Fiber concrete: what is it, glass fiber concrete products for the facade, architectural material for decoration

Flexibility

Surprisingly, the innovative material is used by the specialists of the KROST concern in architecture, which is strictly subordinate to the canons - in churches. Durable and resistant to fading, yellowing and decay, fiberglass-reinforced concrete began to be used instead of limestone for various decorative elements - capitals, window frames, portals and cribs and other patterned details. Its plasticity made it possible to make reliefs with high detail, and the coating with glaze paints made it almost indistinguishable from natural stone. But, unlike him, fiber-reinforced concrete remains snow-white for many decades - this is its indisputable advantage.

The material was suitable not only for making small-format details, but also for large elements and structures: for example, in the Church of the Iverskaya Icon of the Mother of God, built on Michurinsky Avenue, a tent-belfry was made entirely from SFB.

Another useful property of SFB is its rich decorative capabilities in the implementation of any surface texture. The architects of the KROST Design and Technology Institute are actively using this. So, in the building of the famous Khoroshevskaya gymnasium, the main artistic device is textured fiber-concrete panels of facades: with the help of brushing and staining, they were given a resemblance to travertine and wood. In addition, panels with unique reliefs and letters were made according to the author's sketches.

List of sources

Panel mounting

Currently, glass fiber reinforced concrete for facade decoration is used more and more often. The high popularity of this material is partly due to the ease of installation of products. The panels are mounted according to a system of hinged structures, for which a frame is made of aluminum or galvanized steel guides.

In the photo, the curtain wall system is assembled from SFB panels with decorative elements.

Ventilated facades made of fiber-reinforced concrete presupposes the presence of an air chamber between the insulation material and the facade finish. Due to the constant air circulation, the temperature inside this chamber is regulated, preventing the dew point from shifting deep into the main wall, preventing freezing.

A fiber-reinforced concrete facade can be mounted in several options, the choice of which depends on the technical device of the guide system. It is possible to fix the SFB panels on the ventilated subsystem in a visible or hidden way.

Panel Visible

Visible fastening can be realized with rivets or screws.

We will briefly describe both methods:

Installation with rivets takes place on the guide system and ensures reliability and a long finish. The system implies the presence of special mounting brackets and vertical profiles. The panels are arranged on fixed and movable (floating) points, which avoids the destruction of the material during expansion as a result of temperature extremes. Most often, mounting rivets are painted in the main color of the facade, and are almost invisible.

Rivets for mounting, usually painted in the main color of the facade

Visible bolt-on fixing involves drilling through the panel. Through the holes, the slabs are attached to the guide profiles. The main advantages of this installation are maximum simplicity and minimum number of required system elements. This makes this method of the device the least expensive from the material point of view.

For push-through installation of panels, stainless steel bolts should be used.

Concealed installation

The aesthetic appeal of this type of device has made it the most popular. In order to imitate masonry or wood trim on the outside of the façade, the panels should be mounted using anchor plates.

These elements are fastened with self-tapping screws to the back of the plate, and then "suspended" on the guides.

Fiber concrete for the facade: with hidden installation, SFB slabs have a neat appearance

The absence of external damage on the slabs not only favorably affects the appearance of the building, but also has a positive effect on the safety and service life of the entire system. You can get acquainted with the technology of flush mounting by watching the video in this article.

Features of corner connections

Any building has corners, and if the arrangement of panels on straight surfaces does not raise any questions, then when corner joining they often arise.

Various methods of such a connection have been developed:

The outer corner joint can be made with an overlap or by filing the panel at an angle of 45. In this case, the inner part of the corner joint must be reinforced with a metal corner.
Another way to form a corner involves the use of a square profile, which is mounted to the wall in the area of the joint, and panels are attached to it at right angles.

