What is fiberglass reinforcement made of? Fiberglass reinforcement for foundations: reviews

In many areas, the metal is inferior to modern composite alloys. It is expensive, heavy and not as durable as, for example, fiberglass. Fiberglass reinforcement already confidently competes with metal in construction. In this material from HouseСhief.ru we will look at the unique characteristics of composite building materials, the practice of its use and the selection algorithm.

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Areas of application of fiberglass reinforcement

Composite materials have found application in various areas of construction. Let's look at the main ones.

Basics of fiberglass reinforcement production and its structure

For the production of composite building materials, aluminoborosilicate glass is used as a raw material. It is melted at high temperatures and stretched into the finest threads using special equipment.

Strength is achieved precisely due to the multi-layering of the material. The basis is an internal rod, fastened with a polymer resin, and fibers of a composite composition are wound around it. To speed up polymerization, the reinforcement is fired in tunnel kilns and then cooled under running water.

Properties of composite material

What distinguishes fiberglass reinforcement from other reinforcing materials? Here are its main operational characteristics:

• the weight of rods is 9 times less than similar metal rods;
• the composite composition is impervious to the aggressive effects of moisture, alkalis and acids;
• the thermal conductivity of fiberglass is much less than that of metal - this eliminates its occurrence in building structures;
• transportation of fiberglass is greatly simplified due to its low weight;
• Composite material does not conduct electric current.

Fiberglass reinforcement: sizes and types

Significant parameters of this material are the weight of a linear meter, the winding pitch and the cross-sectional size of the rod.

Composite reinforcement with a 15-mm winding pitch is considered the most popular in construction today. The outer diameter of the rods can be from 4 to 18 mm, the weight of a linear meter can be from 0.02 to 0.42 kg.

Builders divide fiberglass mesh into subtypes based on area of ​​use. They divide it into working, installation, distribution and special.

GOST requirements for composite reinforcement

The use of fiberglass materials in construction was legalized in 2014: GOST No. 31938-2012 on composite polymer reinforcement. GOST imposes the following requirements on this building material:

• reinforcing filler must be at least 75%;
• tensile strength – not less than 800 MPa;
• tensile elasticity – not less than 50 GPa;
• adhesion strength to concrete – at least 12 MPa.

Pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement for private construction

And now about the pros and cons of plastic fittings in individual construction. What can be added to the benefits of using composite material for reinforcement? First of all, its light weight, which makes it possible to significantly reduce total weight designs.

Another important positive factor is the flexibility of fiberglass. It is packaged in compact bays, which greatly simplifies the transportation problem. In addition, this form of release makes it possible to reduce the amount of possible waste during cutting.

What do reviews say about the disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement? Or is this material so good that it has no flaws? This is wrong. And the main drawback is the price. Despite the fact that the manufacturing technology of fiberglass is not that complicated, products made from it are still expensive. The point is most likely that demand still exceeds supply. When the opposite happens, the price will go down. What else is worth paying your attention to is that fiberglass reinforcement does not withstand fracture pressure well.

Important points in choosing composite fiberglass reinforcement

How to protect yourself from low-quality goods? There are several dangerous points that dishonest sellers may try to hide from you:

• inaccurate information about the diameter of the fittings - you must be present when the goods are shipped and personally check the declared dimensions of the goods;
• the product was burned in an oven - check that the color of the fiberglass is uniform in each coil;
• the product is compressed during the manufacturing process - the reinforcement should not have convex parts between the anchoring ribs;
• other violations of the production process - do not buy goods from little-known manufacturers.

Opinions and reviews of professional builders on the use of composite reinforcement in the foundation

The use of composite reinforcement is no different from the procedure metal laying. Reviews from experts about the use of fiberglass reinforcement indicate that the composite material can be used for any type of base. Such reinforcement will last at least 80 years. External and internal reinforcement is acceptable. External, according to reviews from builders, is necessary in situations where there is an unfavorable environment around the foundation, for example -.

Discrete reinforcement involves placing fiberglass mesh inside the structure. Can be used as additional reinforcement or combine these two methods of strengthening the foundation.

If you have a choice: which reinforcement is better, metal or fiberglass?

