In marine environments, reinforced concrete is subject to constant exposure to aggressive seawater. With steel mesh reinforcement this makes corrosion a certainty. This is not only true for coastal defence infrastructure such as quays or seawalls. More and more engineers and contractors are paying attention to this challenge in the design and construction of slipways.
Rustproof concrete reinforcement
'Most slipway construction designs allow the application of macro synthetic fibre reinforcement as an alternative to steel crack-control mesh. Durus EasyFinish is made of polypropylene and cannot corrode. Reinforcement performance is maintained even under the harshest conditions. This synthetic macro fibre has proven its long-term effectiveness in countless concrete slipways in the UK and elsewhere.
Ease of use
Durus EasyFinish fibre-reinforced concrete can be placed directly into the formwork. In most cases the reinforcement is already in the concrete on delivery. But macro fibres can also be easily added to the concrete mix on site. Better than misplaced welded steel mesh, which can rinsufficient cover and reduced performance.
Jobsite safety
With fibre reinforcement for concrete there is also improved workforce safety. Workers processing fibre reinforced concrete (FRC), no longer face the risk of trips, falls or cuts resulting from the handling and installation of steel mesh. And significant transport cost savings can be achieved on slipway construction projects.
Emission savings
A further advantage, which is of growing importance: with only a fraction of embodied carbon dioxide, synthetic macro fibre concrete reinforcement is significantly more environmentally friendly than steel rebar. This has been confirmed by independent reports such as the ITATech Guidance for Precast Fibre Reinforced Concrete Segments (April 2016, Vol. 1, Design Aspects).
Micro fibres for further improved durability
In addition to attack from seawater, concrete slipways are also subjected to continual impact from waves and the abrasive action of wave-borne sand and shingle with the ebb and flow of the tide. This impact and abrasion can be very severe, leading to spalling of the concrete surface. Designers and contractors aiming for maximum impact and abrasion resistance include Crackstop micro fibres on top of Durus EasyFinish structural concrete reinforcement. The Adfil range includes both monofilament and fibrillated synthetic micro fibres. Contact your local Adfil representative today to learn which product mix will bring the best performance for your slipway construction.
Advantages during construction
- No need for handling, cutting and placing steel mesh
- Can be applied in confined working areas
- More efficient installation and reduced construction time
- Eliminates significant traffic movements on site
- Logistic cost savings
- Chemically inert three-dimensional reinforcement
- Significantly less embodied CO2 compared to steel
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Extended service life for slipways and other concrete marine structures
- 100 % rust-free reinforcement
- Improved resistance to abrasion due to wave action
- Enhanced impact resistance
West Rhyl Coastal Defence | North Wales (UK) | Durus 400
Adfil Short Guide Marine & Coastal Applications
Adfil Short Guide Ports & Docks