Why Alkali Resistant (AR) glass fibre?
Because it works!
Alkali-resistant glass fibres offer a viable alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete due to their numerous benefits. AR glass fibres enhance the tensile strength, ductility and durability of concrete, reducing the risk of cracking and increasing longevity. Standard e-glass fibres of the type typically used with a resin binder for boat building etc will break down and quickly degrade if used with cement, which is highly alkali.
Steel reinforcing is susceptible to corrosion and engineers will increase the thickness of the concrete to protect the steel. For applications such as bench tops and furniture etc when you replace steel with AR glass fibre you can reliable reduce the thickness of the concrete and therefore use less material, reduce labour time and increase the performance characteristics of the concrete.
Overall, the incorporation of alkali-resistant glass fibres in concrete results in stronger, more resilient, and longer-lasting structures, offering both economic and structural advantages.