Ground and Polished Concrete

Macrosynthetic fibers played an important reinforcing role in the $9 million expansion project at the Erie Art Museum in Erie, PA. The museum owner's desire for an eye-catching and joint-free floor surface for their 10,000 sq. ft. addition prompted concrete contractor Tom Maya to submit high-volume macrosynthetic fibers as an alternate to the specified matt-steel reinforcement. Based on previous macro-fiber experiences, Maya felt fibers offered the best opportunity to minimize joints and cracking on the high-profile gallery floor.

Critical to success however, would be the fibers' ability to mix and distribute uniformly and finish well, even at the high dosages required (7.5 lbs.cu.yd.), while not affecting the aesthetics of the grind-and-polish surface treatment. While the results speak for themselves, the FORTA-FERRO® macrosynthetic fiber succeeded in controlling shrinkage, cracking, and curling in the large and irregularly shaped joint-free floor sections. The final floor finish was impressive enough to cause concern by museum curators that the floor might actually divert attention from the gallery exhibitions. 

The floor system included a 1 1/2" thick fiber-reinforced mud matt required due to poor sub-grade conditions, and topped with a 5" thick concrete floor separated by a double slip-sheet to allow for possible movement. The floor was comprised of a 3,000 psi high-performance exposed-aggregate concrete, that involved a 5-step grind-and-polish process. Grinding contractor Diamond Designer Concrete of Erie plans to use the project as a showcase reference for their fiber-reinforced, polished-floor system. 

For more information, please visit: www.forta-ferro.com

Decorative Concrete

Typically decorative concrete contractors shy away from the use of the second generation macro synthetic fibers for use in stamped and decorative concrete for fear of having visible fibers on the surface after completion. Recently a contractor who uses the FORTA-FERRO® macro fibers in his standard slab-on-grade projects had a stamped concrete patio project come up and he wanted to test the FORTA-FERRO® for finish ability in this application. 

A dosage of 7.5 lbs. per cubic yard of 2 ¼” length FORTA-FERRO® was chosen in this 4” thick, 5 yard stamped concrete slab. The surface of the integral colored concrete was first striked off and then 2 different shake colors were then applied to the surface, after which the surface was bull floated and lastly a Fresno was used. Once this was complete the shake hardener was applied. 

The end result after pressure washing the surface was a fiber-free surface on the stamped concrete patio. Many stamped concrete contractors use micro fibers for the main reason they do not show on the surface. This patio shows that macro synthetic fibers, which offer better hardened concrete benefits, will also yield excellent results when it comes to the visual finish of the decorative concrete.

Project Details:
Application: Decorative Patio
Owner: Private Residential
Location: Grove City, PA
General Contractor: Ron Minor – Minor Industries, Stoneboro, PA
Concrete Contractor: Ron Minor – Minor Industries,Stoneboro, PA
Ready-Mix Supplier: R.W. Sidley, Pennsylvania
Fiber/ Dosage: FORTA-FERRO® 2 1/4” 7.5 lbs. /CY

For more information, please visit: www.forta-ferro.com

Slab on Grade

Stephen Scibetta, Concrete Contractor, for Design Concrete Inc. completed a project for Chik-fil-A Dwarf House in Forest Park, GA.  The project was replacing a portion of a failed asphalt parking lot.  Scibetta specified 3lbs per cubic yard of FORTA-FERRO® in a 6” slab on grade concrete application.

Project Details:

Application: Slab on Grade

Owner: Chik-fil-A

Location: Forest Park, GA

Concrete Contractor/Specifier: Stephen Scibetta, Design Concrete Inc.

Concrete Supplier: Walker Concrete

Fiber Reinforcement: FORTA-FERRO® 3lbs per cubic yard

For more information, Please visit: www.forta-ferro.com

Make the Switch to Macro Synthetic Fiber

Many companies are reinforcing their concrete projects with FORTA-FERRO® macro synthetic fibers.  FORTA-FERRO® was developed in the late 90's as an alternate to traditional steel.  FORTA-FERRO® has become a leading macro synthetic fiber for secondary reinforcement for concrete because of its superior mixing and finishing characteristics.

Traditional wire mesh has been used since the early 1900's as a way to hold broken pieces of concrete together.  Due to the difficulties of placing wire mesh in the top-third of the concrete cross section, the wire mesh does not get the chance to aid in holding broken pieces of concrete together.   Other potential issues with using labor intensive wire mesh are: delivery, storage, corrosion and cost.

The wire reinforcement institute states, "Only when the reinforcing steel is properly selected, placed and supported can its use be recommended and it's cost warranted."

FORTA-FERRO® is a three dimensional reinforcement fiber that eliminates the need for concern if steel reinforcement is placed in the proper location.  FORTA-FERRO® is chemically inert, so it will not corrode like steel.  In most instances macro synthetic fibers will also save time and labor costs versus steel.

Let FORTA® Corporation show you how FORTA-FERRO® can be a better alternative for your next concrete pavement or interior concrete slab project.  FORTA® offers engineering services, as well as a seasoned and knowledgeable field team nationwide to assist you. 

Contact FORTA® Corporation to reach a local representative:

1-800-245-0306

For more information, Please visit: www.forta-ferro.com