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Are builders getting enough fibre?
July 2006
Shrinkage and cracking in concrete and screed flooring is a common problem facing the builder. Remedial work to fix the cracking problem later will mean an extra cost to the job and significant time lost, both of which are undesirables in any builders heavy schedule of work.

For centuries horsehair has been used to reinforce rendering to reduce cracking particularly in lime-based mortars. Transforming the idea to today's modern build, TDP introduces fibres for screed and concrete flooring. Strong 20mm polypropylene fibres are added into a concrete or screed mix and disperse evenly within a few minutes of agitation. When laid and during the curing stage of the concrete or screed, the water content naturally evaporates and it is at this crucial time that the inclusion of fibres strengthens the bond of the mix thus, minimising shrinkage and cracking.

Available in 100g bags enough for one 25kg bag of cement - and 900g bags, sufficient to make up 1 cubic metre of concrete or screed, the inert, safe to handle fibres are an inexpensive way of reducing shrinkage and cracking.

"No extra preparation is required nor any special treatment, you just simply add a roughly measured amount of fibres to the mix and agitate in a cement mixer or wheel barrow for a few minutes. The mix is then ready to use for industrial and domestic floors, foundation bases, concrete drives and pathways, conservatory floors, under floor heating installations and general floor repair work" states Tim Blackman TDP's marketing manager.

The fibres are being used extensively through other parts of Europe and are manufactured to fine tolerances in a state-of-the-art quality controlled environment.

The product has been recently tried and tested at CERAM building and technology in Stoke-on-Trent and the tests have shown that cracking and shrinkage is reduced significantly and surface wear is greatly improved when the fibres are included in a traditional concrete or screed mix.


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