Given the number of new buildings in recent years, one should not be surprised at the importance of using new technological solutions. One of them is fiberglass reinforcement, reviews about which are quite positive. This material appeared on our market quite recently, and therefore many continue to use metal rods for reinforcing structures. Does this approach have a right to exist and does the polymer material have any advantages over standard technology?
Fiberglass AdvantagesFirst, we must list the positive features of this material that its steel counterpart does not have. As you might guess, fiberglass reinforcement (reviews of which say the same thing) in itself is very light. Thus, the foundation or ceiling that was reinforced with it will be much easier. This is especially important in cases where the house is on unstable soil and it is necessary to minimize its weight.
Given its enormous tensile strength, fiberglass composite reinforcement can be used even in the most difficult and critical cases. It is the combination of the highest strength and low weight that allowed this type of reinforcement to occupy a dominant position in the modern construction industry.
If you know at least a little about the properties of plastic, you can guess that it is not affected by aggressive chemical environments, and also not prone to corrosion. And this is a huge advantage! Indeed, even monolithic reinforced concrete structures begin to degrade over time due to the fact that the reinforcement comes into direct contact with the external environment due to wear and cracking of the concrete layer. In addition, the fiberglass
reinforcement for the foundation does not wear out under the influence of
stray currents, which are a real headache for builders.
The fact is that the constant passage of static electricity and more noticeable charges (when using reinforcement as a lightning rod) through a metal leads to a deterioration in its quality. Of course, plastic is not used for grounding, but it will serve much longer.
Unfortunately, such an attractive material has its drawbacks.
Fiberglass disadvantages
- Fiberglass fittings (reviews which they speak for themselves) in comparison with steel bends much more strongly. This does not interfere with reinforcing the foundation slab with it , but caution should be exercised with ceilings between floors.
- When heated to a temperature of over 600 ° C, plastic loses almost all of its qualities and collapses, and therefore all measures should be taken to insulate those sections that were reinforced with it. Because of this same property, in no case should welding be used.
FinallyThus, the main positive features of fiberglass include lightness and tensile strength. The disadvantages include a certain installation complexity, during which welding operations are excluded, and material of a particularly complex configuration will have to be ordered directly from the manufacturer. But for the foundation there is no material better than fiberglass reinforcement. Reviews about it say that all the existing shortcomings are more than covered by high technical characteristics.