The future of port infrastructure

Steel fibre reinforced concrete forms a 3D reinforcement system in the concrete that effectively bridges microcracks and prevents them from spreading into macrocracks. Compared to conventional steel mesh or bars, SFRC allows for concrete slabs that are 30–50% thinner with the same load-bearing capacity. Another key technical advantage is the possibility of creating significantly larger jointless surfaces, eliminating maintenance-intensive expansion joints as weak points.

Automated systems such as AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) require extremely flat surfaces with tolerances of up to ±5 mm over 3 m to ensure smooth 24/7 operation. SFRC provides the dimensional stability and crack control necessary to maintain this precision for decades. With every hour of downtime in a container terminal costing £70,000 or more, SFRC's low-maintenance infrastructure is a critical business advantage.

In maritime zones, SFRC offers 4 to 10 times higher chloride tolerance than conventionally reinforced structures. The stainless steel fibres reduce the permeability of the concrete, which prevents the penetration of salt water and other aggressive media. This protects the structure from corrosion and increases impact resistance, which is particularly important for quay walls against impact loads from containers.

ESG compliance (environmental, social, governance) is now a mandatory requirement for project financing and awarding contracts in port construction. With a GWP (global warming potential) value of only 0.257 kg CO₂ eq, KrampeHarex offers the world's most efficient CO₂ balance for steel fibres, which means CO₂ savings of up to 82% compared to the market standard. This top value is achieved through production with 100% green electricity and a recycling rate of over 90%.

Although SFRC initially incurs approximately 15–30% higher material costs, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is reduced by 10–30%. The savings result from up to 60% lower repair costs, a longer service life of up to 30 years and faster construction times due to the elimination of costly reinforcement work. In addition, the thinner construction reduces concrete consumption by up to 30%, which lowers both costs and CO₂ emissions.

The technical solutions and fibre products comply with the latest PIANC Guidelines 2025 for port engineering. The fibres are certified according to European (EN 14889-1) and US (ASTM A-820) standards. All sustainability data is also verified by current environmental product declarations (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.