Modern construction technologies involve the use of new materials with improved characteristics. One of the latest developments in scientific and construction organizations– plastic fittings. Thanks to its complex of operational properties, it successfully competes with metal rods, which are gradually destroyed as a result of corrosion processes. Glass reinforcement is used to provide an increased safety margin for concrete structures in contact with fresh and salt water, as well as aggressive environments.
Composite reinforcement – fiberglass material for strengthening concrete
Composite fiberglass reinforcement is a new building material made from various fibers:
- basalt;
- glass;
- polyamide;
- carbon.
Name polymer reinforcement determined by the type of fiber used:
- basalt-plastic rods are made from basalt thread;
- fiberglass reinforcement is made on the basis of glass fiber.
Novice developers are interested in whether it is possible to use fiberglass reinforcement for the foundation, and also how fiberglass reinforcement behaves in aerated concrete walls. Modern technology manufacturing, which involves impregnation of a bundle of fibers with a thermoplastic mixture based on polymer components, ensures the required strength of the finished product.
Polymerizing at elevated temperature, the threads collected in a bundle freeze and acquire the required form. Combining fiber threads can improve performance properties.
Improved adhesion of glass reinforcement to concrete is ensured by applying the following materials to the outer surface of polymer rods:
- fine sand;
- marble particles;
- crushed granite.
Transverse or spiral corrugations increase the strength of the reinforcement and improve adhesion to the concrete mass.
The fibers are bonded together using polyester composite resins Plastic fittings - features of building materials
Plastic reinforcement, designed to increase the strength of concrete structures, has its own characteristics.
The main difference of this material is its light weight, as well as its two-layer construction:
- the inner layer is the core of the rod, consisting of longitudinal threads filled with a composite mixture. The core increases the resistance of the material to tensile and compressive loads;
- the outer layer is formed by a group of threads twisted in a spiral. The characteristic arrangement of the outer fibers increases the resistance of the rods to torsion, and also improves the contact of the polymer reinforcement with concrete.
Polymer threads improve the performance properties of composite rods, which successfully compete with standard metal reinforcement. Distinctive features of glass fittings:
- weight reduced by 4-5 times compared to steel rods. The main advantage of the material makes it easier to work and reduce costs associated with transportation;
- The polymer material is twice as durable as steel in terms of tensile strength. This makes it possible to provide the required safety margin with reduced parameters of the outer diameter;
- resistance to corrosive destruction and neutrality to aggressive liquids. Polymer rods retain their properties in a humid environment;
- reduced thermal conductivity coefficient compared to steel. Polymer material allows for the construction and repair of houses, preventing the formation of cold bridges;
- possibility of assembly power frames without electric welding. This simplifies the process of fixing the bars and also reduces costs.
Fiberglass is used to produce this construction reinforcement Design features and performance characteristics allow the use of glass reinforcement instead of steel rods to solve a wide range of problems.
Glass reinforcement - types of rods
Plastic fittings are made from different types threads The following types of composite rods are used:
- fiberglass, abbreviated as ASP. The core is made of glass fibers that are highly resistant to moisture. The products are used to increase the strength of foundations and road surfaces;
- basalt plastic, marked ABP. Easily distinguished by the black color of basalt fibers. Basalt plastic rods are superior to fiberglass rods in their ability to withstand tensile loads, as well as the magnitude of elastic deformation;
- Carbon fiber rods marked UGP are made on the basis of carbon, used in the production of concrete composites. Increased level the cost of purchasing carbon fiber reinforcement is compensated by the working properties of the material, as well as the ease of working with it;
- combined. Reinforcement with the ACC index is made of basalt and glass fibers and is characterized by increased strength properties. ACC polymer rods on a glass-basalt base are used for special purposes.
The choice of composite rods is carried out depending on the complexity of the tasks.
There are different variations of fitting models, some of which are quite unusual How plastic fittings are made
The production process of polymer reinforcement is carried out on automated lines and includes the following stages:
- Filling the feed module hopper with a polymer composition.
- Feeding composite fibers and ensuring uniform tension.
- Heat treatment of the material to remove water and oil inclusions.
- Loading polymer fibers into a tank with heated binding ingredients.
- Pulling the impregnated threads through a nozzle that winds them.
- Polymerization of the starting material in an oven at high temperature.
- Cooling the resulting rods and cutting them into pieces of the required sizes.
The characteristics of the equipment guarantee the quality of the resulting products.