In order for the building to have a neat appearance, it is necessary to thoroughly approach the device of corner joints

Application of composite fiber reinforced concrete

The use of the material is relevant in domestic and industrial construction wherever it is necessary to improve the properties of concrete. Steel fiber-reinforced concrete is used for the production of: coverings of bridges, floors, tunnels, coastal protection strips, foundations, sleepers, roads, runways, sidewalks, frame structures, curbs, drainage channels, dams, wells for sewerage systems, water treatment systems, fiber-reinforced concrete floors.

Fiberglass concretes are relevant for: facade decoration with fiber-reinforced concrete of residential buildings, waterproofing of cleaning structures, noise protection shields, light decorative products for finishing coatings, industrial premises with often contaminated coatings, benches, fences, flower beds.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Of the serious drawbacks, fiber concrete has only one: a rather high cost in comparison with conventional concrete. But the use of inexpensive synthetic fibers is gradually reducing this figure.

Another disadvantage when using metal fibers is the increased wear of the concrete mixing equipment.

There are many advantages:

high performance;
reducing the cost of concrete products due to the abandonment of metal frames (perhaps not everywhere);
fiber concrete has the same strength throughout the volume, which is not inherent in conventional reinforced concrete structures;
resistant to temperature extremes, moisture, frost and temperature influences;
lighter than conventional concrete;
allows you to form any shape;
the service life is 15 - 20 times higher than that of ordinary concrete.

In private housing construction, fiber-reinforced concrete is often used for the construction of foundations (both tape and pile), as well as in the production of stucco and restoration work.

How to choose a reliable manufacturer of glass fiber reinforced concrete for facade decor

When choosing a manufacturer of glass fiber reinforced concrete products for facade decor, you need to take into account that not every organization that offers its products is trustworthy

Pay attention to some of the nuances that need to be considered when making a decision

The quality and composition of the material. What should be included in the product base: cement-sand mixture, fine crushed stone, special type of plasticizers, fiberglass fiber and other additives that make the products resistant to critical temperatures (from -40 to + 60 degrees Celsius) under continuous operation;

The originality and non-triviality of the decor. Designers work on each individual project individually, and not be limited to standard solutions. The company is ready to work out a single harmonious solution not only for an individual building, but also for a whole complex of architectural structures;

Individual approach to the client

It is important to understand that each product will be used in special conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration). Therefore, real experts calculate the proportions and specific composition for each individual "recipe" on an individual basis for all customers without exception.

The company should not only produce glass fiber concrete of impeccable quality and produce products that will be durable and reliable, but also help the client decide on the method of covering them (paint, varnish);

Assembly and installation. It is important not only to correctly make the facade decor, to buy it profitably, but also to install it in accordance with all the rules. And the specialists of a trustworthy company must carry out the whole range of work. This scope includes the development of design, production of the necessary elements and their installation in accordance with all the rules.

All facade decor made of fiberglass, which is produced by real professionals, has certain features that you can only appreciate after a while, but never regretting your choice. We could say that your great-grandchildren will be able to appreciate the architectural size and scale of the building, decorated with high-quality glass fiber concrete products, and that would be true ...

If you want your desires to be embodied in reality, and a "stone" memory remains for centuries, then a professional decor based on the highest quality glass fiber concrete is the best solution. Choose a company for cooperation slowly, carefully assessing all its pros and cons, and the result of your joint work will be a real work of art of the twenty-first century, which will make you forget about facade repairs for many years.

Benefits of panels

Panels of this type are increasingly being chosen due to:

Long service life. If they are made of quality material, they will last up to 50 years.
Low weight. This is the best option for siding, except that the panels do not overload the walls of the house.
Ease of installation. The installation process is less time consuming than using plaster. In addition, the panels are quite large, so they can be installed in a matter of days. Even a beginner can handle their installation.
Versatility. Panels can be purchased in a variety of shapes, textures, colors and sizes. The thickness of the products can be from 6 to 35 mm. You can also choose the length. Standard models are available in 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.4, 3, 0 and 3.6 meters. It's the same with the width. The product can be purchased from 190 to 1500 mm in width. They also differ in thickness.

