Abstract: A composite material used to form a concrete structure that includes a concrete matrix formed of a mixture of aggregates and a paste and a mixture of twisted steel micro-reinforcements (TSMRs) dispersed within the concrete matrix. The TSMRs have a variable twist pitch; wherein the twist pitch of a portion of the TSMRs is in the range of 6 to 20 twists per 25.4 mm (1 inch) applied along its longitudinal axis. The TSMRs are made from a common base stock and have the number of twists predetermined, such that the concrete structure exhibits at least 10% greater performance in one or more of a stress, deflection, energy, or crack mouth opening (CMOD) properties as determined through one or more defined standard tests than a similar concrete structure formed with the same amount by weight of steel fibers having one or two bends.

Abstract: A concrete structure formed of a mixture of concrete and a plurality of custom manufactured twisted steel micro-reinforcements (TSMRs). Each TSMR has a twist pitch of two or more twists per 25.4 mm applied along its longitudinal axis. The TSMRs are made from a common base stock and have the number of twists predetermined such that a concrete structure formed with at least 10 wt. % per unit volume less TSMRs than fibers in a conventional concrete structure exhibits the same or better performance than the conventional concrete structure in one or more of a stress, deflection, energy, or crack mouth opening (CMOD) properties as determined through defined standard tests. The performance requirement may be based on the actual test result and/or the consistency (coefficient of variation of the result).

Abstract: A process for forming a concrete structure that exhibits an increased modulus of rupture (MOR) and/or enhanced consistency of the associated coefficient of variation (COV) without increasing the cement content or decreasing the water to cement ratio in the cement mixture. The process provides a cost effective means of improving flextural tensile strength of the concrete structure.

Abstract: A concrete structure formed of a mixture of concrete and a plurality of custom manufactured twisted steel micro-rein-forcements (TSMRs). Each TSMR has a twist pitch of two or more twists per 25.4 mm applied along its longitudinal axis. The TSMRs are made from a common base stock and have the number of twists predetermined such that a concrete structure formed with at least 10 wt. % per unit volume less TSMRs than fibers in a conventional concrete structure exhibits the same or better performance than the conventional concrete structure in one or more of a stress, deflection, energy, or crack mouth opening (CMOD) properties as determined through defined standard tests. The performance requirement may be based on the actual test result and/or the consistency (coefficient of variation of the result).

Abstract: A cladding system for use on the external surface of a building structure that includes a continuous rail system to attach a cladding panel that interlocks with itself. The rail system includes a tongue and groove system to attach the cladding system to the building thereby avoiding the need to use discrete anchors. The cladding panel is formed of a high strength concrete matrix and, optionally, a plurality of twisted steel micro reinforcements (TSMR) dispersed therein.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber (100) that includes continuously receiving a round wire (10), forming the round wire into a fiber having to have a cross-sectional shape defining a truncated circle having an aspect ratio of between 1.53 and 1.88, and simultaneously pulling and twisting the fiber a threshold number of twists per inch while retaining the aspect ratio of the fiber.

Abstract: A method for designing and manufacturing micro reinforced concrete that produces a composite material that shares physical properties with both the reinforcing material and the concrete. Micro reinforced concrete is a two-part system that made of micro reinforcements, which are twisted steel fibers, and a concrete matrix. The micro reinforcements are added at a specified dose to an ordinary concrete matrix to create the micro reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A method for designing and manufacturing micro reinforced concrete that produces a composite material that shares physical properties with both the reinforcing material and the concrete. Micro reinforced concrete is a two-part system that made of micro reinforcements, which are twisted steel fibers, and a concrete matrix. The micro reinforcements are added at a specified dose to an ordinary concrete matrix to create the micro reinforced concrete.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber (100) that includes continuously receiving a round wire (10), forming the round wire into a fiber having to have a cross-sectional shape defining a truncated circle having an aspect ratio of between 1.53 and 1.88, and simultaneously pulling and twisting the fiber a threshold number of twists per inch while retaining the aspect ratio of the fiber.