Scope of glass reinforcement
Polymer reinforcement is used to solve various problems:
- production composite concrete used for the construction of monolithic structures;
- construction of building foundations and pouring monolithic slabs;
- increasing the strength of walls built of brick;
The scope of application of this building material is extensive. - construction of port facilities and special structures to strengthen coastline;
- covering structures highways and strengthening of concrete slopes;
- construction of protective structures for railways and transport highways;
- production of concrete products requiring prestressing;
- construction of transport interchanges, bridges, overpasses and overpasses;
- construction of concrete structures in seismic zones.
Plastic rods do not require waterproofing, regardless of the choice of structural reinforcement scheme. The use of fiberglass reinforcement for concrete reinforcement and the use of polymer rods is carried out on the basis of previously performed calculations. Employees of specialized organizations are proficient in the technique of calculating reinforced concrete for construction.
Advantages of glass fittings
Developers are interested in what the pros and cons of plastic fittings are. Like all building materials, fiberglass reinforcement has disadvantages and advantages. The main advantages of glass fittings:
- increased safety margin;
- acceptable price level;
- light weight of rods;
- corrosion resistance;
- resistance to aggressive environments;
- reduced thermal conductivity;
Plastic reinforcement is used more and more often in construction today, due to its unique characteristics. - environmental cleanliness;
- long period of operation;
- ease of machining;
- convenient delivery option;
- possibility of assembling frames without welding;
- preservation of properties when negative temperatures;
- dielectric characteristics.
Thanks to a set of advantages, composite rods are popular.
Weaknesses of fiberglass rods
Along with the advantages, glass fittings also have disadvantages.
Main disadvantages:
- decrease in strength properties when heated above 200 °C;
- increased likelihood of fire when heated;
- insufficiently high elastic modulus;
- decrease in strength properties during operation and contact with alkalis;
- impossibility of bending rods without the use of special technological methods.
These disadvantages limit the scope of use.
Composite reinforcement is a fairly young material that has become available at construction market not so long ago. However, due to its many advantages, it has gained wide popularity. Many manufacturers claim that such products can completely replace steel reinforcement. However, its use is not always justified. It is worth taking a closer look at both the advantages and disadvantages of the composite. This will allow you to choose a material that will last for many decades.
Composite reinforcement is a rod made of fiberglass. A carbon fiber thread is wound around it. Its use ensures not only the strength of the product, but also reliable adhesion to concrete. Such products have both a number of advantages and certain disadvantages. For this reason, it cannot always be used.
The carbon fiber rods are fastened with special clamps. There is no need to use welding for fastening. This is its significant advantage.
For each situation, it is worth considering the features of using such products. The use of this approach will ensure the reliability and efficiency of fastening various structures.
If the characteristics of the product are not taken into account sufficiently and without comparing them with metal reinforcement, the building structure can be significantly damaged if composite materials are used. For this reason, even before using composite products, it is worth finding out in what cases their use would be appropriate.
Important! It is also worth paying attention to physical and mechanical properties composite products.
Main advantages
Composite reinforcement has a number of positive qualities. Among its main advantages are:
The material also has many disadvantages that are worth considering in more detail.
Main disadvantages
Before purchasing fiberglass reinforcement, you should learn about all its characteristics, as well as the main disadvantages. The disadvantages of the material include:
- It does not tolerate high temperatures. However, it is quite difficult to imagine a case in which it can heat up to 200 degrees inside a concrete structure.
- High price. However, this disadvantage is offset by the possibility of using carbon fiber products with a smaller diameter than metal products.
- Composite reinforcement has poor bendability. This property imposes certain restrictions when using it to strengthen a concrete structure. However, bent sections can also be reinforced with steel rods.
- Such products do not cope well with fracture loads. This circumstance is critical for most concrete structures.
- Compared to metal fittings, fiberglass products are less rigid. This drawback does not allow it to withstand large vibration loads that occur when pouring concrete using a truck mixer. When this technique is used, the concrete structure is subjected to heavy loads. Due to this, design defects are possible.
If we consider the disadvantages of carbon fiber reinforcement, we cannot say that one material has an absolute advantage over another. In any case, when choosing composite products, you should be careful, take into account its pros and cons, as well as the conditions of use in a particular situation.
Important! Since the composite material does not have sufficient flexural strength, it is not suitable for knitting when laying steel bars. For this it is better to use plastic clamps.
