Concrete is one of the most reliable building materials besides steel. If the steel has good tensile strength, then concrete has good compressive strength. However, each of these functions is only his own, and if it must be strengthened and refined, then fiberglass is the solution.
Concrete has the main component that has not changed from the start. If you want to add other composites, in this case, fiberglass, you must know what are the pros and cons of fiberglass in concrete before you know how to mix fiberglass in concrete. So, let’s look at the following review.
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Pros and Cons of Using Fiberglass in Concrete
The following is information about the pros of using fiberglass in concrete.
First, fiberglass can prevent cracking due to environmental influences or age. Concrete that has been mixed with fiberglass will indeed last longer. This composite can last for a long time without any cracks or fractures, even if a direct impact or slam hits it.
Second, the mixture of fiberglass in concrete can also reduce the porous risk. In the manufacture of concrete, the formation of pores is avoided. Because pores can form when water enters or seeps, this will increase the moisture in the concrete and make it more prone to porous. For this reason, a fiberglass mixture was added to overcome this.
Third, combining fiberglass with concrete can also give a unique look at the result stage. When the molded concrete hardens, the glass fibers will naturally appear on the surface. This unique texture is produced because there is a combination of the two ingredients.
Fourth, although the addition of fiberglass to all concrete materials can cost a lot of money, this additional material is still more affordable than others. In addition, it is also equivalent to long-term results.
Besides the four pros and cons of using fiberglass in concrete, there are only two contra reasons, namely:
First, the mixing of fiberglass in concrete takes a longer time. Because fiberglass has a different fiber from concrete fiber, therefore, the completion process will take longer.
Second, in the mixing process, an appropriate dose is needed to perfect the results. If the manufacturing process is carried out without a measure, it will definitely harm many things. For that, you must also know how to mix fiberglass in concrete.
The Concerns in Mixing Fiberglass in Concrete
Mixing fiberglass with concrete may seem easy, as if you just need to pour it into a mixer, then stir until evenly distributed. But apparently, it’s not that easy, and some concerns may arise if you do it not according to the procedure, including:
First, the concrete mixer cannot be used directly with fiberglass unless you are willing to bear the cleaning costs after use.
Second, the concrete must be ensured that it can adhere to the fiberglass to increase its tensile strength. However, if the concrete is in a worn condition, then the fiberglass will just be a flake of dust that is not good for your lungs.
Third, doing the mixing independently seems more efficient. However, when there is damage, such as cracked concrete, the risk of the cost becomes greater.
From these three concerns about how to mix fiberglass in concrete, we can conclude that the process is not as easy as imagined. And to prevent this, let’s look at the following tips and tricks on how to mix fiberglass in concrete.
How to Mix Fiberglass In Concrete
Step 1
Add the main ingredients of concrete to the mixing bucket. Typically for 50 pounds of the mix, it takes 8 gallons.
Step 2
Add color pigment to the concrete mix. Do a mixer or blender until everything is perfectly mixed.
Step 3
Add the fiberglass mixture, the size of the dry concrete mixture you made, and stir until evenly distributed. Make sure the bottom and sides are also mixed evenly by scraping with a shovel.
Step 4
Add water if necessary. The dose is 16 ounces of water for every 50 pounds of concrete mix. Usually, concrete with a gray cement mix will require less water than white cement concrete.
Step 5
Do the stirring as in the initial mix if there is a hardened mixture. This mixing process lasts for 1 hour. And when it’s done, just let it sit and wait for it to harden.
For the process of mixing fiberglass in concrete to be perfect, also use quality fiberglass materials. You can get it at our company, namely Silicapro; we provide several types of fiberglass with the highest quality goods. If you want to place an order in large quantities, you can contact us via the contact listed.
Well, that’s all the information about how to mix fiberglass in concrete. Check our fiberglass or glass fiber chopped yarn for your best concrete. Hopefully, it’s useful.