Reinforcement in concrete is created with the aggregate of gravel and small stones, blended with the cement to develop it strength and durability under compression. However, reinforcing that concrete is applied by using a variety of materials including rebar, PC strand, round structural metals, GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) and others. It offers incredible reinforcing durability that can be used in a variety of applications including small decorative items, and heavy structural bridges and dams.
Rebar is used in poured concrete as a way to add yield strength and tensile durability. It is offered in a variety of grades, lengths and dimensional sizes. It is easy to manipulate and can be bent in a variety of shapes to meet the requirements of nearly any poured application.
Many modern residential concrete slabs, and commercial floors, are crafted with post-tensioned concrete. In addition to using traditional reinforced (rebar) steel, the technique of post tensioning uses steel cables inside a plastic sleeve or duct that provides tension once the concrete has cured. The steel cables are drawn under great tension to form a tight band around the perimeter of the slab.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) offers a lightweight solution that allows concrete to be poured very thin. Often used in concrete countertops, GFRC provides great durability at thicknesses of one inch or greater. It offers extreme flexural strength without the need of other types of reinforcement. This allows design placement of complex shapes without worrying about cracking or chipping. Additionally, it is used as a secondary reinforcement to provide the poured concrete higher tensile strength
PC (pre-stress concrete strand) is a fabricated multi-wire high carbon steel product. It is utilized to produce compression forces. It is often used effectively for pre-casted structures along with other applications including commercial buildings, bridges, parking decks, and other projects that require slab-on-grade solutions. Available as a galvanized product, PC strand offers an effective steadfast solution because its strength-to-weight ratio is extremely high, while the product is highly cost-effective
Round Structural Solutions
Often referred to as pool wire, or wire mesh, round structural metal is used as an effective reinforcement for concrete pouring. Many of these available round structural metals are manufactured with an attached paper backing used to form reinforcing support for spraying pool liners and other forms. In addition, carbon fiber reinforcing grids offer an available alternative to using light rebar or steel mesh in concrete placement. It has significant structural reinforcement to all types of casted pieces.
Additionally, carbon fiber reinforcing grids work well for concrete countertops because of their unique properties. They can easily be placed slightly below the finished concrete surface unlike traditional steel rebar. They are resistant to corrosion, and very lightweight.
Contractors use reinforcing concrete solutions for a variety of applications including creating countertops, pouring pool liners, and constructing dams, bridges, roadways, slabs and patios.
- Benefits of GFRC Mixtures
- Post-Tensioned Concrete Applications
- Reinforced Concrete vs. Post-Tensioned Solutions
- Concrete Reinforcement and Waterproof Solutions
- Reinforcement for a Concrete Driveway