Strength.
Good thermal insulation performance. Before installing them, it is not necessary to insulate the walls with mineral wool or other materials.
Frost resistance and resistance to sudden changes in temperature indicators. Products are able to maintain all their characteristics over numerous freeze and thaw cycles. Therefore, they are great for regions where severe winters prevail, and then there is a hot summer.
High level of waterproofing. The panels should not be afraid to be mounted on the shady side of the house.
Environmental friendliness. The panels are made from natural raw materials. All additives are non-toxic. Therefore, this facing material is suitable for people suffering from allergies and asthmatics.
Resistant to sunlight. Painted panels will not change their color over the entire period of operation. Fiber concrete is not susceptible to UV radiation.
Good sound insulation.
Ease of cleaning.As a rule, such panels do not even need to be washed. They cleanse beautifully in the rain. And if it is a dry summer, then it is enough to douse the walls with water from a hose.
Fire safety. And we are talking about 100% security. The fact is that fiber-reinforced concrete panels do not burn, do not smolder or even melt under the influence of direct fire. Since there are no toxic materials in them, in the event of a fire, no hazardous components will also be released.

In addition, fiber concrete is a very durable and reliable material that does not dry out, does not corrode or rot. It is not interesting to rodents and insects. But, in fairness, we note that he still has disadvantages.

Interesting modern buildings using SWF

1. When creating a project for an art gallery building, experts wanted to preserve the special style of this city. Therefore, when finishing the facades, they used glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels with numerous niches of a broken configuration, which created an exterior composition in the style of traditional Moorish architecture.

2. The facades of the library and knowledge center of the Vienna University of Economics in Vienna (Austria) are faced with light and dark gray panels made of SFB.

3. The building of the Fletcher Hotel in Amsterdam (Netherlands) is a structure in the form of a cylinder with a core (to accommodate communications). The entire structure has an outer 2-layer shell, the inner layer of which is made of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels, perforated with round windows, and the outer layer is a continuous panoramic glazing.

4. Located in the historic center of Auckland (New Zealand), the Ironbank building facing the main street, which provokes a negative impact on the environment with an increased level of alkaline compounds. Proceeding from this, the facade was faced with fiberglass concrete, which reliably protected the interior space.

From the history of the creation of glass fiber reinforced concrete

At the beginning of the last century, scientists developed a new material - fiberglass, and for its strengthening and wider application, research on its reinforcement was started. The simplest material as reinforcement was metal, but it reduced the initial characteristics of fiberglass, it also lost its properties in an alkaline sand-cement mixture. In the Russian Federation, before the war, work began on the use of fiberglass in a matrix of concrete, but the development was not widely used. And only in the late 70s in England, scientists tried to add zirconium dioxide to glass fiber, and received a fiber-optic fiber resistant to alkali, which became the basis of glass fiber concrete.

The uniqueness of the new material was first noted in England, then it was adopted by European countries and the United States. Fiberglass concrete began to be widely used as an architectural decoration for facades, and American builders and architects used it in the form of finishing slabs for high-rise buildings.

The development of production and use of products, elements of facades in Russia began with developments at NIIZhB and MNIITEP, and the introduction of an official normative base, for example, the departmental SNiP "Design and Basic Provisions of Technologies for the Production of Fiber-Concrete Structures" in 1997. In addition, the use of innovative equipment for the manufacture of products from this material made it possible to produce them with very high quality.

Today our company successfully produces this unique material, as well as products and elements from it, in strict accordance with existing norms and standards.

Reinforced fiber concrete production

Considering fiber concrete and its use in construction, it is worth noting that the most important condition for the good characteristics of the material is its correct production.

Whether it is factory production or mixing a solution with fiber with your own hands, it is important to correctly determine the composition, proportions, observe the technology of creation and use

Industrial production

The technology depends on the type of fiber, the proportions of the constituents of the concrete. The density of fiber-reinforced concrete is ensured by the most uniform distribution of fibers in the solution, the correct orientation in the mixture.It is the uniformity of the fibers in the monolith that has a direct impact on the ability of the concrete structure to resist external mechanical stress and chemical conditions.

