Fiber-reinforced concrete: how to save time and money AND get solid results

The construction industry is always looking for ways to cut costs and save precious hours for their crews on-site. The intelligent use of fiber-reinforced concrete with select admixtures can reduce or eliminate the need for traditional reinforcements (electrowelded mesh, rebar, etc.), saving time, labour and money on-site, while achieving similar or superior results. 

Fibers can help improve many key properties in concrete: ductility, tensile strength and impact resistance for example. This is why fiber-reinforced concrete is becoming an increasingly popular choice in several sectors of the construction industry. 

Micro-synthetic fibers can be added to mitigate plastic-shrinkage for crack prevention, while macro-synthetic and steel fibers add tensile strength and flexural toughness in post-cracking environments. 

MAPEI Admixtures for Concrete

MAPEI has the products, tools and expertise to assist with your next project using fiber-reinforced concrete. We can help you plan and build your concrete to exacting specifications. In addition, our specialized MAPEI Structural Design software allows us to help guide engineers and specifiers in three steps:

1. We create a comprehensive Data Design based on inputs such as thickness, ground type, concrete, fiber dosage and design loads.
2. We do a Structural Check to ensure the solution will meet all physical requirements.
3. We generate a Technical Report with detailed recommendations.

This helps in identifying the correct admixture products and dosage rates, all based on the data you provide about the existing environment and needed results. We can help you find the right solutions for:

• Industrial Flooring and Logistic Areas
• Concrete Airport Runways
• Parking Areas
• Concrete Floors with Radiant Heating
• Concrete Floors with Agricultural Uses
• Foundation Layers for Prefabricated Houses
• Concrete Roads for Bridges
• Multi-level Floor Steel or Prefabricated Structures
• Foundation Layers for Rail

Fiber-reinforced concrete as part of system solutions

Many system solutions can be devised and tailored to the needs of your project, using our Research & Development laboratory in our Laval, Quebec facility. MAPEI has a complete range of products able to control the chemical and physical processes within concrete over time. By selecting the right quantity of suitable admixtures, the amount of shrinkage in concrete may be calculated and, therefore, controlled.

One of our best known fiber-reinforced concrete solutions is called the Mapecrete^® System which harnasses a macro fiber and other admixtures for concrete in the creation of seamless, durable concrete slabs.

Mapecrete System is a proven technology by MAPEI for producing shrinkage compensated concrete, where a high degree of dimensional stability is required to prevent shrinkage cracks in structures. Mapecrete System is based on the principle that shrinkage may be restrained by a structural reinforcement system.

The Mapecrete System combines a fiber admixture with a blend of three other (non-fibrous) admixtures for concrete: A mid-range water reducer specifically developed for slabs, a shrinkage-compensating agent and a shrinkage-reducing agent. The effect of this system is guaranteed by the synergistic effect of the three products combined with the use of the macro synthetic fiber.

Another benefit of the Mapecrete system is its ability to place up to 20,000 square feet [1 858 m²] per slab, allowing effectively, about four times fewer joints than a standard concrete slab. Fewer joints means fewer areas of concern for ground contaminants, making it a great solution for warehouses, aircraft hangars, food and beverage production, etc.

Fibers working together with other admixtures for concrete

MAPEI Canada offers numerous other innovative admixtures that can help installers save time and money when working with fiber-reinforced concrete. Here are some key benefits: 

• Improved Workability and Placement

  MAPEI's admixtures enhance the workability of fiber-reinforced concrete, making it easier to place and finish. This allows installers to work more efficiently, reducing labour time and costs. The improved flowability also helps ensure proper fiber distribution throughout the mix. 

• Reduced Water Requirements

  Admixtures like Dynamon^® Easy 75 reduce the amount of mixing water needed while maintaining workability. This results in stronger concrete with less shrinkage and cracking. Using less water also means faster drying times, allowing for earlier finishing and faster project completion. 

• Extended Working Time

  Set-retarding admixtures like Mapetard Plus [NA] provide extended slump life and workability. This gives installers more time to place and finish the concrete before it begins to set, reducing waste and the need for retempering.  