As already mentioned, reviews from builders about plastic reinforcement are confidently moving metal in many positions. The thermal conductivity of fiberglass is 0.35 versus 46 W/m for metal. Fiberglass products are superior to metal in elasticity and ductility, and they are almost three times stronger. So is it possible to use fiberglass reinforcement as the only reinforcing material?

However, steel has not yet given up completely. A comparison of fiberglass and metal reinforcement suggests that steel is more resistant to bending, that is, it does not break under extreme load. This makes it indispensable in the production of floor slabs and other objects subject to deformation. So don’t write off steel products.

Price of composite reinforcement from well-known manufacturers

The cost of plastic fittings is based on its diameter and is measured in linear meters:

• products of the ArmaPlast brand, known for its quality, with a diameter of 6 mm will cost 6-7 rubles per linear meter;
• the price of 8 mm fiberglass reinforcement is 10-12 rubles;
• fiberglass reinforcement 10 mm, price per meter - 14-16 rubles;
• fiberglass reinforcement 12 mm, price per meter - 18-20 rubles.

Fiberglass reinforcement ArmaPlast

Manufacturer's prices shown - please note that retailers will have an additional markup.

What do we get as a result? Without a doubt, composite materials are the future of construction. Reviews from experts about fiberglass reinforcement indicate that this material extends the service life of structures and has many excellent characteristics, and is superior to ordinary steel.

Reinforced concrete structures are traditionally reinforced with a metal rod, but it is becoming more and more popular Alternative option– fiberglass reinforcement. It replaces steel due to its high performance and technical characteristics. The growing popularity of plastic fittings is also explained by their low price compared to their metal counterparts.

Description

The production and characteristics of the so-called composite reinforcement for concrete monoliths and structures are regulated by GOST 31938-2012 developed according to ISO 10406-1:2008. A high-strength carbon thread is wound onto a base made of specially prepared fiberglass. It improves adhesion to concrete due to its spiral profile.

The main element of composite fiberglass reinforcement is the barrel, made of strong fibers located parallel to each other, united by a polymer resin sintered at high temperatures. The trunk is covered fibrous structure applied by spraying or winding in two directions.

According to SNiP 52-01-2003, the use of modern fiberglass reinforcement is possible as a full replacement metal reinforcement. Each manufacturer indicates technical specifications for its products, which can be used in walls, ceilings, basements and other concrete structures. It is mandatory to provide quality certificates based on examinations and test reports in laboratories.

Kinds

Fiberglass reinforcement is classified according to the types of materials used in production. These are non-metallic raw materials of mineral or artificial origin. The industry offers the following types:

• Glass composite (FRP) is a heat-treated mixture of longitudinally located fiberglass and polymer resins.
• Basalt reinforcement or basalt composite (BCP) is made from basalt fibers interconnected by organic resins.
• Carbon fiber reinforcement or carbon composite (AUK) reinforcement has increased strength and is made from hydrocarbon compounds. It is more expensive than composite.
• Aramidocomposite (AAC) is based on polyamide fibers like nylon threads.
• Combined composite (ACC) - based on a fiberglass rod, onto which basalt plastic is tightly wound. This type is not basalt-plastic reinforcement, which is what it is confused with, since it has a fiberglass rod.

Manufacturers offer big choice fiberglass reinforcement in thickness. This makes it possible to make both a thin mesh of 4 mm and a strong reinforcing frame with a diameter of 32 mm for load-bearing structures. It is supplied in the form of cut rods or coils up to 100 m long.

This material is available in two types of profiles:

• Conditionally smooth. Made from a core rod with a coated layer quartz sand fine fraction, which improves adhesion to the concrete mixture;
• Periodic. It is made of a rod onto which a fiberglass strand is tightly wound, resulting in anchor ribs appearing on the rod that securely hold it in the thickness of the concrete.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fiberglass rebar is a new building material that is gaining popularity and has characteristics that allow it to be used for load-bearing structures. Its advantages include:

• Corrosion resistance. Fiberglass can be used in aggressive environments. According to this indicator, this material is 10 times superior to metal.
• Low thermal conductivity of 0.35 W/m∙⁰С, which makes it possible to increase the thermal insulation of a concrete monolith and eliminates the risk of cold bridges. For comparison, the thermal conductivity of steel is 46 W/m∙⁰С.
• High resistivity allows it to be used in the construction of bridges, railway structures, power lines and other structures where there is a risk of penetration electric shock under high voltage.
• Small specific gravity, which allows reducing the pressure of structures on the surface of the soil and foundation. Average density this material has 1.9 kg/m³, while steel has four times more – 7.9 kg/m³.
• The cost of reinforcement with fiberglass is almost 2 times lower than with metal rods.
• Application in a wide temperature range. It does not lose its properties at temperatures from -60 to +90⁰С.
• Unlike metal, fiberglass has a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to concrete, so a monolith with such reinforcement does not crack during temperature changes.
• No reinforcing mesh is required for installation welding machine, it is enough to connect it with plastic harnesses and clamps.

Like any material, polymer reinforcement based on fiberglass has disadvantages that are taken into account during operation:

• Insufficient resistance of fiberglass to high temperatures, the resins used to bind fibers ignite at a temperature of 200⁰C. For private houses or utility rooms, this is not a problem, but at an industrial facility, where the concrete monolith must be fire-resistant, the use of this reinforcement is unacceptable.

• Almost 4 times lower elastic modulus compared to steel.
• When preparing the mesh, it is almost impossible to bend the composite at the desired angle; due to its low fracture strength, such elements must be ordered at the factory.
• One of the disadvantages of fiberglass composite reinforcement is that it does not allow for rigid reinforcement, and its strength decreases slightly over time.

Characteristics

Composite reinforcement assessed according to technical parameters. This material has a relatively low density. Therefore, the weight of a linear meter of fiberglass reinforcement, depending on the diameter, is from 20 to 420 g.

The plastic reinforcement has a constant winding pitch of 15 mm. This is the optimal value so that when minimum cost material, provide high level adhesion with concrete mortar.

Technical characteristics of fiberglass reinforcement are summarized in the table:

Features of production and installation

Any type of fiberglass reinforcement is made from raw fibers bound with polymer resins, to which a hardener and hardening accelerator are added. All components are determined by manufacturers depending on the technologies used, the type and purpose of the elements that will be reinforced with manufactured fiberglass reinforcement.

The material is produced on special production lines. First, the fiberglass is impregnated with resin, hardener and reaction accelerator. After this, it is passed through a die, where the excess resin is squeezed out. Here the fiberglass is compacted and takes on a shape - conventionally smooth or with anchor ribs and a technologically specified diameter.

On next stage Composite fiberglass reinforcement is knitted - additional winding in the form of a rope is wound onto it to increase adhesion. After this, it is sent to the oven, where the polymer resins and hardener are set. The resulting products are placed into coils or cut into rods of the required length.

The rods are fastened plastic clamps or clamps. The edge of the reinforcing mesh should retreat from the formwork by 50 mm, which will create a protective layer of concrete. This is done using improvised means or plastic clips. If the rod protrudes beyond the formwork, it must be cut with a hacksaw or a grinder with a diamond or abrasive wheel.

It is impossible to bend fiberglass reinforcement on the site without special equipment. After the force stops acting on the rod, it returns to its original shape. If you soften it with temperature and still bend it, it will lose its design characteristics. The only way out is to order pre-curved fiberglass elements from the factory, in which case they will fully meet the technical and operational requirements.

Conclusion

Composite reinforcement may well replace traditional metal construction. It is superior to steel reinforcement in many respects. It is used in the construction of walls, foundations and other structural elements made of blocks and bricks, it is increasingly used to reinforce solid concrete monoliths.

The use of fiberglass composite reinforcement significantly reduces the weight of structural elements, which allows additional savings on the foundation. Restrictions on the use of this material include the requirements fire safety on separate industrial enterprises, in other cases it is a better alternative to metal.

Developed in the middle of the last century in the USSR, fiberglass reinforcement (abbreviated as ASP or SPA) began to be used on a large scale relatively recently. Fiberglass products have gained popularity due to the reduction in the cost of their production. Light weight, high strength, wide application possibilities and ease of installation have made SPA fittings a good alternative to steel rods. The material is perfect for low-rise construction, construction of coastal fortifications, load-bearing structures of artificial reservoirs, elements of bridges, and power lines.

