Mesh-free composite floor system
Development
In recognition of the many practical difficulties associated with the use of traditional welded wire fabric in upper floor construction and in response to the ever increasing demands for improved speed of construction, improved quality and cost effectiveness, Tata steel and Propex Concrete Systems have joined forces to develop FibreFlor.
FibreFlor is a combination of Novocon high performance steel fibres and Fibermesh micro synthetic fibres providing a unique three dimensional concrete reinforcement solution for composite metal decks and designed to replace traditional welded wire mesh.
By combining the attributes of both types of fibre, FibreFlor provides performance benefits over the entire life span of the concrete – from simplifying placement, to minimising controlling cracks in the hardened state, to providing years of exceptional durability.
In the development of FibreFlor, it was identified that many properties were required to provide both an optimum technical solution for the necessary fire rating, but also practically in providing a concrete solution that is easily handled, pumped and finished.
The world leading brand of Fibermesh microsynthetic fibres are proven to inhibit both plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking. Additional benefits include increased impact and abrasion resistance together with reduced permeability of the concrete. Fibermesh micro-synthetic fibres are also internationally proven to provide resistance to explosive spalling, in the event of fire.
Novocon high performance steel fibres are proven to provide both a and long term crack control. This allows the load carrying
capability to replace traditional mesh reinforcement. Testing approved by the Steel Construction Institute confirmed that FibreFlor also provided longitudinal shear resistance in excess of that provided by A393 steel wire fabric.
FibreFlor reinforced composite metal deck systems have been extensively tested in accordance with BS EN 1365-2:2000 standards at NAMAS certified fire test facilities, under the guidance of the Steel Construction Institute (SCI).
Results, analysed and approved by the SCI, show that FibreFlor reinforced composite metal deck systems provide equivalent or superior performance to traditional wire mesh solutions with fire ratings of up to two hours.
Experience
Propex Concrete Systems (Formerly SI Concrete Systems) are global leaders in supplying fibres for secondary concrete reinforcement to the construction market.
With over two decades of innovating and perfecting fibre reinforcement solutions, Propex offers performance benefits over the entire life span of concrete – from simplifying placement to minimising cracks in the plastic state to controlling cracks in the hardened state to providing years of exceptional durability and fire resistant benefits.
An international staff of fibre reinforced concrete specialists have expanded their quest to solve concrete construction’s greatest challenges in virtually every application imaginable: slab-onground, elevated slab, poured inplace walls, sprayed concrete, precast and many more.
The resulting solutions have spawned a continually growing list of pioneering firsts, including fibrillated, monofilament and macro-synthetic fibres as well as engineered fibre combinations for multifaceted applications.
A long-standing philosophy of solutionsorientated innovations ensures the delivery of the ultimate combination of world-class concrete reinforcement products and worldclass concrete specialists.