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Fiber for concrete is a special fiber made of synthetics. is far from the only area where this component can be used.

Fiber fiber increases the wear resistance of concrete and its resistance to mechanical damage.

It is often used for finishing gypsum or other solutions. Most often, fiberglass for concrete is made from polypropylene and is used to reinforce concrete as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Fiber fiber for concrete is designed to increase its resistance to various types of mechanical damage. In this parameter, fiber fiber for concrete is much superior to reinforcement using metal fittings, since the latter has worse characteristics. If we consider ordinary concrete without any reinforcement, then the elasticity figures tend to zero.

The use of fiber in solutions leads to the fact that the latter’s parameters of wear resistance, stability and uniformity significantly increase, which leads to an overall increase in the quality of the final product. The use of this element in construction made it possible to get rid of many pressing problems, such as dust and deformation after pouring concrete, poor resistance to severe frosts and mechanical damage, rapid wear.

Benefits of fiber for concrete

As mentioned above, fiber using polypropylene is used to reinforce concrete. Its essence is that the distribution of the material occurs evenly throughout the solution, and what type of mixture is used does not in any way affect overall quality implementation of the process. Due to negative experience in this area, concrete reinforcement seems to many to be rather complex process, but the most important thing here is right choice material, and fiber is a universal solution.

Fiber for concrete has the following undeniable advantages:

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Application of fiber fiber

Fiber fibers are widely used in modern construction. This factor was directly influenced by all the advantages of the material described above. Basalt fiber can be used in the production of so-called concrete for architecture, which is a solution for creating any objects designed to improve the area adjacent to the building. In particular, it can be a vase, urn, fountain, statue and similar architectural objects. In addition, reinforcing fiber is successfully used in the production of decorative elements for cladding buildings.

This product is also used in the manufacture of flooring. Highest preference is given self-leveling bases and industrial screeds, where fiber has shown itself to be the best side. The reinforcing coating has proven itself well in the manufacture of large and small gypsum products, which are quite popular in Lately. These include concrete fences and monuments, as well as many decorative elements designed to improve the home. It should be noted that reinforcement with this element has also found application in paving slabs, gutters, curbs and similar elements.

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Fiber mixing method

The concrete component fiber is a universal element that can be used in many various fields life activities related to construction. However, despite its versatility, this type of component is simply impossible to manufacture without the appropriate instructions.

Any deviation from the norm can lead to dire consequences, so the fiber mixing process must be carried out with the utmost care. The component is often mixed with dry mixtures, in particular with crushed stone, sand, cement, and fiberglass.

After everything is thoroughly mixed, you need to add water for consistency. Not a single process like this can be completed without adding liquid, and this one is no exception. It is possible to use industrially produced components, that is, made from various chemical compositions. After all of the above, final mixing is carried out, thanks to which the fiber absorbs everything necessary for correct masonry properties. The total mixing time depends on many factors and can take quite a long time. This parameter is regulated by specially established rules.

Polypropylene fiber is no less often used. This process must be carried out after all the necessary components have been mixed and added required quantity liquids. The process itself is carried out quite quickly, even if you test it in practice, calling into question those norms that are described in special documents. However, if we consider the mixing process, then it itself will continue for quite a long time, especially when compared with the general preparation of ordinary concrete. This factor occurs only because mixing the fiber requires the use of quite a few different components, and the very composition of this material requires a long manufacturing time. Although there are methods for quickly preparing the mixture, it is better not to resort to them, because in this case the reinforcement will be carried out very poorly.

Mixing the prepared solution using a car mixer. No matter how absurd it may sound, this method is used quite often in modern construction, and quite successfully. Its essence is simple: while the unit for mixing the mixture is filled, bags for destroying moisture are located in the car mixer. In this case, the total mixing time will be from 5 to 8 minutes, which is very little. Some experts call this method ineffective and costly, because you have to purchase special ingredients and use specific parts. In fact, this method is used very often and allows you to save a lot of money on purchasing professional equipment. One could even say that this kind of item is carried out more in domestic conditions, since professional construction involves slightly different approaches using high-quality installations.

The construction industry is introducing progressive technologies and using new materials. One of them is fiber-reinforced concrete. Not everyone knows that this is a composite, which differs from concrete in its increased strength. The material contains special fibers that are proportionally distributed in the concrete mass, performing the function of reinforcement. The use of standard size fiber made from metal or synthetic materials significantly increases the strength characteristics. Let's figure out what fiber concrete is. Let us dwell on the properties of the material and manufacturing technology.

