The effectiveness of using fibre-reinforced concrete in underground construction: experience and prospects

Introduction. The article discusses the current state of the possibilities to improve the efficiency of construction processes by using fibre-reinforced concrete in the construction of transport and utility tunnels, as well as other critical building structures. The authors present foreign experience with widespread use of fibre-reinforced concrete in transport construction, as well as few such cases for domestic practice. The inconsistency of domestic experience with the modern state of art has been noted. The main blockers in the development of the issue are under consideration, the theoretical approach and practical application are presented. Materials and methods. The principal aspects of the current approach to the quality indicators of fibre-reinforced concrete and the classification principles of fibre-reinforced concrete based on quality criteria, which are the basis for the normalization of material characteristics, are described. The continuity of domestic and European regulatory documents is shown. Results. Illustrated examples of the possibilities of an optimization approach to the selection of structural solutions in the design of transport construction facilities used in international practice are described. Conclusion. The argumentation in favor of technology development is shown. This opens up possibilities for significant cost reduction justified by a scientific approach. In conclusion, the authors provide recommendations on the general application of the promising material in the domestic practice.