Stamped concrete

Concrete fibers: glass, polypropylene, and steel fibers

Although concrete is a material that enjoys exceptional mechanical and chemical properties, it is advisable to reinforce it to further enhance these capacities.

  • 3Range
  • 3Technical data sheets
01

What it is

In this sense, concrete fibers are the perfect complement to achieve this goal. They provide extra tensile strength to the structure. This reduces the chances of cracking, the effects of shrinkage during curing, and exponentially increases impact and fatigue resistance.

Concrete fibers have been designed to replace the use of mesh, thus changing traditional application systems to more modern and faster ones to execute.

02

Types of concrete fibers and their differences

  • The most common types of concrete fibers today are glass fibers, polypropylene fibers, and steel fibers. At Topciment®, we offer all three types so that professionals can choose according to their preferences. For stamped concrete, the most commonly used fibers are polypropylene fibers.

  • Broadly speaking, the most relevant differences lie in workability, cracking and abrasion, corrosion, and exposed ends.

Glass fibers for concrete

Fibras de vidrio para hormigón

Glass fibers are one of the essential accessories for concrete construction. The main purposes of this supplement are to increase the durability of the structure, improve resistance to surface abrasion, and drastically reduce microcracking.

  • Tensile strength (EN 15422:2008)1700 MPa (12 mm) 1600 MPa (36 mm)
  • High chemical resistanceAgainst alkalis.
  • ZrO₂ (EN 15422:2008)17,4%
  • Excellent thermal stabilityWithstand high temperatures and fire better
See full details

Thanks to the significant increase in strength and durability that our glass fibers provide to concrete and mortar, the use of mesh and veils is replaced. It offers continuous and three-dimensional reinforcement throughout the coating.

Its multifilament structure ensures maximum compaction. Likewise, its excellent elasticity prevents deformations and allows it to withstand the tensions derived from thermal and hydraulic shrinkage.

Completely resistant to alkalis and most acids, our glass fibers for concrete impede water loss. At the same time, they extend the lifespan of the mortar. The surface is completely ready for polishing, molding, and the addition of any desired additives.

Topciment®'s glass fibers for concrete have been modified to offer higher tensile and compressive strength than mesh and metallic fibers. They also provide increased impermeability, superior resistance to abrasion and impact, and a better final finish.

Available in 12 mm and 36 mm formats.

Polypropylene fibers for Concrete

Fibras de polipropileno para hormigón

Polypropylene fibers are a fundamental accessory in the application of concrete due to the advantages they provide to this construction material. They are designed to increase the strength and durability of the coating, thus preventing potential cracking.

  • Chemical resistanceInert to alkalis and acids in general.
  • Linear density (EN ISO 1973)7.6 dTex
  • Tensile strength (EN ISO 2062)0.270 N/tex
  • Vebe time (EN 12350-3, EN 14845-1)6.7 s
See full details

Made of 100% modified fibers, polypropylene fibers serve as an alternative reinforcement system to mesh. They help reduce the likelihood of cracks caused by shrinkage in concrete and mortars.

Additionally, polypropylene fibers for concrete reduce the construction time. These products prevent erosion, provide impact resistance, and mix easily with concrete and mortars.

An added value is that polypropylene fibers exhibit excellent mechanical and chemical resistances. They act as a vapor barrier and can withstand high traffic, high tensile stress, and temperature changes to which stamped concrete may be exposed.

Topciment®'s polypropylene fibers for concrete also offer good dispersion, allowing for high compaction and reinforcement of concrete by bonding the surface and the matrix.

Steel fibers for concrete

Fibras de acero para hormigón

We also offer steel fibers to reinforce concrete coatings and mortars. These filaments, made from drawn wire with hooked ends, replace or complement reinforcements in various construction elements.

See full details

To manufacture these metal fibers wires of various diameters are used and cut into different lengths. They provide exceptional reinforcement for industrial applications of concrete where higher strengths are required.

Our steel fibers enhance the mechanical properties of stamped concrete, as well as its ductility, durability, and fatigue resistance. These steel fibers prevent cracks and fissures while significantly improving the performance of concrete, providing greater toughness to the pavement.

This is a vital accessory for concrete, as the absence of steel fibers could lead to the development of cracks over time. Therefore, we strongly recommend their use. Topciment®'s steel fibers for concrete exhibit excellent adhesion, increase the hardness of the concrete, and provide superior mechanical strength:

Regarding their application method, our steel fibers can be directly incorporated into fresh concrete or mixed beforehand with sand and aggregates. It is crucial never to add them directly to the mix with the primary components.

Take the next step

Interested in Concrete fibers: glass, polypropylene, and steel fibers?

Our technical team will advise you on formats, consumption and finishes for your project.