The main stages of the production of any fiber-reinforced concrete: preparation of a solution, the formation of fiber fibers, their cutting according to parameters, adding to the mixture, high-quality stirring, compaction, pouring into a mold, solidification of the monolith.

Depending on the type of fibers used, which can be metallic and non-metallic, the stage of creating the fiber and adding it to the solution can be different. Steel fiber is cut from a metal strip, glass fiber is formed from a molten mass, cellulose fiber is cut and rolled into tubes, which are then straightened and create a mesh in the solution. The distribution of fibers in the solution can also be carried out in different ways, but with the sole purpose of ensuring maximum uniformity.

Often plasticizers are added to the mixture, which increase the level of plasticity of the concrete itself, which has a positive effect on the quality of the material. Plasticizers allow you to control the speed of concrete setting, regulate the level of shrinkage.

Cooking on the construction site

The reinforcing filler can be introduced into the solution immediately before its application on the object. Here they observe the following technology: mixing sand with a filler, introducing fibers sifted through a sieve, combining them with cement, pouring water with a plasticizer. Good mixing until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

The finished mixture is poured into molds, left for three days to set. Then it is better not to dry in the open air.

Fiber concrete production - technology, composition and recipe

The technology that ensures the production of fiber-reinforced concrete has its own characteristics. Its effectiveness depends on a number of factors:

selection of certain types of fibers depending on the required performance properties of the composite;
uniform mixing of ingredients and introduction of modifiers to ensure a homogeneous structure of the array;
features of the formulation used, including the simultaneous use of various types of fiber.

It is important to properly prepare the composite using proven methods:

the introduction of fibers into a dry mixture of sand and cement, followed by mixing the ingredients and adding water. The difference between the method is simplicity, as well as the absence of the need to attract additional labor;
adding fiber fibers to the ready mixed mixture of cement, water and sand. The method allows to increase the strength characteristics of the composite, to shorten the production cycle.

The manufacturing process requires the use of a concrete mixer and a crusher The strength and properties of a concrete composite are influenced by the following factors:

the composition of the materials used;
correctly selected recipe;
compliance with the technological process.

Depending on the required properties of the composite, the concentration of the introduced fiber changes. The proportion of fibers in the total volume varies from 0.5 kg to 20 kg, depending on their type. The most common brands of fiber-reinforced concrete contain up to 2 kg of fiber. The quality of raw materials is assessed using a laboratory method.

It includes:

incoming control of the materials used;
checking the moisture content of the synthetic filler.

The use of high-quality raw materials improves fiber adhesion, positively affects the strength of concrete. The technology allows you to independently prepare a reinforced fiber-reinforced concrete composition in a domestic environment. This will require a concrete mixer and a crusher to grind the aggregate.

Fiber: types of materials and their classification

To understand what fiber-reinforced concrete is, it is worth delving into history a little. The material was first presented in 1907 by the Russian scientist V.P.Nekrasov, in his articles, talked about research into the production of a composite material reinforced with pieces of thin wire.

Previously, builders added various dispersed fibers to the solution and distributed them evenly throughout the mass. This made it possible to improve the properties of concrete: reduce the number of cracks, increase resistance to external factors and physical stress, and raise the strength indicator by an average of 30%.

Reinforcement of the concrete mix is made using artificial fibers from various types of non-metallized and metallized threads of mineral or organic origin. The physical and technical properties of the material (thermal conductivity, strength, density), resistance to chemicals directly depend on the characteristics of concrete preparation and the type and volume of fiber introduced into the mixture.

Today, the production of fiber-reinforced concrete is carried out on an industrial scale, all technologies have been tested and improved, it is possible to calculate in advance the characteristics of the material according to its parameters. Two types of fiber are used in production: non-metallic (acrylic, glass, polyethylene, basalt, carbohydrate, carbon, etc.) and metallic (steel fibers of different sizes and shapes).

