Fiberglass is a material used extensively in building structures. It is strong, durable, and can be shaped to fit any form. Fiberglass reinforcement is a key ingredient of many building structures such as buildings, bridges, tunnels, and dams. In the past, fiberglass reinforced materials were considered an option only for large projects. Today, more people realize the benefits of using this material in construction. The following are the top three advantages of using fiberglass in reinforced concrete forms:
More Strength The top reason for using fiberglass reinforced plastics in structures is that it is more than capable of handling bigger forces applied in any construction project. It is stronger than concrete, due to the high degree of mechanical advantage it provides. For instance, the force required to keep a building structurally stable is enormous. A building would need to withstand thousands of ton loads per year. However, with the use of fiberglass reinforced plastics in concrete forms, the amount of force needed is reduced. As a result, the structure is more durable and stronger.
Longer Life And Durability Another advantage of using fiberglass reinforcements is the long life and durability it provides. There are several types of these composite materials available and they can be used in varied applications. For instance, there are concrete mixes that contain fibers from natural rubber and plastics. Moreover, there are also blends of these materials that are mixed to form the ultimate composition. These materials will last longer and can also withstand extreme weather conditions.
Better Tensile Strength Fiberglass reinforcements provide better tensile strength and it can be used for aesthetic and functional purposes. It has superior strength and dimensional stability when compared to steel. Additionally, the plastic strands can be shaped into the right forms. This enables the building owner to have the preferred form for whatever purpose. Moreover, the strength of the reinforcement is determined by the length and the thickness of the threads.
Types Of Fiberglass Reinforcement A wide array of fiberglass reinforcements is available and are classified according to their make. These include pre-cast reinforced concrete, poured molded, fiberglass coated concrete, pre-poured poured, bolted bar, threaded inserts, threaded rods, galvanized steel, molded fiberglass, pressure treated lumber, pore-free laminate and many more. These different types have different uses and come in varying strengths. The commonest ones are those that are used to strengthen concrete. They are available in both unfinished and finished form. In addition, the strength and durability depend largely on the number of threads per inch and the number of strands in the core.
Other common types of fiberglass reinforcements include pultrusion and thermoplastic rubbers. Typically, pultrusion is used in reinforced concrete while thermoplastic rubbers are used for floating flooring or other floating constructions such as swimming pools. When it comes to pultrusion, the material is heated to a specific temperature under controlled pressure and then is sprayed with a curing agent at very high speed. As the curing agent cures the material, the core solidifies and forms the integral part of the reinforced material.
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