The provided source material details technical specifications and applications of concrete reinforcement fibres, specifically focusing on products from Sika and Propex Concrete Systems. This information is derived from official product pages and corporate materials, offering an authoritative overview for professionals in the construction industry. The data covers product types, dosages, benefits, and applications, with a particular emphasis on the Fibermesh range and related innovations.
Product Overview and Technical Specifications
Sika Fibermesh®-150F Micro Fibre
According to Sika's official product information, Fibermesh®-150F is a micro fibre designed as an optimised balance of fibre type and quantity for resistance to explosive spalling in concrete. The documentation states that incorporating a relatively small amount of this product provides a three-dimensional protection system throughout the concrete. A key feature highlighted is that the fibres create the correct form of permeability required to relieve steam pressure inside the concrete only when a fire occurs. This specific characteristic positions the product as a targeted solution for fire safety in concrete structures.
The same source notes that SikaFiber® micro fibres are widely specified globally and have demonstrated benefits in shotcrete applications. These benefits include improved freeze-thaw durability, enhanced resistance to impact and abrasion, improved cohesion, and reduced rebound during application.
Fibermesh 150 Multifilament
County Ready Mix's product documentation describes Fibermesh 150 multifilament as offering superior plastic crack control in concrete when used at a standard dosage rate of 1 lb. per cubic yard. Plastic cracks are those that form in fresh concrete before it has fully hardened, and this product is positioned as an effective solution for mitigating such early-age cracking.
Fibermesh 300
Fibermesh 300 is presented as a long-standing micro fibre, having been the world's leading product in its category for over 20 years. The documentation specifies a dosage rate of 1.5 lbs. per cubic yard. Beyond controlling plastic cracks, Fibermesh 300 is noted to offer residual strength in the hardened concrete. This product has been used extensively, with an estimated application covering 40 billion square feet of concrete, serving as an alternative to traditional 10 gauge (W1.4) welded wire fabric (WWF).
Fibermesh 650 Macro Synthetic Fibres
For heavier reinforcement needs, Fibermesh 650 macro synthetic fibres are available. At a dosage rate of 3 lbs. per cubic yard, this product is often used as an alternative to 6 gauge (W2.9) welded wire fabric. Macro synthetic fibres provide a different structural benefit compared to micro fibres, typically contributing to post-crack strength and impact resistance.
The Evolution of the Fibermesh Brand and Blended Fibre Solutions
The Fibermesh brand expanded beyond synthetic fibres in 1998 following the acquisition of Novocon International, a manufacturer of steel fibres. This development allowed the Fibermesh portfolio to include steel fibres and, subsequently, blended fibre systems.
Novomesh 850: Steel & Micro Synthetic Blend
The first blended product introduced was Novomesh 850, a combination of steel and micro synthetic fibres. This blend is packaged in a 24 lb. bag and holds a UL rating, indicating compliance with specific safety standards. The documentation notes that Novomesh 850 has been used in millions of square feet of composite metal decks globally, including in Wisconsin.
Novomesh 950: Macro & Micro Synthetic Blend
A highly popular blend in Wisconsin today is Novomesh 950, which combines macro and micro synthetic fibres. This product is packaged in 5 lb. bags and is reported to have performed beyond many users' expectations. A specific application mentioned is the placement of slabs where Novomesh 950 has been used in lieu of traditional rebar.
A significant challenge in concrete slabs is curling, which can occur due to differential shrinkage and temperature gradients. The documentation states that Novomesh 950, at a dosage rate of 7.5 lbs. per cubic yard, has been used to tackle this issue head-on while also eliminating the need for control joints. This application is noted to have been successfully used on many gymnasium floors. Specific examples are provided: in Wisconsin, slabs measuring 100 feet by 100 feet have been constructed with Novomesh 950, showing no control joints and no visible cracks after 3-4 months.
Applications and Dosage Rates
The source material provides specific dosage rates and application contexts for various products, which are crucial for professionals specifying concrete mixes.
- Fibermesh 150: Dosage rate of 1 lb. per cubic yard. Primary application: plastic crack control.
- Fibermesh 300: Dosage rate of 1.5 lbs. per cubic yard. Applications: plastic crack control and providing residual strength in hardened concrete. Serves as an alternative to 10 gauge WWF.
- Fibermesh 650: Dosage rate of 3 lbs. per cubic yard. Serves as an alternative to 6 gauge WWF.
- Novomesh 950: Dosage rate of 7.5 lbs. per cubic yard. Applications: controlling curling in slabs, eliminating control joints, and providing reinforcement equivalent to or better than rebar in certain applications (e.g., gymnasium floors, large slabs).
The benefits of using these fibre reinforcement systems, as outlined in the sources, include enhanced durability (freeze-thaw, impact, abrasion), improved workability (reduced rebound in shotcrete), and specific structural performance (crack control, residual strength, curling prevention). The evolution towards blended fibres aims to leverage the advantages of different fibre types at various stages of the concrete's life cycle.
Conclusion
The provided technical documentation from Sika and County Ready Mix (Propex) offers a detailed insight into the Fibermesh product line and its applications in concrete reinforcement. The range includes micro fibres like Fibermesh 150 and 300 for crack control and residual strength, macro synthetic fibres like Fibermesh 650 for heavier reinforcement, and advanced blended systems like Novomesh 850 and 950. These products provide alternatives to traditional reinforcement methods such as welded wire fabric and rebar, with specific benefits for fire safety, durability, and crack mitigation. The dosages and application examples, such as the use of Novomesh 950 in large, joint-free slabs, illustrate the practical implementation of these fibre technologies in modern construction. This information is derived from official product and corporate materials, providing a reliable source for understanding these specific concrete reinforcement solutions.