Fiberglass composite reinforcement (FRC) is a rod made from glass woven thread-like fiber (roving), straight or twisted, bonded with a special composition. Usually these are synthetic epoxy resins. Another type is a fiberglass rod wound with carbon filament. After winding, such fiberglass blanks are subjected to polymerization, turning them into a monolithic rod. Fiberglass reinforcement has a diameter of 4 to 32 mm, a thickness of 4 to 8 mm and is packaged in coils. The bay contains 100-150 meters of reinforcement. It is also possible to cut in the factory, when the dimensions are provided by the customer. The strength characteristics of the rod depend on the production technology and binder.

Options for packaging and transportation of ASP.

The material is produced by the drawing method. Fiberglass wound on reels is unwound, impregnated with resins and hardeners. After this, the workpiece is passed through dies. Their purpose is to squeeze out excess resin. There, future reinforcement is compacted and takes on a characteristic shape with cylindrical section and a given radius.

After this, a tourniquet is wound in a spiral around the still uncured workpiece. It is necessary for better adhesion to concrete. The material is then baked in an oven, where the process of hardening and polymerization of the binder occurs. From the furnace the rods are sent to a mechanism where they are drawn. Modern plants use tube furnaces for polymerization. They also remove volatile substances. Finished products they are wound into coils or cut into rods of the required length (by prior order of the client). Afterwards the products are sent to the warehouse. The client can also order reinforcement with a given bending angle.

Purpose and scope

Fiberglass reinforcement is used in various industries industrial and private construction, for conventional and prestressed reinforcement building structures and elements whose operation takes place in environments with varying degrees aggressive influence. The most famous examples use.

1. Block reinforcement, brick walls and walls made of gas silicate blocks. Fiberglass reinforcement showed very good results when reinforcing these structures. Main advantages: cost savings and lighter structures.
2. As a binder of concrete elements between which insulation is located. SPA improves the adhesion of concrete elements.
3. To strengthen load-bearing elements structures that are exposed to factors that cause corrosion (artificial reservoirs, bridges, fortifications coastlines fresh and salty natural reservoirs). Unlike metal rods, fiberglass rods are not subject to corrosion.
4. For reinforcing laminated wood structures. The use of SPA reinforcement can significantly increase the strength of laminated wood beams and increase the rigidity of the structure.
5. Possible use in the construction of strip buried foundations for low-rise buildings, if they are located on hard, motionless soils. Deepening is carried out below the soil freezing level.
6. To increase the rigidity of floors in residential buildings and industrial complexes.
7. To increase the strength and durability of paths and road surfaces.

Scope of application of fiberglass reinforcement.

Properties of fiberglass reinforcement

To understand the pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement, you need to know its properties. A description of the advantages of fiberglass reinforcement is given below.

1. The corrosion resistance of fiberglass rods is almost 10 times higher than that of traditional metal rods. Glass composite products practically do not react with alkalis, salt solutions and acids.
2. The thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.35 W/m C versus 46 W/m C for steel bars, which eliminates the appearance of cold bridges and significantly reduces heat loss.
3. The connection of glass composite rods is made with plastic clamps, knitting wire and appropriate clamps without a welding machine.
4. Fiberglass reinforcement is an excellent dielectric. This property has been used since the middle of the last century in the construction of power transmission line elements, railway bridges and other structures where the electrically conductive properties of steel negatively affect the operation of devices and the integrity of the structure.
5. The weight of 1 meter of high-quality glass-composite reinforcement is 4 times less than a meter-long steel rod of equal diameter with equal tensile strength. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the structure by 7-9 times.
6. Lower cost compared to analogues.
7. Possibility of seamless installation.
8. The value of the coefficient of thermal expansion is close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete, which practically eliminates the occurrence of cracks due to temperature changes.
9. Wide temperature range at which the material can be used: from – 60 C to +90 C.
10. The declared service life is 50-80 years.

In some cases, fiberglass reinforcement can successfully replace steel, but it has a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account at the design stage. The main disadvantages of fiberglass reinforcement.

