Fiber mesh concrete comprises natural and synthetic fibers like steel and glass. This type of material is used for patios, sidewalks, and driveways. Usually, a wire mesh is placed down first, and then the concrete is poured over it.
In the case of fiber mesh, the material fortifies the concrete throughout instead of just one plane. It will give the ground more resistance, but it is also known to lead to injury and corrode steel fibers over time.
When deciding whether to use fiber mesh concrete, you need to examine the advantages and disadvantages like that. We’re here to help with that!
Pros of Fiber Mesh Concrete
1. Helps with bleed water
Cement is typically made up of just a few ingredients – water, cement, sand, rock, or gravel. Since water is the lightest of all the elements, it tends not to be entirely absorbed by the cement. This will make extra water come up to the surface and pool. This is referred to as bleed water.
2. Holds concrete together longer
Temperature changes can result in cracking to happen as well as during the curing process where the evaporation of water can have cracks to occur. Fiber mesh doesn’t prevent cracks, but it holds the concrete intact, so it won’t crumble or fall apart.
3. Takes less time to use than wire mesh
Using the traditional wire mesh concrete means meticulous measuring to fit the cement pour. On the other hand, fiber mesh can be combined directly with the concrete mix, so you don’t have to measure it before pouring it out.
4. Helps prevent fire damage
Spalling is a term for when the surface of the concrete is heated up, forming steam and then exploding. Instead, the fiber mesh inside the concrete will melt, letting the water enlarge and track away from the heat. This will prevent spalling from happening.
5. Fiber mesh is more cost-effective
There are many things to keep in mind when determining how cost-effective fiber mesh is.
- Material cost: What is the price of the product?
- Cost to place: How much is it to put the material in place?
- Handling cost: This includes storing, moving, and off-loading.
- Concrete pump: What’s the cost?
- Permanent support: How much will it be?
When comparing the above information, fiber mesh is much more cost-effective than wire mesh and macro synthetic fibers.
6. Better choice for certain projects
Different projects require different needs. There are instances where fiber mesh is the only way to go. If you need to construct something thin like a countertop or a small layer of pavement, fiber mesh is what you need to use.
Note: Reinforcements like wire mesh or rebar will not work for these projects.
7. Freeze-thaw resistance is better
We know that frozen water will expand. The water inside concrete is also known to freeze. This can cause pressure in the pores of the concrete, and eventually, it will break apart. Fiber mesh improves upon freeze-thaw better when nylon or polypropylene fibers are used in the mix.
8. Benefits of different fiber materials
i) Carbon fiber concrete
It’s low in weight, high in strength, and has a reasonable degree of chemical resistance. It is a durable and long-lasting choice for projects. The absence of corrosion is excellent for industrial places, especially where excessive acidity happens.
Carbon fiber is also known to repel salt and helps avoid damage from seawater.
ii) Blends of fiber concrete
You can accomplish the best type of fiber concrete by mixing different fibers. This could include glass and steel, depending on what attributes you need for your project.
iii) Natural fiber
Using natural fiber is not only efficient but also practical since it is very accessible. The natural fibers can include animals, minerals, or vegetables to be refined into non-woven material. This isn’t a new concept since people have been using straw and horsehair for bricks and mortar for years.
iv) Steel fiber concrete
Steel is always robust and durable. It is a great choice for numerous projects that require fiber concrete. Steel fiber impedes cracks from forming and endures frigid and hot temperatures that’s advantageous in industrial settings.
v) Cellulose fiber
Cellulose fibers are used in textile manufacturing for fabric reinforcement and as chemical filters. This is collected from cellulose, plants, and trees (leaves, bark, wood).
vi) Poly fiber
Poly fiber is a good alternative to using steel fiber. However, you should always consult with your structural engineer to determine the best material for your project.
a) Three-dimensional reinforcing
It has a flexible strength and prides itself on three-dimensional properties. It resists macro and micro cracking, and the fibers make it immune to scratches. This material is known to stand up to even earthquakes.
b) Bending resistance/tensile equivalent to steel reinforcement
Poly fibers are equal to the usual steel reinforcing mesh. It boosts overall strength and durability.
c) Crack prevention
Many builders are switching from steel to poly-fiber because of how the material distributes itself. It stops micro-cracks from starting, whereas steel must be close to the micro-crack to cease further damage.
Cons of Fiber Mesh Concrete
1. Creates a rough surface
When using fiber concrete, it’s challenging to produce a smooth surface. Some materials will show through on top and create a hairy or coarse exterior.
2. Causes injury
Fiber concrete is often made from sharp-edged materials. The material can make its way to the surface and cause harm to anyone touching or stepping on that area.
3. Not suitable for weight-bearing applications
Rebar is better at accommodating heavyweight and extreme movement (like earthquakes). Fiber mesh wouldn’t be utilized in a high-rise or parking structure.
4. Unevenly distributed fibers
The fibers are not guaranteed to mix evenly in the concrete. Some areas will have more fiber than other areas. This means some places will be considered high-fiber areas and others low-fiber places.
5. Steel fibers cause corrosion
Over time, corrosion will occur from the steel fibers. It will upset the durability and stamina of the concrete.
Micro-Fibers and Macro-Fibers: How They Differ
| DOSAGE
MICRO Standard dosage rate 0.5 to 3 pounds, PCY MACRO Standard dosage rate 3 pounds to 11 pounds, PCY |
PURPOSE
MICRO While concrete is still wet, it will reduce cracking on the surface. It also increases the strength and toughness. Can swap in for steel reinforcements. MACRO Improves the toughness of the concrete, reduces cracking (and if it does occur), diminishes the size of them. |
| DIAMETER
MICRO Less than 580 denier (0.012 in) Less than 0.30 mm MACRO 580 denier (0.012 in) or greater 0.30 mm or greater |
APPLICATIONS
MICRO Use when concrete or slabs need to have a clean appearance and when the rate of evaporation is at a high level, where added toughness is required and or you need to change WWR 6×6-W1.4xW1.4 in, slabs. MACRO Steel Floor Decks Precast Concrete Shotcrete Bridge Decks Concrete Pavements Slabs-On-Ground Composite |
| APPROVALS
MICRO ASTM C1116, Section 4.1.3 & Note 2 ICC ES AC32 ATSM D7508 ICC ESR-1699 ASTM D7508 MACRO ASTM C1116, Section 4.1.3 & Note 2 ASTM D7508 ANSI/SDI C-2011 (alternative to WWR) |
PRODUCTS
MICRO FiberForce 100 FiberForce 150 FiberForce 300 FiberForce 500 MACRO FiberForce 650 FiberForce 1000 HP Performance Plus DOT Macro Pro |
FAQs
1. What type of fibers are used to reinforce concrete?
Ans. There are four options for you to use to strengthen and reinforce concrete, including glass fiber, steel fiber, synthetic and natural. If you use synthetic fiber, you must realize that your concrete will have macro or microfibers.
2. Is it acceptable to use the fiber method for concrete-related projects?
Ans. Fiber mesh is a great reinforcement material. It has a reasonable finishing time, is impact resistant, and isn’t as expensive as wire mesh. Some projects need fiber mesh (thin sidewalks or countertops).
3. Does fiber mesh replace rebar?
Ans. Fiber mesh is great for reducing cracking while the concrete sets. It is not a wire mesh or rebar replacement since they serve different functions. Although, some people have used the fiber mesh on sidewalks and patios.
4. Does fiber mesh create extra durability and strength to concrete?
Ans. Yes, fiber mesh provides strength to your concrete. It does this physically because it secures the concrete in place. This doesn’t mean that it will increase the compressive strength of the concrete.
