Asbestos is a type of mineral fiber that has been widely used in various industries due to its excellent properties such as high tensile strength, durability, and resistance to heat and chemicals. In the construction industry, asbestos has been traditionally used as a reinforcing material in cement-based products, including fiber reinforced concrete.


- High tensile strength: Asbestos fibers have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them effective in reinforcing concrete and enhancing its overall strength.
- Durability: Asbestos fibers are resistant to degradation, corrosion, and weathering, ensuring the longevity and stability of the concrete structure.
- Heat resistance: Asbestos fibers can withstand high temperatures without losing their structural integrity, making them suitable for applications where exposure to heat is expected.
- Chemical resistance: Asbestos fibers are resistant to many chemicals, including acids and alkalis, which makes them suitable for various industrial environments.


- Increased strength: The addition of asbestos fibers to concrete enhances its tensile and flexural strength, reducing the likelihood of cracking and increasing its load-bearing capacity.
- Improved durability: Asbestos fibers improve the durability of concrete structures by reducing the formation and propagation of cracks caused by shrinkage, temperature fluctuations, and external forces.
- Enhanced fire resistance: Asbestos fibers provide concrete with improved fire resistance due to their high melting point and low thermal conductivity.
- Chemical resistance: Asbestos fibers make concrete more resistant to chemical attack, protecting it from the deteriorating effects of aggressive substances.


- Health risks: Asbestos fibers are known to be hazardous to human health when inhaled. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause lung diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Due to these health risks, the use of asbestos has been banned or heavily regulated in many countries.
- Environmental impact: Asbestos fibers, if not handled properly, can pose environmental risks when released into the air or water during manufacturing, installation, or demolition processes. The disposal of asbestos-containing materials also requires specific procedures to prevent environmental contamination.

In summary, while asbestos fibers have been commercially successful in improving the properties of fiber reinforced concrete, their use is now highly restricted due to the associated health risks. Alternative fibers, such as glass, steel, and carbon, have been developed and widely adopted to replace asbestos in fiber reinforced concrete applications.