• Low heat resistance. The binder ignites at a temperature of 200 C, which is not significant in a private home, but is unacceptable in industrial facilities where increased fire resistance requirements are imposed on structures.
• The modulus of elasticity is only 56,000 MPa (for steel reinforcing wire it is about 200,000 MPa).
• Inability to independently bend the rod at the desired angle. Curved rods are manufactured at the factory according to individual orders.
• The strength of textolite products decreases over time.
• Fiberglass reinforcement has low fracture strength, which only worsens over time.
• Impossibility of creating a solid, rigid frame.

Types of fittings

The use of fiberglass reinforcement in construction requires familiarization with the types of this material. According to purpose, the material is divided into products:

• for installation work;
• working;
• distribution;
• for reinforcing structural elements made of concrete.

According to the method of application, ASP is divided into:

• cut rods;
• reinforcing mesh;
• reinforcement frames.

By profile shape:

• smooth;
• corrugated.

Profile shape of fiberglass reinforcement.

Comparative characteristics of SPA and steel reinforcement

In order to choose fiberglass or steel reinforcement, it is necessary to clearly compare the two types. Comparative characteristics steel and fiberglass reinforcement are given in the table.

SPA installation features

Properties and specifications SPA make the material almost ideal for building a house with your own hands. In order for the house to be durable and last for several generations of the family, it is important to correctly install fiberglass reinforcement, taking into account its disadvantages.

Horizontal reinforcement of the foundation

Laying SPA to reinforce the foundation is carried out after installing the formwork and preparing the area. After this, a longitudinal layer of rods is laid. To do this, take rods with a diameter of 8 mm. A transverse one is laid on it. To do this, take a 6 mm SPA. These layers form a grid. The connection nodes are fixed with tightening clamps or knitting wire, the diameter of which is 1 mm, in 2 belts. Connections are made using, which you can buy or make yourself using thick wire. For large volumes of work, it is recommended to use an electrically driven tying machine.

The edges of the mesh of rods should be 5 cm from the formwork. The required location can be achieved using clamps or ordinary bricks. When the mesh is ready and positioned correctly, pour concrete mixture. Caution must be exercised here. The reinforcement for the ASP foundation does not have the same hardness as steel. If poured carelessly, it may bend or move from the specified position. If the rods move, it will be extremely difficult to correct the situation after pouring.

For getting strong foundation without voids, the poured concrete mixture is compacted with a construction vibrator.

How to avoid problems?

The main problems associated with the use of glass fiber rods are poor quality/defective material and poor engineering design calculations. Problems can arise in the construction of a house if the characteristics of the fiberglass reinforcement used are not taken into account.

Help to avoid problems during and after construction accurate calculations, accuracy of work, strict adherence to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the selection and installation of materials.

It is possible to check the quality of a product before purchasing only visually. To do this, you should pay attention to the following points.

• Manufacturer. If the product is not purchased from a factory, you must request documentation for the product confirming its quality and factory (not artisanal) type of production.
• Color. Uniform color throughout the entire bar indicates quality. An unevenly colored product means that the production technology was violated.
  • Brown color indicates the substance is burning out.
  • Green indicates insufficient heat treatment.
• The surface of the rod should be free of chips, gouges, cavities and other defects, the spiral winding should be smooth, continuous, with a constant pitch.
• Despite the desire to save money, you need to remember that high-quality fiberglass reinforcement is not sold cheaply. Too low a price indicates low strength and fragility.

The use of fiberglass reinforcement in some cases is advisable instead of metal reinforcement. Sometimes it is permissible to combine metal and fiberglass rods when constructing one structure. In order not to later regret using AKS, you should carefully carry out calculations of future buildings at the design stage. Composite reinforcement is selected similarly to steel, taking into account key parameters: bending strength, tensile strength, etc.

The possibility of using fiberglass rods is assessed based on the mobility and type of soil, fire safety requirements, longitudinal and lateral loads that will affect the structure. For example, on swampy and mobile soils, metal reinforcement is used for reinforcement. Fiberglass reinforcement will simply be broken by ground movements due to its low fracture strength.