What is fiber concrete

When asked what fiber-reinforced concrete is, many find it difficult to give the correct answer. What it is? The material is a variation of traditional concrete, strengthened by adding fiber to the concrete mixture. The concrete composition is characterized by reduced grain size, as well as uniform concentration in the mass various types reinforcing elements:

• metal filler in the form of steel wire, which can have different configurations and sizes;
• synthetic fiber made from basalt fiber, glass threads, asbestos, polyamide filler or acrylic.

Providing increased strength characteristics is achieved by introducing metal fibers into the composition. Their diameter does not exceed half a millimeter, and the length of the elements ranges from 1 to 5 cm. Steel wire is the most popular type of filler. At the same time, the popularity of glass fibers and various polypropylene-based fillers is growing.

On the building materials market they offer new material– fiber concrete

Saturation of the concrete mass with filler improves the performance characteristics of the composite:

• strength properties;
• resistance to tensile forces;
• resistance to cracking.

The manufacturing technology of building materials allows the simultaneous use of different types of fiber:

• viscose fiber;
• nylon materials;
• cotton threads.

They increase the efficiency of reinforcement and make it possible to achieve new characteristics without increasing production costs. The type of fibers used and their concentration affect the strength of concrete. Fiber-reinforced concrete labeled B25 is common in the construction industry. Increased strength is achieved by mixing steel wire with glass fibers.

Performance properties of the material

Choosing a composite to solve special problems in construction industry It is important to understand what fiber-reinforced concrete is and what properties are characteristic of it. The increased strength characteristics of composite concrete make it possible to construct buildings from it that have increased stability with a reduced thickness of the main walls. Experts are confident that this reduces the cost of building the facility. The recipe, proven in practice, is used in the manufacture of concrete composite. The type of fiber used affects the performance properties.

These fibers act as reinforcement, which is used to increase the strength of concrete mortar.

Main characteristics of composite concrete:

• the ability of the array to maintain integrity under the influence of significant tensile loads;
• neutrality to the effects of aggressive substances, resistance to the influence of natural factors;
• frost resistance with preservation of the structure of the massif under repeated and sharp temperature fluctuations;
• resistance to intense heat caused by exposure high temperature and open fire;
• preservation of the original volume of the massif, after hardening does not cause shrinkage;
• resistance to abrasive wear, abrasion, cracking, and torque;
• moisture resistance due to the peculiar structure, which makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate deep into the composite;
• increased plasticity of the concrete mass, increased strength to impact loads.

Due to these properties, the material is used to solve a wide range of problems in the construction industry.

Application area

Introduction to Concrete various types fiber allows you to change the properties of the material, which can be used to solve various problems.

Fiber fiber concrete is the best material for solving many construction and repair problems

The introduction of steel wire can significantly increase the strength of concrete used for construction:

• foundations of buildings, breakwaters, road surfaces and sleepers for railway tracks;
• tunnels and concrete foundations, which are capable of bearing significant loads;
• pedestrian paths, bridge coverings and runways with increased load-bearing capacity;
• curbs for roads, as well as decorative tiles and products for landscape design;
• buildings made of monolithic reinforced concrete and frames of multi-storey buildings bearing significant loads;
• hydraulic engineering facilities, water treatment plants, special wells and underground pipelines.

The scope of use of reinforced concrete, the mass of which contains glass fiber, is different. It is used to solve the following problems:

• production of soundproofing panels that are installed along highways;
• ensuring increased waterproofing of concrete tanks at water treatment facilities;
• facade finishing of residential and industrial buildings with increased strength;
• production of various types of finishing products intended for decoration;
• forming a moisture-resistant base for commercial, industrial and public premises;
• production of durable decorative elements used by designers in landscape design.

Fiber-reinforced concrete with the addition of basalt fibers is also popular in the construction industry.

It is used in structures that are subject to strong pressure from environment

It is capable of bearing significant loads and is used for the following purposes:

• construction of parking lots, reinforced foundations, and highway surfaces;
• construction of hydraulic facilities, concrete tanks for storing liquids.

Polypropylene is also used as a filler. Concrete mixture with the addition of polypropylene is used in the production of:

• foam blocks;
• cellular concrete;
• small buildings.

Rarely used are viscose and cotton, the scope of which is limited.

Pros and cons of fiber-reinforced concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete is a fairly new and promising building material. It is quite natural that not all developers have any idea what fiber-reinforced concrete is. When planning to use it for construction, it is useful to know about the advantages and weaknesses fiber-fiber composite. Material reinforced with steel wire or synthetic threads has improved performance characteristics.

In practice, this concrete has gained great popularity due to its low fragility index.

