Improving Concrete Performance
Inhibits plastic settlement cracking
Duracrete fibres in concrete create an advanced internal support system that inhibits plastic settlement cracking. Fibres distribute evenly in the concrete mix and inhibit segregation and settlement of the heavier concrete ingredients. As the heavier ingredients do not drift downward, the mix water is not displaced. The uniform bleeding throughout the concrete gives it the optimum long-term integrity.
Controls plastic shrinkage cracking
The uniform distribution of Duracrete fibres increases the tensile strain capacity of concrete when it is in its most vulnerable early ‘plastic’ stage. As the concrete hardens and shrinks, the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks is discouraged. The onset of weakened planes that develop into these cracks is minimized.
Lowers water migration in concrete
Plastic cracks, which develop during the early stages of concrete hydration, allow water to pass. As Duracrete fibres reduce this micro-crack formation, it enables the concrete to progress from plastic to hardened state with greater integrity. Thus the water resistance of hardened concrete is greatly increased.
Resists impact and shatter forces
As the millions of Duracrete fibres distributed uniformly throughout concrete are equally elastic in all directions, impact and shatter forces are easily resisted. The fibres help absorb the shock of the force, as well as giving a concrete maximum integrity to withstand the force.
Improves abrasion resistance
The decrease in plastic shrinkage and settlement minimizes concrete surface weakness and defects and thus improves abrasion resistance.
Increases freeze/thaw durability
Duracrete fibres reduce water migration, giving concrete greater longevity in freeze/thaw environments.
Provides lasting reinforcement
Duracrete fibres are made from 100% homopolymer polypropylene, a tough, durable synthetic resin that can withstand the harsh environments inside concrete. Duracrete fibres are nonmagnetic and non-corrosive, as well as chemically inert. Because they are unaffected by the alkaline environment of concrete, and stabilized against long-term heat exposure, Duracrete fibres do not degrade and provide lasting reinforcement.
Significant improvement in fire protection
Duracrete reinforced concrete provides better protection to structures against exposure to fire.
Use of Duracrete Fibre in cement plaster and concrete works provide significant improvement in fire resistance, reduction to spill -damage and better structural integrity. On exposure to fire, Duracrete fibres in the concrete melt, forming channels to allow the steam to escape from inside.
Short term benefits
Duracrete fibres substantially reduce the formation of plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking in concrete by increasing the tensile strain capacity of concrete when it is in its most vulnerable ‘plastic’ stage.
Long term benefits
The reduction of plastic cracks enables the concrete to develop its optimum long-term integrity, thus improving concrete durability, impact and shatter resistance, and abrasion resistance. The multi-dimensional reinforcement provides additional post-crack residual strength, ensuring concrete longevity.