Areas of application
Reinforcement, which is made from various composites, has found application in both private and capital construction. You can learn the rules for its installation yourself according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Since there is no point in the specifics of using composite products in capital construction, it is worth focusing on the construction concrete foundations for private houses.
The main areas of use of fiberglass products:
To summarize the above, it is worth noting that fiberglass reinforcement can be used effectively in most cases. However, it is worth taking into account the shortcomings of the material and the associated operating limitations. They are often specified by the manufacturer.
Important! Knitting of composite reinforcement is carried out using plastic clamps.
Can fiberglass reinforcement replace metal?
Fiberglass products appeared on the construction market relatively recently. However, a lot of videos and text materials have been created on the topic of its use. If we take into account the above recommendations, it can be argued that fiberglass products can be used when strengthening walls or for connecting load-bearing structures with partitions.
The main advantage of fiberglass reinforcement is that it does not rust. In addition, when using it, no cold bridges appear, which cannot be said about metal rods. The use of such material is justified in cases where the structure being constructed will not be too heavy. It is also necessary to use it only when building a house on stable ground.
The success of using such material has not yet been confirmed by long-term practice. There are not enough reviews about it yet to make a correct conclusion. For this reason, every developer takes a certain risk when using composite reinforcement. If you plan to build a structure that has high requirements for strength and stability, you should choose metal reinforcement.
conclusions
When choosing composite reinforcement to strengthen concrete structures, it is worth considering its main pros and cons. Thus, the material is lightweight, easy to transport and has fairly good strength indicators. However, it cannot withstand high fracture loads. For this reason, for buildings that have high demands in terms of strength and stability, traditional metal rods should be chosen.
This composite consists of a fiberglass cord wrapped with a carbon fiber thread. Due to the use of the latter, adhesion to concrete increases. If you plan to build lightweight design, you can use a composite. Typically, composite reinforcement is used in construction low-rise buildings. Fiberglass reinforcement is used for both strip and slab bases.
When using fiberglass, it is better to consult with experienced builders. It is especially important to enlist their help when drawing up a construction project.
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Scientific progress does not stand still. This also applies to the construction manufacturing sector. Every day more and more alternatives to outdated products appear on the building materials market. The same is true with steel reinforcement. IN last years A product like this is gaining popularity. composite reinforcement. This fitting comes in three types: fiberglass, basalt-plastic And carbon fiber. Depending on the type, it is based on either glass, carbon, basalt, or aramid fibers and polymer binders in the form of resins. Externally, it consists of plastic rods with special technological ribs (like steel reinforcement) or sandy surface.
Ribs and sand are applied to the surface to improve the adhesion of the reinforcement to the concrete. The technological process and characteristics of composite reinforcement have been known for many years. But, despite this and the bold statements of manufacturers that it is more durable than steel reinforcement, the leadership still remains with steel. Is it possible that it will replace steel and is it as good as the manufacturers praise it? This question can be answered only by considering all the pros and cons of composite reinforcement. 
Advantages of composite reinforcement
Resistance to aggressive environments. Most important advantage all types of composite reinforcement are biological and chemical resistance. This fittings are neutral to the effects of microorganisms and their metabolic products. It is also neutral to water and highly resistant to various alkalis, acids and salts. This allows it to be used in those areas of construction where steel reinforcement shows poor resistance in these parameters.
Such areas may include: coastal fortifications, bridge construction, road construction(where there is exposure to anti-ice reagents), concrete work in winter, when various plasticizing, frost-resistant and hardening-accelerating additives are added to the concrete mixture.
Relatively light weight. Compared to steel reinforcement, composite reinforcement weighs four to eight times less, which helps save on transportation costs and unloading and loading. In addition, due to the low weight, concrete structures are also lighter, which is important for large scales and volumes of work.
Dielectricity and radiotransparency. Since plastic fittings are a dielectric, this allows you to avoid emergency situations and losses of electricity due to faulty wiring. Also, composite reinforcement does not interfere with radio waves, which is important in the construction of commercial and other types of buildings. 
Long service life. Due to its composition and structure, as well as resistance to aggressive environments, the service life of composite reinforcement is very long. To date, a record of forty years has been recorded. Manufacturers claim that it can last 150 years or more, but since composite reinforcement has been used in construction relatively recently, it is not yet possible to verify this.
