Claudio Bertagnolli, Managing Director of HB, contributed to the article “Advanced use of fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete”, published on Ingenio, offering a technical perspective on the evolving role of innovative materials in contemporary construction.
The article focuses on the structural design of the new CAP Holding headquarters in Milan, a project characterised by complex geometries and a high number of irregular openings. In such a context, the use of traditional reinforced concrete would have introduced significant constraints in terms of reinforcement detailing, execution complexity and overall efficiency.
To overcome these challenges, the project adopted a self-compacting fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) solution, integrating steel fibers within the mix. This approach enabled a reduction in conventional reinforcement while improving the material’s mechanical behaviour, particularly in terms of post-cracking ductility and crack control. The result is a structure capable of combining architectural freedom with structural reliability, ensuring both performance and durability over time.
Beyond the specific case study, the article highlights the broader potential of FRC as a design driver. By enhancing the intrinsic properties of concrete, fiber reinforcement allows engineers to rethink traditional construction logics, simplifying execution in complex conditions while achieving higher levels of structural resilience and long-term performance.
This contribution reflects HB’s approach to engineering: an integrated vision where advanced materials, computational design and construction efficiency converge to support increasingly ambitious architectural scenarios.
