The use of fiber reinforcement in construction mixes, especially in concrete, has been confirmed by numerous studies. For example, it has been found that adding polypropylene fibers reduces the risk of cracking by 80% and increases compressive strength by 15–25%, depending on the dosage. The most common type is polypropylene fiber, with a choice between industrial and DIY options, each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Contents:
- Types of Fiber
- Industrial Microfiber
- DIY Fiber
- Comparison of Industrial and DIY Fiber
- Fiber Comparison Table
Types of Fiber
Fiber-reinforced concrete is widely used in demanding construction projects where high strength and durability are required. In such cases, factory-made products are preferred, as they ensure strict adherence to standards and high quality. This material has proven itself in industrial and infrastructure construction.
Industrial Microfiber
Various types of synthetic fibers are used to reinforce concrete and other construction materials:
- Polypropylene fibers: Corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and affordable, used to improve concrete’s strength and flexibility.
- Steel fiber: Enhances resistance to mechanical loads but is susceptible to corrosion.
- Glass fiber: Chemically resistant and increases concrete’s durability.
- Basalt microfiber: One of the strongest and most heat-resistant options.
The Fibermix product range includes several types of polypropylene and macrofibers. For example, FiberMix is used for industrial floors and construction mixes, while PolyMesh and ArmoTec are applied in shotcrete and concrete coatings. These fibers are highly chemical-resistant, crack-resistant, and easy to use.
DIY Fiber
To create DIY fiber for concrete, you can use the following materials:
- Steel wire. Cut 0.5–1 mm thick wire into 2–3 cm segments and bend them into a wavy shape for better adhesion to concrete. The optimal length-to-diameter ratio should be 50–100. Low-carbon wire is preferable to reduce the risk of corrosion.
- Polypropylene items. Recycling plastic bottles into thin strips can be an alternative to commercial polypropylene fiber. It’s important to use only pure polypropylene (marked PP or 5), cutting strips no wider than 1.2 mm. Before use, the material should be cleaned and dried.
Before using DIY fiber in real projects, thorough testing of the final concrete's strength characteristics is necessary. Working with steel wire requires safety precautions and personal protective equipment to avoid injuries.
Comparison of Industrial and DIY Fiber
Industrial fiber is produced using high-quality materials and technologies, ensuring consistent product quality. Its main advantages include:
- Guaranteed quality and proven technology. Industrial fiber is manufactured at certified facilities such as Fibermix, using high-quality polypropylene, basalt, glass, or metal. These products meet ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with strict regulations.
- Wide range and adaptability. Different fiber types are available for various project needs.
- Even distribution in concrete mixes. Industrial fiber is designed to disperse easily in the mixture. For example, high-quality fiber with an adhesion coating fully disperses within 5–7 minutes of mixing.
- Resistance to chemical and physical exposure. Industrial fibers are highly resistant to aggressive environments (alkalis, acids) and temperature changes.
The main disadvantage is the higher cost compared to DIY fiber.
Fiber Comparison Table
| Criterion | Industrial Fiber | DIY Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Geometry and size | Precisely controlled shape, size, and length-to-diameter ratio | More irregular characteristics |
| Strength and corrosion resistance | High-quality materials and processing | May have lower strength and corrosion resistance |
| Uniform distribution | Automated production ensures high uniformity | Manual production complicates uniformity |
| Dosage | Strictly defined recommendations for optimal use | Requires additional testing to determine proper dosage |
| Compatibility with concrete | Specifically designed for effective concrete reinforcement | May have lower compatibility |
| Ease of use | Ready-to-use shapes and optimized mixing | May be less convenient |
| Cost | Higher | Significantly lower |
| Availability | Requires specialized suppliers | Made from readily available materials |
DIY fiber allows cost savings on materials but requires time and precision. Achieving good results demands strict adherence to production techniques, especially when creating steel fiber or processing plastic materials for polypropylene fiber.
Key drawbacks of DIY fiber include:
- Inconsistency and unpredictable properties. Unlike industrial fiber, DIY fiber may not distribute evenly in the mix, reducing its reinforcing effect. Studies show that lack of uniformity can lower concrete strength by 15–20%.
- Labor-intensive process. Making steel fiber manually requires significant time and effort. Cutting wire and shaping it into waves can take hours for large quantities. For example, reinforcing 1 m³ of concrete requires 3–5 kg of steel fiber, meaning thousands of individual pieces must be cut.
- Lower resistance to harsh conditions. DIY fiber from recycled materials often lacks sufficient chemical resistance or corrosion protection. For instance, DIY steel microfiber can rust quickly, leading to concrete degradation.
DIY fiber is suitable for small projects and helps save on material costs. However, for large-scale construction and increased concrete durability, industrial products like FiberMix, PolyMesh, or ArmoTec are the better choice.
Recommended products
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| Armotec Microfiber | Macrofiber PolyMesh |