Ease installation work . Due to its elasticity, composite reinforcement is twisted into small coils (with a diameter of just over one meter, depending on the cross-section of the reinforcement), which, combined with its low weight, allows it to be transported to passenger car. In addition, installation work can be successfully carried out by one person, since the technology for assembling structures is relatively simple.
Strength. The tensile strength of composite reinforcement is much higher than that of steel. With the same rod diameters, composite reinforcement can withstand longitudinal loads 3-4 times greater than steel reinforcement.
No length restrictions. Due to its elasticity, plastic reinforcement can be twisted into coils of 50, 100 or more meters. While maximum size steel reinforcement is usually limited to 12 meters.
Disadvantages of composite reinforcement
- Poor bending performance. Composite reinforcement has a modulus of flexibility that is three to four times less than steel reinforcement, which can lead to deformation of concrete structures and the formation of cracks. In addition, due to its high elasticity, it is not intended for the manufacture of bent structures (for example, foundation corners).
- Small range of sizes. Due to limited use, composite reinforcement is produced in a smaller variety of diameters than steel reinforcement. The range of produced sections is limited to sizes from 4 to 32 millimeters.
- Limited types of installation work. Installation of structures is carried out only by tying with wire or plastic ties. While steel reinforcement can also be welded.
- Low thermal resistance. At temperatures above 100-120 degrees, composite reinforcement begins to melt and loses all its properties. Therefore, in case of fires in such buildings, their further operation can be dangerous.
- Lack of sufficient documentation and regulatory framework. Although there are GOSTs for composite reinforcement, in most SNiPs, calculations for composite reinforcement are either poorly represented or absent altogether.
- Increased brittleness at low temperatures. Even at low subzero temperatures, composite reinforcement becomes more fragile.
conclusions
Composite reinforcement has a number of advantages and can be successfully used in many areas of construction. But a number of significant disadvantages do not allow it to completely replace steel reinforcement.
Fiberglass reinforcement is a building material created on the basis of fibers connected by a complex composition. It is produced on the basis of basalt, glass and carbon fiber, and they can be combined. However, basalt-plastic reinforcement and fiberglass are considered the most popular.
What is it made of?
It consists of two parts. The first is the trunk, thanks to which the high strength of the material is achieved. The fibers are bonded together using polyester composite resins. The outer layer serves for reliable adhesion to concrete: it is a fibrous body that is wound around the trunk in a spiral. It is thanks to this composition that plastic fittings received positive reviews such as reliable material for construction. There are different variations of fitting models, some of which are quite unusual. Fiberglass is used to produce this construction reinforcement. Its peculiarity is that there are practically no analogues in the world, and positive traits significantly expand the scope of application. Besides, this material is modern and efficient, and therefore best suits the requirements of the construction process.
Any fiberglass reinforcement is based on two components. The first is the direct reinforcing material, the second is the binder (a mixture based on the ratio of these components - 75 to 25. In composite reinforcement, all mechanical loads fall on the reinforcing component, while the binder materials are a kind of matrix that evenly distributes load on the entire length of the rod and protects it from external influences.
The most common recipe can be considered the following: glass roving or basalt fiber acts as a reinforcing link; epoxy resin In addition, the material will include a hardener and an accelerator. However, there is no universal composition, since each manufacturer builds its own technological process.
What is the secret of popularity?
It must be said that compared to metal materials Plastic products are in much greater demand today. Moreover, plastic fittings are used in any construction process. This is achieved due to several qualities:
- Resistance to corrosion, aggressive environments, including the alkaline environment of concrete. Unlike metal, plastic does not rust or break down. These qualities contribute to the fact that plastic structures are widely used in the construction of berths and fencing structures on water bodies.
- Reliability and strength, which plastic products more than steel ones. It is their reliability that allows them to be used in construction building structures for different purposes and volumes.
- High tensile strength.
- Lightness of fittings: for example, compared to the steel variety, plastic is five times less in weight and 11 times less in diameter. These indicators indicate that you can save on construction work, as well as on transporting the material to the site.
- Low thermal conductivity, due to which cold does not penetrate into the premises. It is no coincidence that plastic reinforcement for foundations is increasingly being used: during its construction it is possible to achieve high energy efficiency through economical materials.
- Resistant to radio waves.
- Possibility of use in various temperature conditions: from -70 to +100 degrees.
- Cost: buying a linear meter of plastic reinforcement will be much cheaper compared to, for example, a one-meter piece of metal rod.