Let's consider the main advantages of reinforced composite:

• reduction in production costs construction work. When strengthening concrete with fiber fibers, there is no need to use steel mesh, reinforcement cages, which reduces labor intensity and shortens the duration of construction work;
• increased strength characteristics of products that do not crack. Resistance to chipping is associated with the uniform distribution of fibers in the concrete mass. With standard reinforcement of concrete with reinforcement, it is problematic to achieve similar strength;
• resistance to sudden temperature fluctuations. Moisture cannot penetrate fiber reinforced concrete. It maintains the integrity of the array during sudden cooling and further thawing;
• fire safety. Fiber-reinforced composites withstand impact elevated temperature and open fire without damaging the structure of the massif and causing cracks;
• light weight. Lightweight fiber-reinforced concrete blocks are easy to deliver to the construction site. Masonry is carried out at an accelerated pace, which allows you to quickly put the facility into operation;
• reducing the need for building materials. It involves the addition of fiber-reinforced filler to the mixture. The increased strength of the array allows you to reduce the thickness of the walls while maintaining their stability;
• increased service life. Reinforced composite is superior to standard concrete in durability, maintaining performance characteristics for a long time.

Against the backdrop of the many advantages of the material, the existing drawback seems insignificant. The downside is the increased price of fiber-reinforced concrete. When producing fiber-reinforced concrete, you have to purchase expensive raw materials and incur additional costs. However, as a result of increased costs, the material acquires unique performance properties, mechanical strength and durability.

Fiber-reinforced concrete has many positive properties

Production of fiber-reinforced concrete - technology, composition and recipe

The technology that ensures the production of fiber-reinforced concrete has its own characteristics. Its effectiveness depends on a number of factors:

• selection of certain types of fibers depending on the required performance properties of the composite;
• uniform mixing of ingredients and introduction of modifiers to ensure a homogeneous structure of the mass;
• features of the formulation used, including the simultaneous use of different types of fiber.

It is important to properly prepare the composite composition using proven methods:

• introducing fiber fibers into a dry mixture of sand and cement, followed by mixing the ingredients and adding water. The difference between this method is its simplicity, as well as the absence of the need to attract additional labor;
• adding fiber fibers to the finished mixed mixture of cement, water and sand. The method makes it possible to increase the strength characteristics of the composite and shorten the production cycle.

The manufacturing process requires the use of a concrete mixer and crusher

The strength and properties of a concrete composite are influenced by the following factors:

• composition of the materials used;
• correctly chosen recipe;
• compliance with the technological process.

Depending on the required properties of the composite, the concentration of introduced fiber fibers changes. The proportion of fibers in the total volume varies from 0.5 kg to 20 kg depending on their type. The most common brands of fiber-reinforced concrete contain up to 2 kg of fiber. The quality of raw materials is assessed using a laboratory method.

It includes:

• incoming inspection of materials used;
• checking the moisture content of synthetic filler.

The use of high-quality raw materials improves fiber adhesion and has a positive effect on the strength of concrete. The technology allows you to independently prepare a reinforced fiber-reinforced concrete composition at home. To do this, you will need a concrete mixer and a crusher to grind the filler.

Let's sum it up

Having studied what fiber-reinforced concrete is, we can conclude that fiber-reinforced composite is a promising building material. It has a set of undeniable advantages and allows you to solve many serious problems in the construction industry. Unique properties reinforced concrete appreciated professional builders and private developers. The characteristics of a composite reinforced with metal wire or synthetic fiber allow it to confidently compete with standard brands of concrete.

Ordinary concrete works well in compression, but not in tension, which is why during construction load-bearing structures have to use steel reinforcement. Since its use not only slows down the construction process, but also requires additional effort in work, it is much more profitable to use fiber-reinforced concrete. This is ordinary concrete whose structure includes a special filler - fiber. Fiber fiber for concrete (fiber) replaces reinforcement and gives structures the necessary strength.

Let's consider the main properties and advantages of this modern material.

What is fiber fiber

Fiber is dispersed fibers that are distributed evenly and in different directions throughout the entire mass of sand-cement mortar. Thanks to this, fiber additives improve the following characteristics of concrete:

• tensile strength increases up to 30%;
• impact strength increases noticeably;
• normal hydration is ensured;
• resistance to deformation increases;
• increased resistance to cracking;
• the fire resistance threshold becomes higher;
• the elastic modulus increases;
• concrete does not shrink or crack;
• temperature resistance and fire resistance increases.

If we talk about the disadvantages of fiber-reinforced concrete, then there is an opinion that this material is not resistant enough to chemical reactions however, it all depends on the type of filler and its properties.

