to some structural elements where FRC may represent a suitable material for structural behaviour. Beside structural strength, crack opening in service conditions is determined and comparison in terms of total amount of reinforcement (fibres + rebars) is presented.