Prefabricated reinforced concrete counterweights are often moved from one jobsite to another along with the tower crane. During fixing, demounting and transportation they are subjected to impact, abrasion and vibration forces – an environment in which counterweights manufactured with reinforcing mesh are susceptible to damage. This is mainly due to the high modulus of steel.
Synthetic macro & micro fibres
More and more producers of counterweights therefore prefer synthetic macro and micro fibres in their prefabricated reinforced concrete. Durus S500 synthetic macro fibres as well as Crackstop M micro fibres are particularly suitable for this end-use.
Enhanced impact resistance
These polypropylene fibres form a three-dimensional reinforcement distributed homogeneously throughout the entire counterweight. This helps to distribute the forces and improves the impact and abrasion resistance of the finished concrete surface. Plastic shrinkage cracking is significantly reduced as another contributor to an extended service life of the counterweight.
Yield improvements
Where steel is replaced with synthetic fibre reinforcement this not only has a positive effect on the quality of the finished prefabricated concrete product. Yield too can be substantially improved. Replacing steel with easy-to-apply fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC), reduces production costs and increases output.
Increased workplace safety
At the same time, applying synthetic fibre reinforcement means no more risk of hand injuries for workers due to cuts from steel mesh. Manufacturers of prefabricated reinforced concrete counterweights also appreciate the reduction in required maintenance. With FRC there is significantly less wear of equipment than with steel rebar.
- Durable 3D reinforcement
- Improved impact & abrasion resistance
- Improved durability of prefabricated reinforced concrete
- No more handling, cutting and placing of steel
- Reduced production costs
- Increased yield and product rate
- Substantial savings in CO2 embedded in counterweights compared to steel reinforcement