New technologies and innovations are widely used today, including in the construction industry, contributing to the creation of the latest materials, significantly differing in their higher performance characteristics. One of them is fiberglass reinforcement, which can be called one of the most durable and durable materials. Having appeared not so long ago, it won great popularity, becoming an alternative to metal reinforcement. It consists of a special filler that performs a bonding function, and a synthetic polymer material (polyester or epoxy).
Advantages of fiberglass reinforcement
The popularity of this material is explained by the combination of its positive characteristics. A special polymer binder fiber provides high anti-corrosion properties, resistance to decay and chemicals.
Low thermal conductivity avoids freezing walls and foundations in the harsh Russian winter.
Having a specific gravity much lower than that of metal fittings, the fiberglass analog is not inferior to it in strength at all. The combination of these qualities makes the material particularly popular when creating complex and critical structures.
High insulating properties exclude stray currents and allow the use of fittings in such structures as lighting poles, power lines. Fiberglass is a dielectric, therefore, no electrical interference is created, which is very important for buildings in which high-tech devices are located.
Thanks to the ribbed profile, the reinforcement is firmly and reliably fastened to concrete, making it possible to successfully perform a wide front of installation works.
It is also beneficial from an economic point of view to use a material such as fiberglass reinforcement. The price for it is affordable (depending on the thickness is 11-16 rubles per meter) and allows you to reduce the cost of constructed structures.
It does not require a welding machine or other tools during installation. Instead of welding, various fasteners are used.
Fiberglass reinforcement is convenient for transportation, because it is sold with rods and coils that can easily fit even in a passenger car.
disadvantages
For all its undeniable merits, this material has several disadvantages. Compared with steel reinforcement, it has a rather low fracture strength. Therefore, it is important that fiberglass reinforcement is used only in those industries that are clearly defined by the manufacturer.
Due to the low modulus of elasticity, the material bends under certain conditions, therefore, when designing floors, additional calculations are necessary.
The temperature resistance of fiberglass is such that at a temperature of more than 200 degrees its strength is lost, this eliminates the use of material for the construction of structures involving high temperature heating.
Scope of application
It is recommended to use composite reinforcement as a reinforcing material in masonry, in the production of nets and rods that strengthen the bearing capacity of structures.
It is also convenient for strengthening roadbed, bridges, for creating walling, during various restoration and repair work.
In the construction of various concrete tanks, in sewer and water treatment systems, in land reclamation, fiberglass reinforcement is used. Using it in these cases is much more profitable in comparison with the metal counterpart.
In structures subject to corrosion (docks, moorings, etc.), fiberglass is simply irreplaceable.
Fiberglass reinforcement manufacturing
Fiberglass materials are impregnated with polyester resins, and in the process of drawing them through a heated die, a fiberglass profile is obtained.
The latest technology allows you to create products with a wide variety of profiles. This can be a rod, pipe, channel, plate, etc. The manufacture of fiberglass using this method requires the use of a special pultrusion machine.
Fiberglass PCT
It is a very flexible roll material. It is made using the same components as fiberglass reinforcement - these are fiberglass and polymer binders. Its main advantages are increased flexibility, resistance to various chemical and temperature influences, water resistance and safety for human health.
Application area
PCT fiberglass is characterized by high wear resistance, combined with low cost. This makes it indispensable as a coating for the heat-insulating layer of pipelines, which are located both indoors and outdoors, when laying underground heating networks. In the production of electrical insulation and roofing materials it is difficult today to do without fiberglass. When bending, this material does not form cracks, which makes it very convenient to use, and the structures made of it acquire an aesthetic appearance.
Fiberglass boats
Fiberglass is a favorite composite material, without the use of which most industrial sectors simply cannot do. It is also effectively used in the manufacture of small vessels thanks to properties such as stability, high anti-corrosion properties, and ductility. Today, domestic fiberglass boats are in great demand. In their manufacture, a reinforcing mesh is used that prevents the appearance of cracks in the housing. The material suppressing noise vibrations increases the comfort of using the vessel.
In terms of performance, fiberglass is not inferior to aluminum. Therefore, products from this material are no less durable and reliable. In addition, they are much cheaper. Fiberglass boats do not rot, corrosion, and if their surface is treated with a special paint, this will also exclude fouling with algae.
For many years, domestic shipbuilders have been effectively implementing the latest developments in boats and boats using fiberglass. The hull of such a vessel is simply enough repaired. The appearance of small faults can be easily repaired with resin and fiberglass. At the same time, due to new layers of material, the strength of the case increases significantly.
The popularity and strength of fiberglass is confirmed by numerous successfully built structures and reviews of builders. The increasing demand for fiberglass products indicates the high efficiency of the use of this material.