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Concrete fibers: glass, polypropylene, and steel fibers

Although concrete is a material that enjoys exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, it is advisable to reinforce it to further enhance these capacities.

In this sense, concrete fibers are the perfect complement to achieve this goal. They provide extra tensile strength to the structure. This reduces the chances of cracking, the effects of shrinkage during curing, and exponentially increases impact and fatigue resistance.

Concrete fibers have been designed to replace the use of mesh, thus changing traditional application systems to more modern and faster ones to execute.

Types of concrete fibers and their differences

The most common types of concrete fibers today are glass fibers, polypropylene fibers, and steel fibers. At Topciment®, we offer all three types so that professionals can choose according to their preferences. For stamped concrete, the most commonly used fibers are polypropylene fibers.

Broadly speaking, the most relevant differences lie in workability, cracking and abrasion, corrosion, and exposed ends.

Workability

While glass fibers require the addition of extra additives to facilitate their mixing with concrete, polypropylene fibers and steel fibers are simpler and more convenient as they do not require such additives.

Abrasion and Cracking

Concrete fibers, regardless of the material they are made of, contribute to improving the mechanical strength of structural elements. In other words, their purpose is to reduce possible cracks and fissures. However, steel fibers and glass fibers are more resistant to abrasion.

Corrosion

In this regard, polypropylene fibers stand out for providing greater resistance to corrosion. The difference is quite significant, as steel fibers, for example, are more prone to corrosion.

Exposed Ends

When fibers are mixed with concrete, there is a risk that the ends of the filaments may remain exposed on the surface. Hence, the importance of choosing appropriately. Polypropylene fibers and glass fibers are the most reliable in this regard, as this issue does not occur. On the other hand, steel fibers may leave some ends exposed.

Glass fibers for concrete

Glass fibers are one of the essential accessories for concrete construction. The main purposes of this supplement are to increase the durability of the structure, improve resistance to surface abrasion, and drastically reduce microcracking.

Thanks to the significant increase in strength and durability that our glass fibers provide to concrete and mortar, the use of mesh and veils is replaced. It offers continuous and three-dimensional reinforcement throughout the coating.

Its multifilament structure ensures maximum compaction. Likewise, its excellent elasticity prevents deformations and allows it to withstand the tensions derived from thermal and hydraulic shrinkage.

Completely resistant to alkalis and most acids, our glass fibers for concrete impede water loss. At the same time, they extend the lifespan of the mortar. The surface is completely ready for polishing, molding, and the addition of any desired additives.

Topciment®'s glass fibers for concrete have been modified to offer higher tensile and compressive strength than mesh and metallic fibers. They also provide increased impermeability, superior resistance to abrasion and impact, and a better final finish.

Download the technical datasheet for glass fibers here

Benefits as a Concrete Additive

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

- Decrease cracking in fresh and hardened concrete and mortars.

- Significant increase in mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity.

- Prolong the lifespan of coatings.

- Reduced application time.

- Minimize thermal shrinkage.

- Resistant to alkalis and acids in general.

Uses and Applications

- Concrete floors and mortars.

- Shotcrete.

- Precast elements.

- Fire-resistant retaining walls.

- Prefabricated elements.

Technical Data

icono ph
Tensile strength

1700 MPa

Densidad aparente
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 fibers for concrete is 1 - 3 kg/m³.

Dimensions

Dimensions

Formats

Our glass fibers for concrete are available in 1000-gram packages.

Presentation

Glass fibers for concrete and mortars are sold in soluble paper bags weighing 1000 grams

Polypropylene fibers for Concrete

Polypropylene fibers are a fundamental accessory in the application of concrete due to the advantages they provide to this construction material. They are designed to increase the strength and durability of the coating, thus preventing potential cracking.

Made of 100% modified fibers, polypropylene fibers serve as an alternative reinforcement system to mesh. They help reduce the likelihood of cracks caused by shrinkage in concrete and mortars.

Additionally, polypropylene fibers for concrete reduce the construction time. These products prevent erosion, provide impact resistance, and mix easily with concrete and mortars.

An added value is that polypropylene fibers exhibit excellent mechanical and chemical resistances. They act as a vapor barrier and can withstand high traffic, high tensile stress, and temperature changes to which stamped concrete may be exposed.

Topciment®'s polypropylene fibers for concrete also offer good dispersion, allowing for high compaction and reinforcement of concrete by bonding the surface and the matrix.

Download the technical datasheet for polypropylene fibers here

Benefits as a Concrete Additive

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

- Prevention of potential cracks in concrete and mortars.

- Improved mechanical performance.

- Extended lifespan of supports.

- Reduced thermal shrinkage.

- Resistant to alkalis and acids in general.

Uses and Applications

- Concrete floors and mortars.

- Tunnels, bridges, roads.

- Foundations.

- Fire-resistant retaining walls.

- Precast elements.

Technical Data

icono ph
Chemical resistance

Inert to alkalis and acids in general.

Densidad aparente
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 fibers for concrete is 600 g/m³.

Dimensions

We offer polypropylene fibers for concrete in 6 mm and 12 mm sizes.

Formats

Our polypropylene fibers for concrete and mortars are available in formats of 500

Presentation

Polypropylene fibers for concrete are presented in boxes containing 20 water-soluble paper bags. Each bag weighs 600 grams.

Steel fibers for concrete

We also offer steel fibers to reinforce concrete coatings and mortars. These filaments, made from drawn wire with hooked ends, replace or complement reinforcements in various construction elements.

To manufacture these metal fibers wires of various diameters are used and cut into different lengths. They provide exceptional reinforcement for industrial applications of concrete where higher strengths are required.

Our steel fibers enhance the mechanical properties of stamped concrete, as well as its ductility, durability, and fatigue resistance. These steel fibers prevent cracks and fissures while significantly improving the performance of concrete, providing greater toughness to the pavement.

This is a vital accessory for concrete, as the absence of steel fibers could lead to the development of cracks over time. Therefore, we strongly recommend their use. Topciment®'s steel fibers for concrete exhibit excellent adhesion, increase the hardness of the concrete, and provide superior mechanical strength:

- Flexural strength.

- Crack resistance.

- Abrasion resistance.

- Impact resistance.

Regarding their application method, our steel fibers can be directly incorporated into fresh concrete or mixed beforehand with sand and aggregates. It is crucial never to add them directly to the mix with the primary components.

Download here the technical data sheet of steel fibers