SBIR Phase I: Plient Engineered Recycled Steel Fibers as Cheaper, Faster, Safer Concrete Reinforcement

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $304,856 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project includes safer construction, reduction in landfilled tires, >10% lower cost, enhanced durability, and up to 2x faster concrete construction. The innovation, an engineered recycled steel fiber product, can replace conventional steel reinforcing bar (rebar) in certain applications, which will enhance understanding of how fiber characteristics impact key engineering properties. Recycled feedstock with inexpensive mechanical processing used to produce the fibers ensures a durable competitive advantage versus rebar, which is produced by costly melting and forming. In addition to lower upfront cost, the recycled steel fiber technology increases concrete toughness and will lower long-term maintenance costs. The business model for commercializing the recycled steel fiber technology involves bulk purchase of recycled feedstock, transport and mechanical processing, and then sale of the processed fibers to local concrete plants or contractors at a markup. Based on extensive customer discovery, the beachhead markets for the technology include concrete flooring and pavements. The technology will be a key factor enabling commercial success of the company, which was formed specifically in response to the technology. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on eliminating technical barriers inhibiting commercialization of engineered recycled steel fibers for concre

Key facts

NSF award ID
2451370
Awardee
CIRCLE CONCRETE TECH, INC. (TX)
SAM.gov UEI
PNEEKRJMVSG4
PI
Charles A Donnelly
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Materials Engineering
Estimated total
$304,856
Funds obligated
$304,856
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/01/2025 → 11/30/2025