Contractors around the globe working with extruded concrete have come to realise the advantages of FRC (fibre-reinforced concrete) using Adfil polypropylene macro and micro fibres. The addition of these fibres is a widely accepted practice when it comes to completing high quality contracts.
Reliable crack control
Without the application of fibre reinforcement, fine plastic-shrinkage cracks that occur in the surface of in-situ concrete will result in greater penetration by water, petrol, chemical or de-icing salts. This significantly reduces the life span of the extruded sections.
3D concrete reinforcement
The particularly low water/cement-ratio mixes used in extruded concrete can give rise to surface tearing when the extruder operates on corners and bends. This leads to early and costly deterioration. Often, the machines used are so efficient at compacting the concrete that the entrained air used to provide freeze thaw protection is removed. The extruded concrete is left without the required protection. For projects using FRC with Durus EasyFinish macro and Crackstop micro synthetic fibres as three-dimensional concrete reinforcement, these issues are a thing of the past.
Concrete made to last
When a consistent FRC surface finish is important and tearing must be avoided, Crackstop monofilament fibre reinforcement enhances the flow properties of the concrete mix. The fibres improve mechanical interlock and cohesion. This increases the tensile strain capacity of fresh concrete. The form can slip more consistently, resulting in a higher quality surface finish. And the improved properties also prevent plastic shrinkage cracking, leading to a longer life span.
Ease of handling
Crackstop monofilament fibre is supplied in 0,9 kg bags. This is the standard dosage for 1 m3 of concrete. The fibres are added during the batching process and so are ready mixed in the delivered concrete. Consistent distribution throughout the full volume ensures the required performance of extruded FRC.
Advantages during construction
- Easy to use: fibres already added during batching
- Improved plastic properties of the fresh concrete
- Increased speed of construction
- Enhanced cohesion of the FRC mix during placement
- Labour cost savings
- High-quality cement surfaces
- Reduces the absorption of liquids and de-icing salts
- Protects against plastic shrinkage cracking and plastic settlement cracks
- Higher impact resistance
- Increased abrasion resistance
- Reduced permeability of the concrete
- FRC with improved freeze/thaw resistance