Advantage and benefits of synthetic fibres in concrete flooring and plastering applications

The idea of using fibers in concrete materials dates back to Roman and Egyptians period Romans included bits of horsehair in the construction of Roman Coliseum which was built in 80 AD. The Egyptians used straw in their bricks used for constructions.

 

INTRODUCTION TO SECONDARY REINFORCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION BY FIBRES

      ➤   Plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement cracks.

      ➤   Less abrasion resistance and impact resistance of floors.

➤ Weak construction joints.

➤ Periodic maintenance of floors due to less durability.

➤ Faster wearing of top floor surface.

 

DRAW BACKS IN CONCRETE FLOORING WORKS

      ➤ Development of plastic shrinkage cracks in the initial stage of plastering.

      ➤ High rebound loss of mortar.

➤ High water and moisture absorption from external environment.

➤ Less cohesive mix due to segregation.

➤ Development of thermal and drying shrinkage cracks at the hardened surface of plastering.

➤ More maintenance of the walls required in terms of frequent waterproofing and painting of the buildings Ugly crack patches.

DRAW BACKS IN PLASTERING WORKS

➤ Generation 1 - Vegetable Fibers - Straw, Jute and Cotton, Coconut Coir.

➤ Generation 2 - Horse hair, Sheep’s Wool.

➤ Generation 3 - Glass, Polyester, Nylon, Polypropylene and Steel.

 

DEVELOPMENT OF FIBER REINFORCEMENT

➤ Glass - Expensive, Causes itching, Hazardous.

➤ Steel - Corrosion, Dead Weight, Expensive, Mixing Problem.

➤ Nylon - Very Expensive.

 

COMPARISON WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF FIBERS

➤ Holds aggregates & does not allow separation of coarse aggregate due to vibration /gravity.

➤ Results move uniform concrete to concrete.

➤ Fiber allows slow transfer of water to surface, resulting in reduction of cracks.

 

 

WHAT FIBRE DOES?

➤ Acceptance Criteria For Concrete With Synthetic Fibers.

➤ Synthetic fibers are added to concrete to reduce plastic shrinkage cracking of reinforced  concrete and structural plain concrete and/or to reduce shrinkage and temperature cracking in structural plain concrete slabs on grade.

➤ Consideration to be given to the volume, size and type of fibers used.

➤ The fibers are regarded as an admixture and are used in addition to any structural. reinforcement, shrinkage and temperature reinforcement and joints as required in the applicable code.

➤ The fibers may be used in concrete over steel deck construction.

➤ The fibers may be used in fire-resistive construction on steel decks.

 

 

 

➤ Fibers were instrumental in reducing shrinkage cracks.

➤ Rebound loss of the mortar has been reduced to 10 % instead of 30 to 40 % with out fibers in the mortar.

➤ There is no Dampness and leakage of plastered walls.

➤ Better finish of wall surface.

➤ Increased strength of mortar due to which more durable and long lasting constructions.

➤Savings due to economic mix designs and more durable plastered surface.

➤ Compressive strength of plaster was increased by over 15-20%.

➤ Results in Cement savings up to 3%.

➤ Increase in labour productivity by over 5%.

 

 

ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS OF USING FIBERS IN PLASTERING AT OUR PROJECTS

 

➤ The use of fibers has improved the abrasion resistance of concrete floors to moving loads.

➤ No appearance of plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement cracks on the concrete floor surface.

➤ Service life of the floor is enhanced due to high durable concrete produced with synthetic fibers.

➤ Improved impact resistance of floors to point loads.

➤ Concrete mix with fibers was cohesive with better workability.

➤ Compressive strength of plaster was increased by over 8-10%.

 

ADVATAGES & BENIFITS OF USING FIBERS IN CONCRETE FLOORING WORKS

➤ Use of Synthetic Fibers in all construction applications should be encouraged by the construction industry.

➤ Different types of fibers should be developed to address each specific  need of construction applications.

➤ Construction industry should encourage new technologies like fibers reinforcement in construction to a larger extent for improving the durability.