Types of fiber fiber for concrete and its properties

Metallic and non-metallic materials are used as reinforcing fibers. The most popular are:

Steel fiber

This type of fiber is most often used in the construction of a fiber-reinforced concrete house. Thanks to this filler, the resulting steel fiber concrete is characterized by higher durability and wear resistance. In addition, steel fibers increase the frost resistance of concrete.

Steel fiber reinforced concrete is popular in the manufacture of paving slabs, curbs, for the construction of building frames and monolithic concrete structures.

Glass fiber

The glass fiber composition has high elasticity, making it ideal for curved structures. However, glass is practically unstable to alkaline environment, therefore, in the manufacture of SFRC it is necessary to use special impregnations for polymer based and substances capable of binding alkalis.

Glass fiber reinforced concrete has gained particular popularity in facade decoration, since this material does not absorb dirt and is easy to clean.

Unlike glass concrete, asbestos cement is resistant to alkalis. In all other respects, it is also highly resistant to temperature changes, strength and durability.

Basalt fiber

The main advantage of this fiber is its increased strength. If basalt is used as a filler for fiber-reinforced concrete, then the impact resistance and resistance to deformation of the material increases significantly.

The composition of this fiber is optimal for creating and further painting gypsum products.

Polypropylene fiber

Relatively recently, synthetic fibers began to be used in the production of fiber-reinforced concrete, which significantly reduce weight ready-made structures. Due to this, concrete with the addition of polypropylene is most suitable for the construction of lightweight structures.

In addition, polypropylene is resistant to chemicals, critical temperatures, and is not an electrically conductive material.

Scope of application of fiber-reinforced concrete

The main area of ​​application of fiber fiber is construction. Recently, it has become very common to build houses from building materials - fiber-reinforced concrete. Its composition depends on the purposes for which it will be used:

• floor screeding at industrial facilities and private homes;
• production of slabs, blocks, sections, pipes, etc.;
• For plastering works – facade finishing made of fiber-reinforced concrete;
• production of various types of concrete;
• for the construction of reactor departments of nuclear power plants;
• as a material for concreting road surfaces;
• permanent formwork made of glass fiber reinforced concrete;
• produce steel wire;
• for the production of piles and sleepers;
• make cornices;
• for the construction of sea and river protective structures;
• fiber-reinforced concrete stucco;
• production of parapet slabs and fem;
• concrete mortar.

Became popular façade panels from fiber-reinforced concrete. Basalt, polypropylene and metal fiber can be used to make various items for interior decoration (figurines, vases, stands), elegant decorative cornices and other elements of exterior decoration that lend themselves well to painting.

Technology for the production of fiber-reinforced concrete mixture

The material is obtained by mixing concrete mortar and fiberglass. When producing fiber-reinforced concrete, it is very important to observe the following conditions:

1. It is necessary that the fiber is evenly distributed in the concrete.
2. It is necessary to ensure the corrosion resistance of the fiber in the alkaline environment of the concrete mixture.
3. The strength properties of matrix concrete and fiber should be combined as much as possible.

If the technology and all requirements are met, you will get easy-to-lay high-quality fiber-reinforced concrete.

Fiber is introduced into concrete using two methods:

• Added to dry mixture. In this case, the filler fibers will be distributed more evenly. To prepare such fiber-reinforced concrete you need to: thoroughly mix cement, sifted sand and fiber and only then add water. After this, the composition is placed in a concrete mixer.
• Intervenes during the mixing of the liquid mixture. Fiber fiber is added directly to the concrete mixer in small portions. But, in this case, the kneading time doubles.

Important! Fiber should not be introduced into concrete in lumps. Mix it thoroughly beforehand.

If we talk about the amount of filler, then usually from 0.3 to 10 kg of fiber is added to the mixture per 1 m 3. However, it all depends on the requirements for finished material. In some cases, the amount of fiber fiber can be increased.

To make fiber-reinforced concrete with your own hands, it is enough to have a concrete mixer.

In custody

Despite the fact that you can make modern building materials yourself, it is necessary to take into account very important point– the optimal properties of the composition may be lost if gross errors were made at the mixing stage (for example, if the fiber was not distributed throughout the mixture).

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Fiber-reinforced concrete is one of the most common building materials. This is concrete that is reinforced with dispersed fibers (fibres). Fiber-reinforced concrete has higher impact strength, shear and tensile strength, water resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance and cavitation resistance.