The most popular are metal and glass fibers; polypropylene fiber is gradually gaining popularity. Carbon and basalt are rarely used due to their high cost. Viscose, cotton, nylon provide specific features to concrete that are not always relevant in modern construction.

Manufacturing technology

For small architectural concrete moldswhen large volumes of this material are not required, it can be made on its own. To do this, you will need a concrete mixer and forming tools: spatulas and trowels of various sizes, matrix rollers, stamps, depending on how the surface will be formed.

The components for decorative concrete, as well as the do-it-yourself production technology, are very simple. For 1 part of white cement at least M400, 3 parts of refined quartz sand, marble or granite chips, crushed stone (fraction not more than 20 mm) and 2 parts of water are taken. A reinforcing element is added - fiberglass, at the rate of 600 g per 1 m³ of mortar. To achieve the desired performance, plasticizers, additives to increase adhesion and frost resistance are introduced. To prepare art-concrete:

All loose components are sieved through a sieve;
Dry cement and fillers are mixed by hand or in a concrete mixer;
Pigment is added to the resulting mixture, after which it is thoroughly mixed so that it spreads evenly throughout the volume;
When manually mixing in a dry material, a funnel is made, where water is added, for a concrete mixer, water is poured into the tank.

After thorough mixing, the mortar can be poured into ready-made molds for decorative printed concrete, paving stones, paving slabs or other finished products. It can be applied to frames covered with a special mesh, and then molded by hand, using trowels and spatulas.

For small batches of art concrete, manufacturers already offer ready-made dry mix and mixing liquid. In this case, manufacturing takes several minutes, but the main criterion for readiness is thorough mixing of the material, the lumpy structure dramatically reduces its quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

Modern equipment and new production technologies using high pressure and steam treatment make it possible to produce material with excellent performance and aesthetic qualities. Consumers choose fiber-reinforced concrete panels due to their positive qualities.

Long service life. The duration of use of the panels varies in the range of 25-50 years.
Low weight of products.Slabs and siding panels are relatively easy to lift, install, transport and store. And the load on the wall is also reduced, and less powerful means are needed to fix it.
Simple and convenient installation. The technology for installing slabs is much simpler and less expensive than that of plaster. The large dimensions of the panels reduce the amount of work and the mounting means required for fixing. In addition, it is easier to detect and correct unevenness when installing panels. Installation work can be carried out with a minimum set of tools and a small baggage of knowledge about the installation method. Moreover, work can be carried out in conditions of negative temperatures.

Versatility. The panels are presented in various size and format options, which allows you to choose products for surface finishing with different features.
High strength. Fiber cement panels withstand shock loads, vibration, friction, bending pressure well.
Good thermal insulation performance. Provided by the use of cellulose filler, they reduce the power of the necessary heat-insulating materials in the finish, for example, the thickness of a layer of mineral wool.
Frost resistance. Products retain their structural integrity and appearance over many freeze / thaw cycles. This fact makes them an excellent facing material for regions with a harsh and continental climate, in which hot summers are replaced by cold winters, which corresponds to almost the entire territory of the Russian Federation.

High waterproofing performance. Thanks to special additives, the panels are not afraid of moisture and can be washed using water both from the front and from the back.
Resistant to temperature extremes.
They do not corrode, do not rot, do not dry out.
Completely environmentally friendly composition. In production, natural raw materials and non-toxic additives are used, microparticles of the material do not provoke allergic reactions and do not contribute to negative processes in the body. No asbestos or harmful resins.

Resistant to sunlight. The color of fiber-reinforced concrete does not deteriorate under the influence of infrared radiation throughout its entire service life. Ultraviolet light does not destroy the structure of the coating - it does not lead to cracking, as in some finishing materials.
Good insulation. Decreases the level of incoming and outgoing sound.
Wide choose. The choice extends not only to the color and its shades, but also to the shape and texture of the panel coating.
Easy cleaning. The material is self-cleaning in the pouring rain, in addition, you can wash the surface with a garden hose.
Absolute fire safety. The material is 100% non-flammable and non-smoldering, and also does not melt when exposed to direct fire.

