How much fibermesh is added to concrete?

Q. What is the ratio amount of fibermesh to a yard of concrete?

A. We use fibermesh in all the concrete floors and slabs we pour. We add 1 bag (usually 1lb.) of the micro polypropylene fibers to 1 yard of concrete.

Most synthetic fibermesh products are engineered for use as concrete reinforcement at a ratio of 1.0 to 1.5 lbs per cubic yard (.60 to .90 kg per cubic meter). of concrete.

Although more, 2 or 3 bags per yard could be added for some "extra" reinforcement, adding less than 1 bag per yard is not recommended.

Some of the advantages of using fibermesh in concrete are:

1. To help reduce plastic shrinkage cracking.
2. Improve impact and abrasion resistance.
3. Help reduce damage from freeze and thaw cycles.
4. Increases the overall durability of concrete.
5. Helps reduce water migration.

Using "at least" the recommended ratio of 1 bag of fibermesh to 1 yard of concrete is important if you want to achieve the full benefits of using it as reinforcement.

Using the correct ratio of fibermesh in your concrete will help stop cracks before they start. When mixed in the concrete, fibermesh fibers are evenly distributed throughout the concrete and help prevent the segregation of aggregates in the concrete mix.

Keeping all the aggregates in place after the concrete is poured and placed (fibers don't allow them to settle) is important because this adds tensile strain capacity to the "wet or plastic" concrete as it hardens. This will help reduce the formation of plastic shrinkage and settlement cracking.

So, if you hire a concrete contractor and they say they are using fibermesh reinforcement in the concrete, make sure they use at least 1 bag per yard to achieve the proper benefits of using it.