Precast Concrete

The early age stresses that precast concrete products and tilt-up panels are subjected to can be effectively addressed by adding Propex Concrete Systems' synthetic fibers into the concrete mix. In both of these applications, concrete is subjected to early age stresses than can jeopardize the long-term durability of the product. During early stripping and lifting, concrete is vulnerable to microcracking. These microcracks become “birth defects” that can grow into major flaws during the service life of the product. Fiber reinforcement is the ideal solution to this problem. Synthetic fiber reinforcement inhibits the formation of cracks by providing an internal support system for concrete. Conventional reinforcement, such as rebar or welded wire fabric, does not address or control microcracking.

To overcome the problem of cracking under moving loads and for achieving high compressive, flexural and impact strengths and absolutely zero maintenance, virgin polypropylene fibers have been introduced in the casting concrete mixture for mechanically cast blocks .Totally free from shrinkage and settlement cracks, damages during handling, laying and transportation. Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete is highly durable as polypropylene is totally safe in high alkaline atmosphere available in concrete environment, safe on exposure to solar radiation and free from risk of corrosion as faced in steel fiber reinforced concrete. For pre-cast concrete, polypropylene make it more ‘travel friendly’ when being transported, on loaded and off loaded as a result of increased tensile and shear strengths.