In addition to the positive qualities, fiber-reinforced concrete panels have several disadvantages.

Vulnerability to prolonged exposure to moisture. Despite the high waterproofing qualities, with prolonged exposure to water, the cement in the composition of the products still begins to absorb water. The saturation can increase up to 10-20% and lead to slight deformation of the panels - up to 2%, which does not affect the appearance or structural integrity in any way, the flexibility of the panels fully compensates for this phenomenon.
Specificity of installation work. With all the positive aspects in this matter, there is one caveat - large panels require installation by at least two people, which can cause some difficulties.

For what fiber concrete is, see the next video.

Architectural concrete: what is it?

For decorative design, this material began to be used not so long ago, however, unlike the gray and "dull" (traditional) colleague, the new look has received a large number of different names - sculptural, artistic, decorative, acrylic concrete, polymer concrete, archi- or art-concrete ...This is a plastic mixture, with the help of which it is quite easy to create various decorations, both flat and voluminous, to successfully imitate a natural coating.

Difference from simple material

Architectural concrete, as a building material, was patented in America: it happened in the 60s of the last century. The basis of this mixture is also cement, fillers and pigments are added to it. If we talk about the compositions - ordinary and new, then both types belong to concrete. However, the architectural appearance differs from the standard composition:

it has a fine-grained structure that allows you to grind the hardened material to an ideal, smooth surface state;
it has low hygroscopicity (sorption moisture), so destruction does not threaten it: sculptures in the open air will last a long time;
the material is absolutely not afraid of temperature changes.

The main difference between architectural concrete and ordinary cement mortar is an incredibly wide range of colors. At the request of the customer, other unusual components can be added to the mixture. An example of an interesting ingredient is seashells.

Types of architectural concrete

Before learning how to create architectural concrete with your own hands, you need to get acquainted with its varieties. The application of the material is multifaceted, therefore, there is already a mixture for each type of work.

Geometric concrete. It is used for the construction of monolithic structures. They are made using formwork, so the method is no different from working with ordinary cement mortar for the foundation or floor.
Decorative look. This solution is intended for decorating finished surfaces of buildings - external and internal walls. Craftsmen use various collapsible forms into which the raw materials are poured and then dried. The finished elements are mounted (glued) to the walls.
Sculpted concrete. Artistic, voluminous decorations are cast from it. For hand sculpting, the material is used in a different way. First, a frame is made that repeats the shape of the product. It is covered with a mesh, and already a small layer of solution is applied to it. After he grasps a little, the modeling is continued with his hands or with a special tool.

There is one more division of the material, its decorative appearance. It comes in white decorative and white light. The first is intended for finishing work inside and outside the building. The second is often used for casting three-dimensional figures.

Appointment

Fiber-reinforced concrete products are used in a wide variety of areas. It finds application in the foundations of skyscrapers, and in road construction, and in the construction of hydraulic structures. If fiberglass is added, such material can be used for noise control, water purification and facade decoration.

Among the architectural decorative elements from the material under consideration, an important place is occupied by cornices.

To obtain them, a variety based on fiberglass is used. Experts select the technology and determine the nuances, taking into account the height of the structure and its distance from the wall. Sometimes the cornice is divided into several blocks with different heights, if the removal is large, the installation is carried out on a subsystem of metal elements. The walls are made from 2 to 4 cm in thickness, and the length of a single element can be 70–100 cm. For the installation of cornices, parts made of ferrous metals, galvanized or stainless steel are often used.

For fastening the cornices, a through, hidden or mixed method. Fiber-reinforced concrete columns are an excellent solution for those who want to take care not only of the appearance of the facade, but also of the interior of the room. The main part of the columns takes a noticeable share of the load, reducing the pressure exerted on other elements of the buildings. Therefore, in addition to purely design advantages, these details allow the construction of massive buildings. They also indirectly affect the perception of facades, reducing the likelihood of cracking.