Technical advantages of concrete with fibres FIBRIBET

In fresh concrete

• reducing the stress of plastic drying in the initial phase of concrete hardening
• reduction of plastic setting
• avoiding micro-cracks in the initial hardening phase

In conrete

• improved resistance against frost and thaw
• improved resistance against shocks
• improved resistance against abrasion
• improved resistance against fire
• lower depth of water and chemicals penetration

Abrasion resistance

The PP fibres can improve the concrete’s resistance to abrasion by 10-30% depending from the content of cement and the type of additives. The ability of the PP fibres to regulate the concrete’s perspiration means, that it can prevent excessive loosening of fine particles and weakening the top surface layer. Improved hydrating ability of concrete and its internal cohesion strengthens the concrete surface resistance.

Lower permeability for liquids

Many tests proved, that the fibres help to lower the permeability of concrete for various liquids. It is due to lower quantity of small pores and fine channels. This is why concrete with fibres is preferred for construction of swimming pools, water tanks, distribution channels, mains, dams, harbours and other areas, where sailing takes place and where resistance to chemicals and frost/dissolved salt is needed.  The fibre is made of an inert polypropylene material and it is tolerant to all known concrete additives. It is resistant to alkali and to most acids used in industry. The fibre is suitable also for industry of mineral oils and for petrochemical industry.

Fire resistance

The fibre improves the qualities of concrete due to its fire resistance. Tests have shown, that concrete reinforced with this fibre can be subjected to increased bending stress after it spent an hour at the temperatures of 600°C. The risk of structural damage and surface loosening is lowered, which was proven in an experiment where the concrete with polypropylene fibres was in a 1100°C thermal stress for 2 hours.

Polypropylene fibres FIBRIBET ^® or steel meshes for sprayed concrete?

The polypropylene fibres FIBRIBET ^® can be considered as an alternative to steel mesh, if the purpose is to eliminate the risk of cracking.

The fibres must not be used as a substitute to reinforcement from the building stability point of view.

The fibre has no quantifiable influence on the tensile strength in bending after 28 days.

Concrete with polypropylene fibres FIBRIBET ^® must be made and treated in line with all the requirements valid for concrete. When the concrete contracts, the reinforcing steel mesh is first only under a pressure.

The mesh prohibits the contracting process and creates pull forces in the concrete. The steel mesh is subjected to pull only if the concrete cracks in some place. Unlike this, FIBRIBET ^® can eliminate formation of micro cracks in the fresh concrete.

Cracks due to early contraction are formed, when the stress due to concrete cracking exceeds the concrete’s tensile strength. By adding the fibres FIBRIBET ^® we an boost the concrete’s tensile strength 2 or 3 times.

• The fibres are suitable above all:

• as a substitute for steel meshes intended to contain the contraction cracks in concrete floors
• as a reinforcement of floor concrete in heavily stressed operations
• in constructions, where increased water tightness and frost resistance is paramount
• to create a crack free underlay before we add special layers
• to lower the waste in case of sprayed concrete
• as a substitute for asbestos in the production of pre-fab shaped bricks
• in the manufacturing of concrete pre-fab pieces

By adding the said quantity of fibres into a fresh mixture of concrete or mortar we ensure:

• significantly lower formation of contraction cracks
• increased frost resistance, water tightness and overall resistance
• increased resistance to shock and increased breaking limit
• resistance to dynamic stress
• lower rejection rate after demoulding of prefabs
• lower surface abrasion rate
• less waste in case of sprayed concrete