Adding TenaBrix® fibers to precast concrete structures allows for complete replacement of traditional steel in a wide variety of applications, like Septic tanks, Burial vaults, Jersey barriers, Utility structures, Sound attenuation panels, etc. TenaBrix® Improves production efficiency and successfully lowers costs throughout the project process.
TenaBrix® fibers have been widely used to replace steel reinforcement, tested and proven by ASTM and the EU standards for these applications.
Typical range: The amount of PP fiber added to precast concrete is usually low, calculated by volume or weight:
Types: Mainly monofilament fibers (long and thin, good dispersion), mesh fibers (bundled network, dispersion is relatively easy, not easy to agglomerate), the original fiber (ribbon, water dispersed into a fine filament).Monofilament or mesh fiber is commonly used in prefabrication plants.
Specifications: length (usually 12mm-19mm, commonly used 12mm or 19mm), diameter/equivalent diameter (denier), tensile strength, modulus of elasticity.Appropriate specifications should be selected according to the type of component, reinforcement density and mixing equipment.Fine fibers (high L/D ratio) usually have better dispersion and anti-cracking effect.
Certification: Choose the brand name products that comply with relevant standards (e.g. ASTM C1116, EN 14889-2) and have stable quality.
Optimal Timing: After the aggregate is added, before the water is added, or at the beginning of the water addition. This is the most critical point.Adding at the dry mix stage allows the fibers to be more evenly dispersed during the subsequent addition of water.
Specific operation:Spread the weighed PP fibers evenly over the aggregate being mixed (avoiding a pile-up caused by dumping all at once).
In a forced mixer, dry mix the aggregate and fibers for about 30-60 seconds to ensure initial fiber dispersion.
Then add other powders such as cement and admixtures and dry mix for about 30 seconds more.
Finally, water and liquid admixtures (water reducers, etc.) are added and mixing is continued until uniform (usually 15-60 seconds longer than conventional mixing without fibers, depending on mixer efficiency and fiber volume).
Prohibition: Do not add fibers directly into water or wet concrete that has already been mixed, it is very easy to agglomerate.
A forced mixer (vertical planetary, horizontal) must be used. A self-falling mixer cannot ensure uniform dispersion of the fibers.
Prolong the mixing time appropriately: Ensure that the fibers are fully dispersed and evenly distributed. However, it should not be too long to prevent fiber damage or increase in concrete temperature. Observe the state of the concrete and make sure there is no visible fiber agglomeration.
Mixing volume: Avoid mixing too little to ensure that the material has enough space to tumble and mix.
TenaBrix® is a brand for Michem’s fiber products and derivatives. our TenaBrix® products include Polypropylene Synthetic microfiber, Polypropylene Synthetic macrofiber, Polypropylene Fibrillated fiber and other various types of fibers.
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