Features of composite fiberglass
Composite fiberglass reinforcement appeared on the domestic market not so long ago and today is considered new technology. Such plastic fittings also received good reviews, since they have a number of advantages compared to their metal counterparts. Firstly, such structures are light in weight, so there will not be too much load on the foundation, which means the building will last much longer. Secondly, due to its high tensile strength, such reinforcement can be used for the construction of complex structures. design features objects. Thirdly, the composite material is resistant to aggressive environments and does not conduct electric current.
On the other hand, composite plastic reinforcement has a weaker elastic modulus compared to steel products. The elasticity is lost especially strongly when the composite is heated to 600 degrees. But on the other hand, it is precisely this characteristic that speaks in favor of the fact that plastic reinforcement has also been used for foundation installation, where tensile strength is very important.
Where are composites needed?
- In floor slabs: as a rule, reinforcement is laid in the upper or lower zone of concrete, and the concrete class should be B25.
- When reinforcing structures made of concrete and reinforced concrete.
- When constructing foundations that have a zero elevation.
- In reinforced structures that are exposed to aggressive environments.
- At repair work associated with damage to concrete due to exposure to aggressive environments.
- For reinforcing brickwork, especially if it is done in winter.
Where is fiberglass reinforcement used?
The scope of application of this building material is extensive:
- Due to its tensile strength, it is advisable to use fiberglass specifically for the construction of foundations for objects. Firstly, installation will be simple. Secondly, the base will be strong. Plastic reinforcement for foundations receives positive reviews due to the fact that it allows you to create a monolithic foundation. It is placed directly into concrete mortar during the pouring process, due to which the adhesion of the materials becomes stronger. To prevent the formation of pores and cavities at the joint, specialists use special vibration equipment.
- When installing high voltage power lines. Since the material does not conduct current, energy will be lost minimally, and its operation will be safe.
- Plastic fittings receive positive reviews from builders due to their versatility. Thus, it can be used to strengthen the strength of road surfaces, supports, and bridges.
- Composite materials form the basis for the production of sleepers. Due to the intense vibration that causes concrete to disintegrate, it was necessary new material, and fiberglass reinforcement became the right and effective solution.
- The metal is not resistant to aggressive environments, high humidity, solvents and acids, respectively, its service life is not very long. Fiberglass, used in the construction of docks, berths, and various barriers on the coastline, shows the best performance characteristics.
- Plastic reinforcement is also used in mine equipment when securing a special mesh, which protects the walls and vaults of the mine from collapse and secures them.
- You cannot do without this material when attaching insulating or facing material on the finished wall.
Types of fiberglass reinforcement
Today, plastic reinforcement is used more and more often in construction, due to its unique characteristics. In addition, today composite reinforcement refers to a whole range of non-metallic structures, which significantly expand the scope of their application. So, modern manufacturers They offer fiberglass and basalt plastic reinforcement. At the same time, the polymer resins that bind the fibers can be a variety of substances, each of which has its own characteristics.
Any building material is used based on certain rules and requirements. This also applies to composite reinforcement. Plastic reinforcement, the characteristics of which are so diverse, is used in construction based on SNiP approved back in 2003. By the way, each type of material is controlled by the manufacturer, and therefore the fittings must comply with the parameters that were originally stated.
Foundation reinforcement: how to choose?
Today, in private housing construction, plastic reinforcement for foundations is increasingly used. Experts advise that when choosing it, contact official dealers and reliable manufacturers, since the strength and durability of the building as a whole will depend on the quality of the material. The quality of the product, as well as the density of glass roving winding along the entire length of the rod, play a big role. The coils must also be filled with high quality. Materials good quality- this is the best choice when equipping any foundation - slab, strip or columnar. The type should be chosen depending on the bearing capacity of the soil, as well as the load on the building as a whole.
Foundation reinforcement is necessary in order to make the loads on the base of the building more uniform during operation. Concrete has compressive strength, but its structural integrity can be compromised by stress. It is with the help of reinforcement that greater adhesion to concrete is achieved, and accordingly, the foundation becomes stronger and more reliable. The main requirements when choosing fittings should be the following:
- ensuring rigid adhesion to concrete;
- durability;
- flexibility;
- resistance to rust and corrosion.
The fittings can be working, that is, reducing voltage and external loads, as well as distributive, when the load is evenly distributed on each rod - this helps to preserve correct location working rods. Using clamps, the rods are tied into a frame, protecting the concrete from cracking. Transverse rods protect against the occurrence of inclined cracks in the foundation, and longitudinal rods protect against vertical cracks.