• Optimized Mix Designs

  By using MAPEI admixtures, concrete producers can optimize their mix designs to use less cement while maintaining or improving performance. This translates to cost savings that can be passed on to installers and owners. 

• Improved Durability
  The enhanced properties provided by MAPEI admixtures result in more durable fiber-reinforced concrete with better resistance to cracking, shrinkage, and other durability issues. This means longer-lasting installations with reduced maintenance and replacement costs over time. 

Here is the complete list of Mapefibre^™ admixtures offered: 

Mapefibre IT 39 NV is a polyolefin macro synthetic fiber which provides excellent energy-absorption performance for all shotcrete applications. 

Mapefibre NS18 [NA] is a monofilament polypropylene fiber manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene resins, primarily used as a plastic-shrinkage reinforcement in concrete. This micro synthetic fiber measurably reduces plastic settlement, while offering excellent distribution and finishability. It also extends the service life of concrete by reducing permeability and enhancing impact and surface abrasion resistance. Mapefibre NS18 [NA] complies with EN 14889 Part II Type 1.A. and ASTM C1116 Type III, ASTM D7508. 

Mapefibre NS18 Polymesh [NA] is a fibrillated polypropylene fiber manufactured from 100% virgin polypropylene resins, primarily used as a plastic-shrinkage reinforcement in concrete. This micro synthetic fiber measurably reduces plastic settlement, while offering excellent distribution and finishability. It also extends the service life of the concrete by reducing permeability and enhancing impact and surface abrasion resistance. Mapefibre NS18 Polymesh [NA] complies with EN 14889 Part II Type 1.B. and ASTM C1116 Type III, ASTM D7508.

Mapefibre Steel fibers are hook-ended steel fibers specifically designed to be used in the creation of fiber-reinforced industrial floors as a valid alternative to conventional steel reinforcements, such as steel mesh. They are steel structural fibers with an omega-shaped profile, designed to improve the performance characteristics of conventional and precast concrete and shotcrete. Mapefibre Steel are used to obtain concrete with high ductility and to limit cracking, available in three differently sized varieties:

• 50-mm-long, 0.75-mm-diameter
• 50-mm-long, 1-mm-diameter
• 60-mm-long, 1-mm-diameter

Mapefibre ST 40 Plus is a 40-mm-long polymer fiber with an embossed surface, ideal for maximizing the performance characteristics of concrete. This macro synthetic fiber is a real alternative to traditional reinforcements (electrowelded mesh and/or steel fibers). Its use is particularly recommended for concrete elements requiring high post-cracking performance. Mapefibre ST 40 Plus has a special embossed surface to provide excellent grip to the cementitious matrix. The water-soluble film wrapping the pucks produces a perfect dispersion of the fibers in the concrete.

Mapefibre ST 42 is a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene resins, configured as waved fiber. It is used for concrete reinforcement, to replace some rebar system and welded wire mesh (WWM) reinforcement, as well as steel fibers. This macro synthetic fiber is cut to 42 mm in order to optimize ease of use and dispersion in concrete, as well as finishing and ultimate properties of concrete. Mapefibre ST 42 provides excellent results according to the ASTM C1609 test method.

Mapefibre ST 50 Twisted is a macro-synthetic fiber composed of a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene resins, to improve the performance characteristics of conventional concrete, pre-cast concrete and shotcrete.

Mapefibre ST55 is a macro polyolefin synthetic fiber with an embossed surface to help obtain a high level of adhesion in the cement matrix, thereby increasing the ductility of concrete and shotcrete in the post-failure phase. The use of a new generation polyolefin compound provides Mapefibre ST55 with a high level of resistance to attack from carbon dioxide and products containing chlorine. The fibers are also resistant to highly alkaline environments and provide the concrete with long-lasting structural performance.

By leveraging MAPEI Canada's advanced admixture technology, installers can work more efficiently with fiber-reinforced concrete while achieving superior results. The time and cost savings, combined with improved performance, make these products valuable tools for concrete construction professionals. And the MAPEI Technical Services team is there every step of the way, to help you by modeling exactly how to take advantage of MAPEI’s fiber-reinforced concrete solutions for today’s on-site and precast concrete needs.