Keohane Reinforced Concrete

Keohane Readymix Fibre Reinforced Concrete adds fibres at the batching plant, distributing them uniformly, to enhance concrete performance and durability, providing full reinforcement throughout the depth of the concrete.

Fibre reinforced concrete can be placed, pumped or sprayed using standard equipment in the same way as normal readymix concrete.

Structural (using plastic and steel fibres) and non-structural (using polypropylene fibres) reinforced concrete mixes are available.

Structural Reinforced Concrete – Plastic Fibre

Structural fibres (plastic) are manufactured from a high-strength, high modulus synthetic plastic. They are designed to replace welded mesh and light reinforcement bars.

Where to use it

Suspended floors and roof elements
Large scale industrial floors
Lightweight applications
Architecturally sensitive buildings
Complex, geometric elements

Benefits

Reduced overall construction cost over steel
Reduced manual handling and placement time (no steel fixing)
Increased crack control
No associated corrosion issues
Eliminates concern associated with correct placement of reinforcement and correct cover
Reduced structural weight (suspended slabs/roof elements)

Structural Reinforced Concrete – Steel Fibre

Structural fibres (steel) are manufactured in various grades, deformations and sizes to suit most concrete flooring applications.

Where to use it

Heavily trafficked industrial paving (scrap yards)
Industrial ground bearing slabs
Jointless ground bearing slabs
Suspended slabs on piles
Impermeable concrete slabs

Benefits

Reduced overall construction cost over steel
Reduced manual handling and placement time (no steel fixing)
Increased crack control
Eliminates concern associated with correct placement of reinforcement and correct cover
Increased surface abrasion resistance

NOTE: Where either plastic or steel fibres are used as either a partial or total replacement to conventional steel reinforcement, we recommend that the structural designer is consulted.

Non-Structural Reinforced Concrete
– Polypropylene Fibre

Non-structural fibres are not an admixture, they are classified as an addition. They can be added to almost all conventional concrete mixes. Concrete mixes incorporating fibres comply with current European and British standards and require no additional specification criteria.

Where to use it

Concrete slabs/external paving
Deep sections >500mm
Strip footings and foundations
Concrete elements with a high length to width ratio (e.g. pathways/kickers) the majority of concrete will benefit from fibre addition

Benefits

Reduced shrinkage (less crack potential)
Increased resistance to freeze thaw damage when used with a conventional air entraining agent
Reduced potential for settlement cracking
Reduced risk of delaminating
Increased surface durability