Fiber-reinforced concrete and its application

Today, steel and glass fibers are quite actively used for fiber reinforcement of concrete (fiber-reinforced concrete), thereby expanding the use of synthetic fibers. In addition to them, basalt, carbon and other fibers are also used. Fiber-reinforced concrete achieves maximum efficiency when all components are selected in accordance the right combination their properties, that is, the properties of fiber-reinforced concrete as a composite material depend on the properties of the components that form it. In a sense, the main component in this case will be steel or non-metallic fiber.

In this case, steel fiber reinforcement can be called the most effective, even if we take into account its relative cost. The elastic modulus of this material is approximately 5 times greater than that of concrete, thus, with the necessary anchoring in concrete, the strength can be fully utilized, and the fiber will make the greatest contribution to the performance of the composite at the stages of crack formation and their terminations.

If we are talking about steel fiber, then the issues of ensuring its anchoring in concrete are more difficult to solve, for example, for synthetic fiber. The production of steel fiber occurs mainly using the following methods. Use cutting from thin wire or steel too thin sheet; extraction from molten steel (extrusion); milling of special slabs. The fiber can have a different cross-section, it can be rectangular, round, etc. Dimensions range from 0.2 mm to 1.6 mm and lengths from 5 mm to 160 mm. Tensile strength ranges from 400 to 1100 MPa.

Fiber-reinforced concrete compares favorably with traditional concrete because it has higher performance. It's about about higher tensile and shear strength, impact and fatigue strength; frost resistance and water resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete are also higher; Excellent resistance to abrasion and cavitation. Fiber-reinforced concrete can be almost 20 times higher than concrete in terms of its work of destruction. Thus, this provides this material with the opportunity to be actively used in building structures, as well as during their repair.

The most basic characteristic of fiber-reinforced concrete is usually its tensile strength. It can be considered both a direct characteristic of the material and an indirect one, which shows the material’s resistance to other influences, including durability. Another important characteristic is impact strength (or fracture toughness). For fiber-reinforced concrete, the value of this indicator is 3-5 times higher than that of conventional concrete. Structures can be made using only fiber-reinforced concrete, or with combined reinforcement, which uses fiber and rod or wire reinforcement. Domestic experience, as well as foreign experience, shows that fiber-reinforced concrete is universal material and its application is becoming increasingly widespread in the field of construction.

Fiber-reinforced concrete production technologies

This material is based on ordinary concrete and a fiber additive (fiber) - reinforcement, fiberglass or polymer additives. The name fiber-reinforced concrete (glass fiber concrete, steel fiber concrete, etc.) comes from the name of the fiber used to reinforce concrete. In concrete, fiber is added at the production stage concrete mixture, through traditional mixing, spraying, “premixing”. If it is necessary to obtain a directional arrangement of fibers, a magnet is used. It functions as a reinforcing component, helping to improve the quality of concrete and increasing its deformability, crack resistance, frost resistance and water resistance. Additional advantages of fiber-reinforced concrete are fire resistance and reduced weight compared to traditionally reinforced concrete. Due to this, the installation process of fiber-reinforced concrete structures is greatly facilitated. In terms of service life, fiber-reinforced concrete is 15-20 times superior to concrete.
Production of fiber-reinforced concrete
Fiber-reinforced concrete with synthetic fibers is technologically produced by premixing or spraying (pneumatic spray). Factories often use the premixing method (pre-preparing a fiber-reinforced concrete mixture). In the first stages technological cycle Chopped fiber is introduced into the fine-grained concrete mixture, followed by mixing. A building structure is made from the resulting premix solution using methods of vibration compaction, roller molding, roller pressing, and extrusion. The second method is used directly at construction sites. Spraying is carried out under pressure using special equipment through a spray gun. At the same time, chopped fiber and fine-grained concrete mortar are supplied. Then they are mixed in a spray gun. During application of the solution by spraying, large areas can be treated simultaneously.

Fiber-reinforced concrete is used in monolithic and prefabricated structures operating under alternating loads. For the manufacture of fiber-reinforced concrete floors, a concrete modifier is used, consisting of powder on an organomineral basis (microsilica, hardening regulators and superplasticizers). Steel fiber, alkali-resistant glass fiber or polypropylene and basalt fiber are added to this base. These types of fiber make its introduction and subsequent mixing much easier and more efficient. Over time, the modulus of deformation remains unchanged, so fiber-reinforced concrete floors made from these composite materials do not shrink, but, on the contrary, become more resistant and more resistant to damage.