The construction industry is one of the fastest growing and changing in the world. modern world. Before one has time to appear somewhere in the depths of a specialized university, the idea is immediately picked up by business. Fiberglass reinforcement is one of these materials that has literally revolutionized the construction industry. Successful combination science and engineering made it possible to create a special material for construction and installation work, which bypasses traditional ones in quality and characteristics.

A key role in the composition of the building material is played by special fiberglass fibers, which are impregnated with a special polymer composition. The material is produced in the form of rods with a diameter of 4 to 18 mm. The length can reach 12 meters. The main “feature” of the material is its multi-layer nature and special polymer “impregnation”.

For your information! Fiberglass fittings are usually supplied in the form of twisted coils; in appearance they resemble a large coil of dense cord or wire. However, if the diameter of the product is more than 10 mm, it is sold only in rods.

In the literature and GOST, two abbreviations are mentioned, indicating the same material: SPA or ASP. Both abbreviations are equivalent.

The rod consists of two layers:

• 1st layer – inner core. It is based on fiberglass fibers located strictly parallel to each other (it is no coincidence that we compared the reinforcement with a rigid wire), or in the form of a “pigtail”. These threads are thin, but surprisingly strong; they are soldered to each other with a special polymer composition. It is these fibers that provide the main characteristics of the product.
• 2nd layer – outer. The “shell” can be a fine abrasive, specially sprayed, or fibers, this is the so-called reinforcing winding.

The main characteristics for this material are most often called:

• diameter – this indicator affects the calculation of the product’s bending and tensile strength;
• weight. By the way, this indicator distinguishes fiberglass from other products, in particular metal fittings;
• winding step. The characteristic is relevant for ASP with a relief coating.

Interesting fact! Fiberglass is 9 times lighter than metal rods.

Areas of application and types of fiberglass reinforcement

The use of fiberglass reinforcement is quite widespread. Due to the possibility of using not only rods, but also reinforcing mesh, it is used in construction and construction of various, sometimes very complex, geometries. Moreover, the sizes ready-made structures can be very different.

In addition, fiberglass reinforcement can be used in:

• road construction and pavement reinforcement;
• strengthening masonry and other block-type building materials;
• reinforcement and;
• strengthening and fencing structures poured.

Advice! In dacha farming, fiberglass reinforcement is useful in the construction of outbuildings, enclosures, as well as greenhouses and greenhouses. It can be used as support structures for gartering plants, as a basis for decorative trellises.

Options for using spas in construction and gardening.

Production and requirements for fiberglass reinforcement

Like any technically complex production, the creation of fittings high strength This is a labor-intensive and expensive process. It is necessary to use high-precision equipment to create a special mixture.

All the main elements of the SPA production line are shown in the diagram:

Pros and cons of composite fiberglass reinforcement

Fiberglass reinforcement is considered the most promising material used in the construction of reinforcing structures and frames. Among the advantages are:

• high resistance to corrosion;
• low thermal conductivity;
• durability;
• light weight;
• 3.5 times stronger than metal;
• versatility;
• tensile strength;
• does not conduct current;
• not afraid of frost;
• seamlessness;
• does not require welding.

Among the disadvantages:

• low elasticity,
• low thermal stability.

What to look for when choosing

Because of large quantity standard sizes, it is necessary to take into account the conditions of use and the load on the material. That is why, immediately when purchasing, pay attention to the following points:

• design option for the top layer and quality of winding of the reinforcing tape;
• diameter and absence of chips and damage on cuts;
• color. It should be uniform. The shade must match the description in the documentation;
• availability of documents of compliance with GOST.

When choosing a spa, it is best to initially find out the reputation of the manufacturing company of this material, for which you need to read reviews on the Internet and in other sources of information.

Which reinforcement is better: metal or fiberglass?

Perhaps, if we compare these two materials, the usual metal material significantly loses in quality, but wins in price. In this case, you should pay attention to the scope of application. And also study comparative characteristics.

