LONG-TERM STRENGTH & ENDURANCE:

Steel mesh reinforced concrete requires saw cuts to induce and control cracking. These saw cuts weaken the concrete and therefore become starting points for the deterioration of the slab. Utilising steel fibre reinforcing allows us to design panels up to 35m long with no saw cuts. Remove the weak points that will chip and spall over time, creating expensive and time-consuming maintenance.

MORE EFFICENT COST-EFFECTIVE SLABS:

When we design a mesh reinforced slab, we have to design to its weakest point which is almost always the saw cuts. If we remove this weak point this often allows us to design a thinner slab that is more cost-effective and requires less concrete, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of the construction. Finishers can get straight on to applying curing and then leave, without having to return the following day to saw cut.

BETTER REINFORCED, REDUCED CHANCES OF CRACKING:

Fibre reinforcing is distributed three-dimensionally throughout the slab, providing top-to-bottom reinforcing. This significantly increases the chance of intercepting cracks at a micro level before they start creating problems compared to a mesh reinforced slab which is two-dimensional. Being a single, linear layer of reinforcing, the mesh’s area of reinforcing influence is far less and micro cracks can grow much larger before they are arrested by the mesh. By that point they are often problematic and uncontrolled cracking can significantly reduce the longevity of the slab if not handled correctly.

EASIER & FASTER TO CONSTRUCT:

Fibre reinforcing is added to the concrete at the batch plant, removing physical works off-site and into an area where QC is managed easier. No re-chairing or checking cover or trying to lift mesh off the ground in the middle of the placing operation. Less subbies onsite, less trip hazards and a reduction in your programme by completely removing the time and cost involved with mesh layout, tying, and chairing. Another advantage of using fibre reinforcing over mesh is having a clean open worksite during placing, as placing concrete well is difficult enough without having to navigating chaired mesh at the same time.

SUMMARY:

While it is rare to find a solution to a problem that is both more cost-effective, stronger and easier – fibre reinforced concrete gives us that in almost every situation. If you are unsure, reach out to one of our Project Managers to discuss if fibre reinforced concrete will work for your project.