Fiber concrete

Fiber-reinforced concrete - a variety cement concrete, in which fiber or fiber fibers are fairly evenly distributed as a reinforcing material.
The collective name “Fiber” refers to pieces of thin steel wire, waste from nail production, etc., fibers from metal, glass, polymers (mainly propylene). Fiber is added to concrete at the stage of concrete mixture production, performing the function of a reinforcing component, and helps improve the quality of concrete, increasing its crack resistance, deformability, water resistance and frost resistance. Additional benefit fiber-reinforced concrete is its reduced weight compared to traditionally reinforced reinforced concrete, which facilitates the installation of structures made of fiber-reinforced concrete.

Fiber-reinforced concrete is used in prefabricated and monolithic structures operating under alternating loads. The most important characteristic of fiber-reinforced concrete - tensile strength - is not only a direct characteristic of the material, but also indirect, and reflects its resistance to other influences. Another one important characteristic fiber-reinforced concrete is its durability. In terms of the work of destruction, fiber-reinforced concrete can be 15-20 times higher than concrete.

Fiber-reinforced concrete production technology Polypropylene fiber is poured into a mortar or concrete mixer before water is added to the dry mixture. Mixing time ranges from 4 to 6 minutes. If it is necessary to increase the plasticity of mortar or concrete, then it is necessary to add a plasticizer. Polypropylene fiber is fully compatible with all additives to mortar or concrete. Dosage: 0.6-0.9 kg/m3 Packaging: in bags of 0.6-0.9 kg. Fiber-reinforced concrete, production technology Fiber-reinforced concrete is one of the most common building materials. This is concrete that is reinforced with dispersed fibers (fibres).

Fiber-reinforced concrete production technology Polypropylene fiber is poured into a mortar or concrete mixer before water is added to the dry mixture. Mixing time ranges from 4 to 6 minutes.

If it is necessary to increase the plasticity of mortar or concrete, then it is necessary to add a plasticizer. Polypropylene fiber is fully compatible with all additives to mortar or concrete.

Dosage: 0.6-0.9 kg/m3 Packaging: in bags of 0.6-0.9 kg. Fiber-reinforced concrete, production technology Fiber-reinforced concrete is one of the most common building materials. This is concrete that is reinforced with dispersed fibers (fibres). Fiber-reinforced concrete has higher impact strength, shear and tensile strength, water resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance and cavitation resistance.
The above advantages together provide high efficiency application of this material, therefore fiber-reinforced concrete products, such as fiber-reinforced concrete blocks, panels and slabs, are used in building structures. For example, fiber-reinforced concrete floors are more resistant to increased operating loads than conventional concrete floors.

The technology for producing fiber-reinforced concrete is a common mixture of sand, cement, coarse aggregate, water and a certain amount of dispersed fibers (fiber). Fiber, in turn, is made from various materials.

Fiber-reinforced concrete - a building material of the modern world

Every year it becomes more and more popular. This is due optimal combination its operational, technical and decorative characteristics.
Fiber-reinforced concrete: technology and properties

Fiber-reinforced concrete is a mixture of fine-grained concrete with fiber, that is, a reinforcing filler. Glass fiber reinforced concrete is reinforced with fragments of steel, glass or synthetic fibers. Their diameter varies from 0.2 to 1.0 mm, and length - from 5 to 150 mm.
The fiber in the mixture is distributed evenly throughout the thickness, in an arbitrary direction. This solution provides fiber-reinforced concrete with excellent performance characteristics: a combination of plasticity with high flexural and tensile strength, excellent impact strength, and resistance to cracking.

Compared to traditional concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete is much more durable and is famous increased wear resistance and resistance to negative atmospheric and biochemical influences. The complex of these properties significantly reduces the weight of architectural structures by reducing their thickness.

Fiber-reinforced concrete floors and their advantages

Having just appeared on construction market, fiber-reinforced concrete immediately announced itself as a unique material. Its technical characteristics far exceed those of conventional concrete:

fatigue and impact strength are much higher, and wear resistance has doubled;
higher crack resistance and water resistance, as well as decent shear and tensile strength characteristics;
very strong viscosity (more than 10 times);
improved frost resistance and, as a result, greater resistance to temperature changes.

Production

The main secret of such unique properties lies in special polymer additives (binder and emulsion). The use of fibers, continuous or in the form of segments, gave the name to the material itself - Fiber (translated as “fiber”). For reinforcement, metal, organic or mineral threads are introduced into the initial composition. They are what give the material its unusual properties.

Our company works only using modern European technologies. This allows us to guarantee excellent result in the production of fiber-reinforced concrete (or fiber-reinforced concrete) and fiber-screeds. Our concrete with the addition of fiber meets all the declared characteristics, which is ensured by the use of special polymers with the addition of a minimum of water.
Application Features

Another difference between fiber-reinforced concrete and conventional concrete is that due to three-dimensional strengthening, the volume of metal reinforcement is significantly reduced. As a result, not only costs are reduced, but also, for example, the coating becomes more repairable with higher durability.

