May 28 2004
Relief from dramatically escalating steel prices is the latest benefit that Grace Construction Products’ STRUX® 90/40 Synthetic Structural Fiber Reinforcement technology offers to contractors. STRUX is designed to replace welded wire fabric, light rebar and steel fibers in slab-on-ground flooring applications for both commercial and light industrial structures and in many precast applications.
The cost of steel has soared dramatically, according to industry sources. The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) also reports delays in securing certain steel products, regardless of price.
“Not only could the spike in steel prices push up the cost of construction projects overall – it puts enormous pressure on contractors already bidding jobs. Our STRUX 90/40 product provides a cost-effective alternative for welded wire fabric, light rebar and steel fibers for these contractors.” said Mark Kennedy, North American Product Manager at Grace Construction Products.
STRUX 90/40 synthetic structural fibers can enhance productivity at the job site and potentially, lower the contractor’s in-place costs. STRUX dramatically reduces concrete handling and eliminates placement costs associated with welded wire reinforcement or light rebar. Proper positioning of wire mesh in the concrete is always a concern when trying to achieve the designed reinforcement of the floor. With STRUX, the reinforcement is built into the concrete. Installing welded-wire mesh or rebar requires another step in construction. By eliminating this step, STRUX helps decrease time on the job, thereby reducing related manpower costs. Hauling, stocking and placing welded wire fabric is not always easy or safe, and can be expensive. STRUX 90/40 eliminates this expense.
Contractors using STRUX 90/40 may also enjoy more flexibility in scheduling and in equipment selection in slab-on-ground projects. STRUX eliminates concerns about laser screeds or ready mix trucks running over or flattening the wire mesh and damaging the job and in some cases may eliminate concrete pumping if pumping is necessary due to use of these other types of secondary reinforcement.
STRUX 90/40 represents the state-of-the-art in fiber reinforcement technology. Unlike earlier generations of synthetic fibers STRUX 90/40 is a “macro-fiber”, designed to provide tight crack control and, high residual strength, a true replacement for welded-wire mesh and light reinforcing bars in slab-on-ground applications, at a cost-effective price. This performance characteristic, never before available from synthetic fiber reinforcement products, increases the toughness and impact and fatigue resistance of concrete. A high strength, high modulus three-dimensional reinforcement, STRUX 90/40 is distributed throughout the concrete, improving its material properties. Additionally, STRUX 90/40 contains more fibers than steel fibers at the same volume, allowing for tighter crack control than these other products.
Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Grace Construction Products, a business unit of W. R. Grace & Co. – Conn., is a leading manufacturer worldwide of concrete admixtures and fibers, products for architectural concrete, cement processing additives, fire protection, waterproofing products and masonry products. The company has more than 125 plants and sales offices around the world.
Source: Grace Construction