Slab foundation
When constructing this type of foundation, you need reinforcement with a ribbed surface with a diameter of at least 10 mm. It is the diameter that affects how strong the reinforcement will be. Plastic reinforcement for the foundation, reviews of which are so good, should be selected depending on the type of soil. Let’s say, on non-heaving and dense, that is, with good bearing capacity and resistance to deformation, thickness and diameter can be small. If the house is massive, but on soft soil, the reinforcement should be thicker - approximately 14-16 mm. With this option, the reinforcement of the slab will be top and bottom, and the total number of rods will be more than 100. Knitting can be done in several ways. For example, first the reinforcement bars in the lower chord can be connected longitudinally and transversely, then vertical bars are attached to them, then again transversely and longitudinally. When tying fiberglass reinforcement, it makes sense to use plastic clamps and ties. This is the so-called tying of reinforcement with plastic clamps.
Strip foundation
Usually, strip base has a height greater than its width. Accordingly, the tape due small size It is prone to bending, and therefore when constructing such a foundation, reinforcement with a smaller diameter can be used. The peculiarity of this base is that two reinforcement belts will be needed regardless of its height. The process of laying reinforcement will be as follows: rods are laid longitudinally in the upper and lower parts of the foundation at a distance of up to 5 cm from the surface of the concrete - they will bear the entire load in case of deformation. Reinforcement with several bars can be used for weak or moving soil, as well as for the construction of oversized houses. Ideal for construction strip foundation fiberglass reinforcement - grades f6 and f7 (for one-story houses), grades f8 and f10 - for residential buildings with an attic or two floors.
Columnar foundation
Plastic reinforcement is also good (reviews confirm this) when constructing this structure. When reinforcing columns, metal reinforcement with a diameter of 10 mm or fiberglass reinforcement 6 is useful. For vertical rods, it is better to choose reinforcement with a ribbed surface, and horizontal ones are needed only for tying the rods into a single frame. The reinforcement frame consists of 2-4 rods as long as the height of the pillar. For example, when reinforcing a pillar 2 meters high and 20 cm in diameter, you will need four f6 rods. They need to be placed 10 cm from each other, and also tied with smooth reinforcement with a diameter of f4 or f5. For any type of foundation, you will also need reinforcement for plastic pipes.
Features of reinforcement knitting
The foundation is an important component of any building; its quality and reliability are the guarantee that it will last a long time and serve reliably. The reinforcement of the base must be approached wisely. Let's look at how plastic reinforcement is knitted for a strip foundation, since this is what is used most often in private housing construction. Knitting is needed in order to make the structure of the reinforcement frame uniform and more durable. The rods are tied in the places where they intersect. A piece of wire is bent in the middle, then it is put on a special hook, which is applied to the reinforcement and tightened. A simpler method of knitting involves the use of plastic ties.
When creating a reinforcing system, plastic shut-off valves are important. Her main function- promote stronger and more reliable fastening of plastic rods to each other. The most popular parts in this regard are considered to be fasteners, which are special and help create a protective layer of a certain thickness in concrete. The plastic fixture for reinforcement is created by casting from polyethylene under high pressure. They are needed in order to securely fasten reinforcing bars and frames in space, which will provide a protective layer in the concrete or reinforced concrete structure. Clamps can be used for horizontal and vertical surfaces, as well as for creating formwork.
How are plastic fittings made?
When you decide to build your house, pay attention to many little things and start with building the foundation. Many people are interested in the question of where to buy plastic fittings. Experts advise turning to trusted companies, since the longevity of the structure itself depends on the foundation of the house, its quality and reliability. Equipment for the production of fittings is quite expensive, and the quality of the materials depends on its quality.
Plastic fittings, the production of which is carried out on high-tech equipment, can be produced different diameters- 4-24 mm. Depending on the type of line, different numbers of rods will be produced, as well as different sections. As a rule, the delivery package includes a whole range of devices - from a thread heating device and an impregnation bath to a drawing device and a control cabinet. Therefore, plastic reinforcement equipment should be selected correctly to make the process efficient.
Plastic fittings: customer reviews
In their reviews, builders - experienced and not so experienced - agree on one thing: plastic reinforcement is simply ideal for installing a foundation. For example, some have used a combination of steel and plastic rods: foundation slabs and the basement walls were created on the basis of plastic, and the floors, where stronger materials were needed, were built on the basis of steel. Many also note the convenience of knitting compared to metal reinforcement, which is supplied in one rod. In terms of tensile strength and resistance to rotting, there is also no better plastic reinforcement.