Leading manufacturers

There are about 10 proven manufacturers of fiberglass reinforcement that have managed to prove themselves in this market segment. Moreover, enterprises exist in almost all major geographical areas: the central part of Russia, as well as Siberia and the Urals. Let's name the largest of them:

• SPC "Spetspolymer", RPK "ARMASTEK", Moscow plant composite materials. (Moscow and Moscow region);
• Leader-Composite (St. Petersburg and Leningrad region)
• "Yaroslavl Composites Plant";
• "Uralteplostroy", LLC "UZKT", LLC "Elpromtekh", LLC NPF "UralSpetsArmatura" (Ekaterinburg);
• "Volga region fittings" (Saratov).

Review of prices and user reviews of composite fiberglass reinforcement

The cost of the material is calculated based on the price per linear meter. The final cost is influenced by both the quality of the raw material, its composition and number of layers, as well as the diameter of the intended workpiece. Let's present the average data for September 2018 in rubles.

If we talk about the features of using the material and reviews about it, experts note high quality material and sufficient with it. Due to its high wear-resistant qualities, fiberglass reinforcement has gained its fans among both professional builders, and among home craftsmen.

However, there are those who are distrustful of the material.

Feedback on the use of fiberglass reinforcement:

More details on Drom.Forum: https://forums.drom.ru/house/t1151870250-p3.html

And if you have your own opinion regarding the use of this material in construction, its advantages and disadvantages, share your opinion with other readers of the site.

Traditional Construction Materials are regularly improved, acquiring new performance characteristics and increasing the quality of existing ones technical parameters. At the same time, it is observed the tendency to replace classical approaches in construction with innovative solutions. These include the successful entry of composite reinforcement into the building materials market.

Although there is debate about the extent to which the use of this material as replacing steel bars, are still relevant, a number of its advantages are indisputable and have long been appreciated by experts. In particular, composite reinforcement for the foundation, reviews of which from engineers emphasize its durability and ease of use, is becoming more and more popular and expanding its scope of application.

What is composite reinforcement?

The main feature of this material is its non-metallic origin. Although the main list of functions of such rods involves providing very important load-bearing tasks, they are not made of steel, as is the case with classical reinforcement.

However, similar operational characteristics fully comply composite fibers of glass, basalt, carbon and aramid. It is these components, as well as their combinations, that form the basis of composite rods. Actually, this is where the names of such reinforcement come from – fiberglass, glass-reinforced or basalt-plastic.

However, using only synthetic fibers is not enough to ensure high strength and reliability of the same foundation structures. A mandatory step in the material manufacturing process is undergoing treatment using thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer additives . Thanks to them, the structure of future rods is rejected.

Further, as in the case of steel reinforcement, composite analogues endowed with ribs and a special sand coating, which increases the binding and adhesive qualities in contact with concrete pours under the foundation.

Advantages of composite reinforcement

The advantages of composite materials are due to using synthetic raw materials. This provides ample opportunities to introduce the necessary physical and technical qualities of the material, and also eliminates or at least minimizes the influence of negative factors.

One way or another, most of the advantages are focused on reinforcing the foundation with composite reinforcement in order to create strong and reliable foundations for buildings and structures. So, among the advantages of synthetic rods the following stand out:

Disadvantages of composite reinforcement

Despite all the advantages of composite reinforcement, disputes about the advisability of its use also indicate the presence of disadvantages. In particular, the following disadvantages are noted:

Areas of application

Synthetic reinforcement has found application in various areas industrial and civil construction. With its help, residential buildings are erected, factory complexes are built, and used in installation technological structures etc.

The use of composite reinforcement in foundations for low-rise buildings and cottages. In addition, composite rods perform well in concrete structures. It can be wall masonry with flexible ties, as well as the installation of brick and reinforced concrete structures.

Modern builders cannot do without synthetic material and where it is impossible to use steel rods. For example, in frosty conditions It is necessary to add special additives in the form of hardening accelerators and antifreeze additives to masonry mortars. Such additions have a negative effect on metal rods, but they are harmless for composite reinforcement.

Modern technologies road construction also provide for the possibility of using synthetic reinforcement. It is used in the construction of coatings, embankments, and to strengthen other road elements exposed to chemically harmful reagents. As a rule, the use of a composite in this area implies one goal - the creation of a strong bond with strengthening properties. For this purpose, rods are introduced into road slopes, bridge structures and various road surfaces that experience increased traffic loads.