Main areas of application:

construction of bank safes and vaults;
construction of bridges, dams, locks, dams;
nuclear engineering – storage and disposal of radioactive materials during the construction of reactor compartments;
repair and strengthening of underground structures;
laying runways.

Fiber-reinforced concrete floors are no less relevant. In civil engineering, they are appreciated for their strength and lower fragility. High performance indicators are achieved by our specialists through the use of high-quality cement (M500), high-tech polymer additives and special fractionated sand. As a result, even industrial floors made of fiber-reinforced concrete, which have special requirements, do not form cracks or shrink, but only gain strength over the years.

Fiber-reinforced concrete floors, depending on operational requirements, may differ due to the type of cement used (M150-500). When pouring a floor, the maximum difference per 2 m is only 2 mm. This allows you to dramatically reduce the costs of subsequent finishing and Finishing work. When using fiber-reinforced concrete, floors are poured very quickly, especially when using pneumatic equipment (pouring up to 60 floors is possible).

Our experts recommend pouring fiber-reinforced concrete floors in the following rooms:
industrial and manufacturing workshops;
all types of warehouses;
auto repair shops, garages, parking lots, parking lots, including multi-storey ones;
exhibition and sales halls;
all types of hangars - airfield, cargo;
office buildings and premises.

In addition to all unique properties using fiber-reinforced concrete, we propose not only to significantly increase the physical and chemical characteristics of floors, such as wear resistance, chemical resistance, but also to improve their decorative properties. If necessary, the floor is further strengthened. For this purpose special polymer compositions with protective properties - highly filled and self-leveling coatings, paints, impregnations.

Not a single building today can do without the use of concrete. The strength properties of concrete and ease of manufacture make it a unique material. From the foundations of the largest buildings to the very tops of skyscrapers, we will find concrete in every inch of the structure. Concrete is also the basis for the production of single products. Such products include kitchen countertop, vases, concrete urns, balusters and paving slabs. Concrete is first and foremost fake diamond, according to its characteristics it is close to the same granite and marble. In an aesthetic sense natural stones much more beautiful, but often have a naturally increased background radiation. Concrete production allows you to control radiation levels, making it environmentally friendly. Let's find out how to make good quality concrete with your own hands!

On the one hand, the procedure for making concrete is very simple, however, some features should be taken into account that help improve the quality of concrete and its further serviceability. Before starting work, you should establish the operational goals of concrete, calculate the possible load, in order to then select the correct recipe and proportions of materials for mixing concrete.

What is cement laitance?“Cement laitance” is a water-cement mortar in which all the cement has been dissolved with water and forms a kind of flowing liquid. On initial stage When pouring a foundation, rubble stone is often used as the first layer, which is poured with cement-sand mortar to fill the voids between the stones. This simple trick protects the foundation from subsidence and retains moisture.

100% high quality concrete depends on the purity of all components. The filler in concrete is (mainly) crushed stone of a fraction from 2 mm to 40 mm. Classic ready-mixed concrete made on granite crushed stone with a fraction from 3 to 20 mm. Such concrete mixtures are easy to lay, and this also makes it important to supply concrete using a concrete pump. The concrete pump will not be able to pump concrete with a crushed stone fraction of more than 20 mm. There are fine-grained concretes - maximum size filler 10mm.

What are the requirements for the composition of concrete?

Cement is the glue of concrete that binds all the components together. To mix concrete with your own hands, it is better to use grade 500 cement. In concrete production, cement must be dry and free-flowing. The use of cement that has formed in lumps is not allowed. Important tip when choosing cement: do not skimp on cement! Cheap, unlabeled or discounted cement can cause you a lot of hassle and headaches. Saving on cement when the safety and durability of the entire house is at stake is not appropriate!

River sand for concrete production must be as clean as possible and not contain plant residues, debris and foreign objects. In concrete production, the optimal sand grain size should be in the range of 1.5-2.5 mm.

What to do with dirty sand? If you do not have the opportunity to bring clean construction materials river sand, then it is necessary to sift the existing sand, separating as much foreign inclusions as possible.

Fillers for concrete. The basis of the strength of concrete is the aggregate. Ideal for concrete in terms of strength granite crushed stone with a “cuboid”. Flat stone (flat crushed stone) itself has a lower strength index and is much worse compacted in concrete. While the “cubes” of crushed stone form a strong structure in the mixture when it hardens. It is important that the crushed stone is as clean as possible and free of dust and screenings. In some cases, crushed stone can be washed with water. Washed crushed stone provides better adhesion to sand and cement. High roughness on the edges of crushed stone is a positive factor, and vice versa - smooth edges worsen the quality of the mixture.