But, on the other hand, it cannot do without negative reviews. True, judging by them, these shortcomings are more than offset by advantages. For example, there is an opinion that after working with fiberglass your hands itch. In addition, it is almost impossible to bend it to make, for example, corners in the form of the letters L or P. At the same time, the manufacturers themselves emphasize that fiberglass reinforcement should be used exclusively for foundation installation.
Steel or plastic: what to choose
For a beginner in construction, the choice of materials is always an important issue. For example, when designing a foundation, it is important to perform proper tying of reinforcement. Of course, in the case of building a bathhouse, you can use simple metal rods, but what to choose for a good-quality home? Today there is a choice between steel and plastic structures, each of which has its own distinctive features and disadvantages. If we talk about the advantages, they can be reduced to the following points:
As you can see, the advantages plastic variety still more. The disadvantages of steel include: the occurrence of corrosion and the large weight of the structure, while plastic reinforcement is only difficult to bend. Thus, in our own way technical specifications Fiberglass reinforcement is in no way inferior to steel, but it costs less. On the other hand, it is very important to remember about the peculiarities of building a particular house. For example, if you need to connect the facing material and the wall, you can use plastic-based reinforcement. But when installing concrete floors with reinforcement, it is better to use metal constructions, because due to their heavy weight they will not float up when pouring concrete. Thus, when choosing structures for reinforcement, it is worth considering several factors at once, which means that it is better to use professional help from specialists.
The modern world is changing rapidly, and this also applies to the construction sector - new technologies and materials. Today, the use of composite reinforcement in construction is not widespread, and main reason This is due to the lack of information and real, independent reviews from builders. After all, it is much more common and reliable to use good old metal fittings, the characteristics of which are well known and confirmed by time.
But the fittings are from composite materials has been used in Western countries since the 70s, and has received quite a high rating. Although even there she was unable to squeeze out steel.
In our country, many people still ask: what is fiberglass reinforcement? And they receive a lot of information - both fantastically laudatory (usually coming from the manufacturers of plastic fittings themselves) and very negative (manufacturers of steel fittings do not need competitors either). We will try to calmly and impartially analyze the advantages and disadvantages of composite reinforcement.
How are composite reinforcement produced?
Let's start with the fact that the term “composite reinforcement” combines all types of non-metallic reinforcement produced on the basis different types fibers that are used as a reinforcing base of the rod. The fibers from which the reinforcement is produced can be the following:
- 1. basalt fiber;
- 2. glass fiber;
- 3. aramid fiber.
- 4. carbon fiber.
Thus, the types of composite reinforcement, depending on the applicable fibers, are as follows:
- 1. Basalt-plastic reinforcement, usually black (ABP);
- 2. Fiberglass reinforcement, light yellow in color, however, thanks to coloring additives, the color range is wide (ASP);
- 5. Combined reinforcement (based on fibers of different types).
Any composite reinforcement is produced on the same equipment, the technology is also no different. The only difference is the type of fiber. Currently, there are several production methods:
1. A bundle of fibers, having previously formed a rod - the main reinforcement rod, is impregnated with epoxy resin and pulled out. Then the bundle of fibers is pulled through the shafts, while at the same time a bundle made of the same fibers using resins is wound onto it. The harness in this process performs two tasks - it tightly presses the fibers of the rod, and serves as reinforcement ribs, which will improve the adhesion of reinforcement and concrete in the future. After this, the reinforcement goes through the oven drying stage, and now the reinforcement is ready. This method is the oldest; it is used by almost all Russian manufacturers of plastic fittings.
1. Fiber feeding system (fiberglass, carbon fiber, basalt fiber)
2.Polymer bath (polyester, epoxy resins)
3. Preforming device
4. Die
5.Heating/cooling zones of the die
6.Pulling machine
7.Cutting machine
2. The second method differs from the first only in that the rope is wound onto the rod with very strong force; it is literally pressed into the main rod, as a result of which the ribs are formed from the fibers of the rod itself. Such fittings are more durable than those produced by the first method, since there is no risk of ribs falling off. However, finding similar fittings Russian production almost impossible, since most people use the first method.
