Reinforcing More Than 450 Road, Rail and Utility Tunnels
Our fibres reinforce sprayed, cast and precast tunnel linings.
Build Smarter, Faster and More Sustainable Tunnels with BarChip Fibre.
BarChip macro synthetic fibre is used to reinforce shotcrete and concrete tunnel linings, replacing labour intensive and carbon heavy steel alternatives. BarChip fibres deliver unmatched strength, durability and sustainability for all tunnelling applications.
BarChip fibres adapt seamlessly to any ground condition, mix design or project process. Whatever your challenges with fibres for tunnels, our expert team has the answers you need.
Fibre Reinforced Precast Segmental Linings
BarChip simplifies the manufacturing process for precast workers by reducing or eliminating the need to form and install steel cage reinforcement. Our fibres have been used as a fibre only solution or as a composite with steel or GFRP reinforcement.
Shotcrete Tunnel Linings
BarChip fibre eliminates the risk of corrosion in temporary and permanent shotcrete tunnel linings. Furthermore, BarChip eliminates the need to install steel mesh reinforcement, a labour intensive process that can consume up to 30% of the excavation cycle time and also requires workers to operate under unreinforced ground.
Cast In-Situ Linings
BarChip macro synthetic fibres are used in cast in-situ tunnel linings, either as the sole reinforcement or in combination with steel or GFRP reinforcement. When BarChip fibres are incorporated into the primary lining, a load-sharing design can potentially allow for a reduction in the thickness of the final lining. Designers may also be able to reduce cast lining thickness in situations where additional concrete cover is required to protect steel from corrosion.
Invert Segments
BarChip fibres are a proven solution for invert segments. BarChip makes the production process faster and easier, while simultaneously delivering performance and durability benefits to the finished product.
Slope Stabilisation
The installation of steel mesh at portal openings, high walls and cuttings is a time-consuming and often dangerous activity. Using BarChip reinforced shotcrete eliminates this hazard while providing the most effective solution against rockfall and erosion.
BarChip Fibre is reinforcing more than 450 road, rail and utility tunnels around the world.
Low Carbon Tunnel Linings
BarChip offers the lowest carbon reinforcement solution on the market, supporting the industry push for low carbon tunnelling practices. Compared to traditional steel reinforcement, BarChip macro synthetic fibre can deliver both direct and indirect sustainability benefits that have a massive impact on project outcomes.
The Trusted Fibre for Tunnelling
For nearly three decades, BarChip has been the trusted fibre for tunnelling projects, chosen by the world’s largest and most respected construction companies for its proven performance and reliability in the most demanding conditions.
Designed to International Standards
BarChip fibres comply with leading international standards, ensuring reliable performance and compatibility with global engineering design guidelines for tunnelling projects.
Project Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BarChip fibre reinforce tunnel linings?
Yes, BarChip fibre is a proven alternative to steel mesh and steel fibres in tunnel linings, improving durability, ductility and sustainability outcomes.
What type of tunnels does BarChip fibre reinforce?
BarChip macro synthetic fibre is currently reinforcing more than 450 civil tunnels, including road and rail tunnels, water and electrical utility tunnels, hydroelectric, pedestrian, storage and service tunnels.
Where are macro synthetic fibres used in tunnelling?
BarChip fibre is used to reinforced temporary and permanent sprayed concrete tunnel linings, cast linings, segmental linings, invert segments and slope stabilisation works.
Why are synthetic fibres used in tunnel construction?
BarChip macro synthetic fibres eliminate corrosion, improve toughness, reduce construction time and cost, improve safety and lower the embodied carbon of tunnelling works.
Does BarChip reduce the carbon footprint of tunnelling works?
Yes, BarChip is a low carbon reinforcement system. It’s low weight per cubic metre of concrete compared to steel reinforcement results in a significant reduction in embodied carbon.
Can Synthetic Fibre replace steel in tunnel segments?
Yes, BarChip macro synthetic fibre has reinforced the segmental lining in multiple projects, both as the sole reinforcement and as a composite with a reduced volume of steel.
What is the best fibre for tunnel design?
The best fibre will depend on the application and design of the tunnel. BarChip has different fibres for each application, with the best fibre determined by the concrete mix and performance requirements of the structure.
How do fibres improve the safety of tunnelling works?
Mechanically applied fibre reinforced shotcrete, as a temporary or permanent lining, almost entirely removes the risk of loose rock fall and eliminates the need for workers to operate beneath unsupported ground.
Get in touch for a personal information session about your next project. One of our concrete fibre experts will guide you through the following 4 keys items:
