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Fibres for concrete: glass fibres, polypropylene and steel

Although concrete is a material that enjoys exceptional performances, both mechanical and chemical, it is most advisable to reinforce it to further improve these capabilities.

In this regard, fibres for concrete form the perfect complement to achieve this goal. They provide an extra tensile strength to the support. In this way, the possibilities of cracking are reduced, the effects of shrinkage due to setting are reduced and the resistance to impact and fatigue are exponentially increased.

The fibres for concrete have been designed to replace the use of mesh, thus changing traditional application systems for more modern and faster to execute ones.

Types of fibres for concrete and their differences

The most widespread concrete fibres currently are glass fibres, polypropylene fibres and steel fibres. At Topciment® we have all three types so that the choice falls on the professional according to their tastes and preferences. In the case of imprinted concrete, the most commonly used fibres are polypropylene.

Broadly speaking, the most relevant differences have to do with workability, cracking and abrasion, corrosion and exposed tips.

Workability

While glass fibres require the addition of extra additives that favour and facilitate their mix with concrete, polypropylene fibres and glass fibres are simpler and more comfortable as they do not require such additives.

Abrasion and cracking

The fibres for concrete, regardless of the material they are made from, contribute to improving the mechanical resistances of the structural elements. That is, their purpose is to reduce possible cracks and fissures. However, steel fibres and glass fibres are more resistant to abrasion.

Corrosion

In this regard, polypropylene fibres stand out the most because they provide greater resistance to corrosion. The difference is very noticeable, as for example steel fibres are more prone to suffer from corrosion.

Exposed tips

When the fibres are mixed with the concrete, there is a risk that the tips of the filaments may be exposed on the surface. Hence the importance of choosing appropriately. Polypropylene fibres and glass fibres are the most reliable in this regard, because this does not happen. On the other hand, steel fibres can leave some tips exposed.

Fibras de vidrio

Fibreglass for concrete

Fibreglass fibres constitute one of the most necessary accessories for executing concrete works. The increase in the durability of the support, the improvement of the resistance to surface abrasion and the drastic reduction of micro-cracking, are the main purposes of this complement.

Thanks to the significant increase in strength and durability that our glass fibres confer to concretes and mortars, the use of meshes and veils is thus replaced. A continuous and three-dimensional reinforcement that extends to the entire coating.

Its multifilament structure ensures maximum compaction. Similarly, its magnificent elasticity leads to no deformations and that they perfectly withstand the stresses derived from thermal and hydraulic shrinkage.

Completely resistant to alkalis and most acids, our glass fibres for concrete hinder water loss. At the same time, they extend the lifespan of the mortar. The surface is completely ready for polishing, imprinting the mould and adding any additive that is considered.

The glass fibres for concrete from Topciment® have been modified to offer greater tensile and compression strength than metal meshes and fibres. They also provide greater waterproofing, resistance to abrasion and superior impact and a better final finish.

Descarga aquí la ficha técnica de las fibras de vidrio

Benefits as a complement to concrete

- High resistance to cracking, flexural strength, impact and abrasion.

- They reduce the cracking of fresh and hardened concretes, and mortars.

- They significantly increase mechanical resistances and load capacity.

- They extend the lifespan of the coatings.

- Application times are shortened.

- They reduce thermal shrinkage.

- Indifferent to alkalis and acids in general.

Uses and fields of application

- Concrete floors and mortars.

- Projected concretes.

- Prefabricated elements.

- Retaining walls that are fire resistant.

- Prefabricated elements.

Datos técnicos

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Tensile strength

1700 MPa

Apparent density
Chemical resistance

To alkalis and acids.

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Density

0.90 g/cm3

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Zirconium percentage

17.4 %

Performance

The performance of our glass fibres for concrete is 1 - 3 Kg/m³.

Measures

Our fibreglass fibres for concrete and mortars are 12 mm.

Formats

Our fibreglass for concrete is available in 1,000 gram formats.

Presentation

Fibreglass for concrete and mortars are sold in soluble paper bags of 1,000 grams and on pallets of 450 bags.

Fibras de polipropileno para hormigón

Polypropylene fibres for concrete

Polypropylene fibres are a fundamental accessory in the application of concrete due to the advantages they bring to this construction material. An accessory designed to increase the strength and durability of the coating, thus preventing a possible cracking.

A composite material made up of 100% modified fibres and used as an alternative reinforcement system to meshes. An accessory that helps to reduce the chances of shrinkage cracks appearing in concrete and mortars.

In addition, polypropylene fibres for concrete reduce the execution time of the work. Products that prevent erosion, provide impact resistance and that mix very easily with concrete and mortars.

An added value to which it must be added that polypropylene fibres present excellent mechanical and chemical resistances. They serve as a vapour barrier to water as well as withstand without problem the high traffic, and high traction and the changes in temperature to which the imprinted concrete can be exposed.

The polypropylene fibres for concrete from Topciment® also have good dispersion, thus allowing them to achieve high compaction and reinforcement of the concrete through the binding between the surface and the matrix of the same.

Descarga aquí la ficha técnica de las fibras de polipropileno

Benefits as a complement to concrete

- Resistance to cracking, flexural strength, impact and abrasion.

- Avoid possible cracks in concretes and mortars.

- Mechanical performances increase.

- They extend the lifespan of the supports.

- They reduce thermal shrinkage.

- Alkalis and acids in general do not affect them.

Uses and fields of application

- Concrete pavements and mortars

- Tunnels, bridges, roads.

- Foundations.

- Fire-resistant retaining walls.

- Prefabricated elements.

Technical data

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Chemical resistance

Inert to alkalis and acids in general.

Apparent density
Melting temperature

163-170º C

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Elongation

< 80 %

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Density

0.90 g/cm3

Performance

The performance of our polypropylene fibres for concrete is 600 gr/m³.

Measures

We have polypropylene fibres for concrete of 6 and 12 mm.

Formats

Our polypropylene fibres for concrete and mortars are available in formats of 500, 600 and 1,000 grams.

Presentation

Polypropylene fibres for concrete are presented in boxes of 20 paper bags. Bags of 600 grams each and soluble in water.

Fibras de polipropileno para hormigón

Steel fibres for concrete

We also have steel fibres to reinforce concrete and mortar coatings. Filaments made from drawn wire with hook-shaped ends that replace or complement the reinforcements in the various construction elements.

For the manufacture of these metal fibres, wires of various diameters and cut into different lengths are used. An exceptional reinforcement for a more industrial use of concrete, where superior resistances are required.

Our steel fibres improve the mechanical properties of imprinted concrete as well as ductility, coating durability and fatigue. These steel fibres prevent cracks and fissures while significantly enhancing the performance of the concrete. It provides the pavement with greater toughness.

An accessory for concrete of vital importance that, in the event of not being used, cracks could appear over time. That's why, we advise using them. The steel fibres for concrete from Topciment® present excellent adhesion, increase the hardness of the concrete and provide superior mechanical resistances:

- Flexural strength resistance.

- Resistance to cracking.

- Resistance to abrasion.

- Impact resistance.

As for the method of use, our steel fibres can be introduced directly into the fresh concrete or mixed, in advance, with the sand and aggregates. It is very important that they are never added to the mix with the first component.

Descarga aquí la ficha técnica de las fibras de acero