In order to make concrete with your own hands, it is better to choose granite crushed stone of the 5-20mm fraction. It has optimal sieving into fractions and is easier to dose when mixing concrete. When pouring crushed stone into a concrete mixer, make sure that you do not add soil or other debris along with the crushed stone.

Use clean water without additional impurities. It is strictly forbidden to use sea salt water for mixing concrete. There are no special requirements for water in concrete. A simple and common rule applies here: if the water is potable, then it is quite suitable for the concrete mixture.

Plasticizers, concrete additives

Plasticizers are designed to provide the solution with greater fluidity or, conversely, viscosity. When using plasticizers, be aware that you will likely need less water. The most popular plasticizers are designed to increase the strength of concrete. In the industrial production of concrete at reinforced concrete factories, the use of strength plasticizers significantly saves cement consumption (up to 15-20 percent per cubic meter). Plastic and flexible concrete is more convenient to lay. You will quickly pour such a mixture into the foundation, while the concrete will fill all the necessary voids in the pit.

Other concrete additives can provide hardening and setting of concrete when sub-zero temperatures. This way, you can be sure that the concrete poured in winter will not freeze and the water contained in the mixture will not crystallize.

What is fiber-reinforced concrete? Reinforcing substances, which are used as a supplement to the main aggregate, help concrete acquire additional strength and performance characteristics. For example, for thin concrete screed polypropylene or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fibers are added to concrete floors. This filler itself is soft and not particularly durable, but in concrete it acts as connecting threads and prevents cracking of the concrete surface.

Composition and proportions of concrete made from M400 cement

Concrete recipe from M500 cement

Note. The final amount of water must be calculated taking into account the moisture content of the materials (primarily sand).

Among the population, the most common concrete proportions are 1:3:6 (cement, sand, crushed stone). Sticking to this universal formula, often the result remains unsatisfactory. The worst thing about this situation is that when the consequences come, it is already impossible to change anything.

If you are confident that you will make concrete with your own hands, then you need to know what final strength your concrete should have. It should be noted that concrete for the floor slab must be ordered from the concrete concrete plant.

Weighing concrete components. The result depends on the accuracy of weighing the ingredients of the concrete mixture. In practice, on home construction sites, everything is measured using buckets. Before you begin such measurements, you should check how many kilograms actually fit in one bucket and only then start mixing concrete. If the sand is wet, increase the amount of sand added and reduce the amount of water in the mixture to avoid a very thin solution.

Where and how to mix concrete?

For mixing concrete, the ideal option is special concrete mixers. Such equipment from the factory is designed for mixing concrete components and allows for high-quality mixing of the entire mixture.

Two ways to mix concrete using a concrete mixer:

1. Cement is added to a concrete mixer filled with a measured amount of water; after obtaining the solution, sand and crushed stone are added.

2. First, sand, crushed stone, and cement are poured in and only after mixing these components are added required amount water. In this case, the builder looks at the mobility of the mixture and can precisely adjust the amount of water to obtain the desired fluidity of concrete.

The last option is the most rational; it guarantees uniform mixing of the mixture.

It is recommended to place the concrete mixer as close as possible to the pouring site. Please note that the specific gravity of the finished concrete exceeds the weight of all components individually. One cubic meter of concrete weighs 2400 kg. A short distance to the pouring site will not allow the concrete to quickly set or delaminate.

5 rules for mixing concrete

The most common household concrete mixers have a mixing drum volume of 200 liters. Convert all concrete proportions from the table above to your concrete mixer volume. In case of 200 liter concrete mixer all numbers from the tables should be divided by five.

1. Pour all the necessary cement into a small amount of water in a concrete mixer. If you mix only cement and sand dry, you will get a prance.
2. Add sand immediately after the cement. Let the mixture knead for a couple of minutes to ensure even distribution.
3. When mixing the cement mortar, add water if necessary.
4. Ready cement-sand mortar add crushed stone with short pauses, allowing each portion of crushed stone to mix.
5. On last stage add plasticizers and additives. If necessary, make final water adjustments.

The entire time of mixing concrete should not exceed ten minutes. Prolonged mixing may cause the cement to begin to set. Transport the solution using a wheelbarrow and do not turn off the concrete mixer until the concrete is completely cleared.

Find out the pros and cons of mixing concrete yourself. See the picture below.