3. The third method is also similar to the first, however, the tightening rope here does not form ribs, but only tightens the fibers of the rod until polymerization in the oven. To adhere to concrete, a layer of abrasive - quartz sand - is applied to the reinforcement. This type of reinforcement has the poorest adhesion to concrete, and on top of that, it has the shortest service life. The fact is that epoxy resin is destroyed quite quickly in the alkaline environment of concrete, and polyester resins, which are not afraid of alkali, are extremely rarely used by manufacturers in Russia.
4. Finally, reinforcement made using the pultrusion method. In this case, the fibers are formed into a rod, impregnated with polymer resins, pulled through dies with different sections, arranged in descending order. This method makes it possible to form a periodic relief (ribs) with high accuracy, thanks to which they can be used as a thread (for example, as a tie screw for formwork, with a fiberglass or steel nut). The fittings produced in this way are different high quality, durability and high price. In addition, such fittings are almost never produced in Russia.
If you search, you can find a completely unusual material on sale - composite reinforcement with an internal cavity. Despite its exotic nature, the tube reinforcement deserves attention - after all, thanks to the cavity, the diameter increases, and with the same number of fibers, the reinforcement with a cavity has large area contact with concrete, which means better adhesion.
Composite reinforcement pros and cons
Like any building material, composite reinforcement has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of composite reinforcement:
1. Weight - non-metallic fittings are almost like feathers compared to metal ones. The weight of composite reinforcement is 10-12 times less than steel reinforcement of equal strength. For example, 1 meter of 10 mm plastic reinforcement weighs 100 grams, and steel reinforcement of the same diameter weighs 617 grams. And the fact that plastic rolls into coils allows you to load several coils (the length of a coil is usually 100-200 meters) of reinforcement into the trunk of a car.
2. Composite reinforcement has an impressive tensile strength - 2.5-3 times more than steel (of course, this means with the same diameter). Thus, composite reinforcement with a diameter of 12 mm replaces steel diameter 14-16 mm. Hence the term “equal strength replacement” is used by builders and manufacturers.
3. The cost of composite reinforcement today is lower than that of metal, although a few years ago it was the other way around. Moreover, the price of steel reinforcement is growing steadily, while composite reinforcement remains almost the same.
4. Another plus - composite reinforcement is sold in coils of 100-200 meters, which can significantly reduce the number of scraps when reinforcing structures.
But not everything is so rosy; there are also disadvantages of composite reinforcement:
1. Experts call the main disadvantage of composite reinforcement the low modulus of elasticity, 4 times lower than that of steel - and this is with the same diameter. Of course, this is not a critical drawback; the main thing is to make additional calculations, and it is better if specialists do this. Or our calculator.
2. Composite reinforcement can only be bent in production, at construction site You won't be able to bend it at an angle. True, few elements in the form of rods at an angle are usually required, and they can be replaced with steel reinforcement.
3. Fiberglass reinforcement does not withstand high temperature- at 100 degrees it ceases to be elastic and breaks easily.
4. Welding when using composite reinforcement is unacceptable, although some experts consider this an advantage. Indeed, when reinforced with either steel or plastic reinforcement, both are mainly tied with wire or plastic ties.
There is an erroneous statement that tying composite reinforcement can only be done with plastic ties (clamps). Of course this is not true. Moreover, we recommend knitting with regular baked steel knitting wire. The process of tying composite reinforcement is no different from tying metal reinforcement. And the goal is the same - to fix the frame until the concrete gains strength, then it doesn’t matter at all what and how the fiberglass reinforcement was knitted.
By the way, it is necessary to say a few words about cutting composite reinforcement. Not everyone knows that it is possible to chop, bite or resaw fiberglass reinforcement, but it is not at all necessary. The best option cut the composite using a grinder. The fact is that biting or chopping creates microcracks, which, although not visible to the naked eye, go deep into the core. Water and alkali get into the cracks, and during freezing and defrosting, the cracks will expand, gradually destroying the reinforcement.
Important! When cutting composite reinforcement, you should take necessary measures safety - protect your eyes and respiratory organs, since fine dust from basalt or glass fibers is extremely harmful.
Where is fiberglass reinforcement used?
The use of composite reinforcement in construction is quite widespread, although not very widespread in Russia. It is mainly used in the construction of foundations in private housing construction, in the construction of roads, and in the production of slabs. It is often used to create flexible connections between brickwork, to improve the characteristics of walls, etc.
If you have experience using composite reinforcement, please share in the comments!
