Fiber fiber consumption per 1 m2 of screed

Floor screed fiber is made from propylene in the form of a translucent white fiber, with a diameter of 15-25 microns. For better adhesion to building materials, it is impregnated with an oily substance.

Due to the use of material reinforced with fiber, the resistance of the base to abrasion increases, the surface can withstand more freeze/thaw cycles, and the occurrence of cracks and moisture penetration is eliminated.

Fiber fiber for screed - consumption per m2 is calculated according to its need per m3

Thin polypropylene fibers of short length can significantly strengthen the cement layer, making it more durable and ductile. Regardless of the percentage of the mixture and for what specific purposes the fiber screed will be used, the consumption per m2 of the surface to be laid is determined according to generally accepted figures relating to the amount of fiber for 1 m3 of solution. The calculation is made taking into account the thickness of the concrete layer and the area of the room being equipped.

Qualitative improvement of concrete monolith

Qualitative changes in the monolith are a subject of special attention when using steel fiber fiber. The reinforcing role of steel wire in this case becomes a determining sign of its effectiveness. This is worth taking a closer look at:

homogeneity of the mortar and monolith - fiber, unlike thick reinforcement, does not have a strictly defined localization in the structure, so it more evenly accepts and distributes loads;
when pouring a solution, thin fibers do not reduce its plasticity, but make it possible to reduce the density of reinforcement in hard-to-reach places, which gives the effect of quickly filling the formwork;
the need for vibration laying is reduced;
As the cement hydrates, a layer of binder forms around the fibers, which limits contact with water and air, preventing oxidation and corrosion of the metal.

In the production of steel fiber fibers, a special technology is used - the shape of the wire pieces is optimized for maximum adhesion. Thus, the reinforced concrete structure is given improved characteristics in terms of strength and ductility. Increasing the critical tensile load threshold is an example of a significant change in quality characteristics that are extremely important in complex projects.

Properties and qualities

Artificial fiber is added to solutions used in construction and repair work. It can become a reinforcing element in cement screeds, foundation structures and road surfaces; be part of a plaster layer, blind area or mortar for monolithic walls.

Polypropylene fiber is added, among other things, to semi-dry screeds.

Fiber fiber is evenly distributed throughout the entire volume of the mortar mass, which prevents further formation of cracks and shrinkage, reduces the abrasion coefficient of the surface and reduces the moisture absorption rate. Fiber is an artificial material in the form of polypropylene fibers of translucent white color. Their diameter is about 20 microns, and their length ranges from 3...18 mm. Moreover, each size has its own area of application:

for facing work and masonry - fibers up to 6 mm long are used;
for screeds and monolithic structures – no more than 12mm;
for semi-dry screed and during the construction of hydraulic structures - 18mm.

Reinforced fiber is characterized by low electrical conductivity and has a sliding effect, ensuring the most uniform mixing of fiber with cement. As a result, the composition acquires viscosity, which subsequently affects the good density and load-bearing capacity of concrete.

High-quality fiber fiber has no obvious disadvantages. Another thing is an uncertified product from an unknown manufacturer. Over time, if not immediately, such material may begin to release hazardous substances that can cause harm to health. This is very dangerous, especially when laying mortar in residential areas.

As a result of using a polypropylene fiber solution in a batch, a new material appears that has a lot of positive properties. This type of concrete:

has a minimum number of voids and small cracks - the mixture evenly fills the prepared space, and the fibers cover the cracks at the slightest shrinkage;
contains a minimum number of pores, thereby increasing the moisture resistance of artificial stone;
has plasticity, allowing the material to be used in earthquake-prone areas;
is not subject to the processes of delamination, sprinkling and chipping;
withstands a much larger number of freeze/thaw cycles compared to conventional concrete;
is characterized by strength, frost resistance and durability;
weakly responds to mechanical stress, including abrasion;
Unaffected by most deicers.

Fiber fiber compares favorably with metal fine-mesh reinforced mesh. Its individual particles do not lie in a single-level layer and do not bunch up into lumps, but are evenly distributed throughout the entire volume of the screed or concrete structure. The growing popularity of polypropylene is also facilitated by its affordable price and compatibility with additives intended for concrete solutions.

The fiber reinforced screed has a perfectly flat surface, just like a layer of plaster applied to the wall.

Types of additives

As it became clear from the above material, the reinforcing component can be made from various bases. Now let's take a closer look at each type of fiber fiber.

Steel

Steel fiber is most often used in the production of concrete structures, paving slabs, cast fences and cement monuments. It is added to the solution when pouring molds for fountains, balustrades and various massive decorative elements of outdoor architecture.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene fiber is considered the most common component that strengthens building mixtures. Its popularity is explained by its affordable price and decent performance.

From cement mortars with this additive, foam concrete and aerated concrete blocks, roadside curbs, fencing panels, etc. are produced.

Basalt

Basalt fiber, like polypropylene, gives strength to blocks with a porous structure, and is also often used to create gypsum objects.

In this case, the length of the fibers may differ, so its consumption is regulated individually, and the finished products will have different properties.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass fiber is added to concrete to give it plasticity. It is lightweight and is loved by architects who often work on voluminous, curved decorative objects. Mortar with the addition of fiberglass can often be found in restoration areas and when repairing architectural monuments.

How to determine fiber consumption per 1m2

In a high-quality mixture, all ingredients must be thoroughly mixed. This can be achieved by first combining the dry cement composition with the required amount of polypropylene fibers. Water should be added to the solution in portions, bringing it to the desired consistency.

Kneading recipes depend on the requirements for the finished composition. For 1m3 of solution it will go:

300g fiber, if it is needed only as a plasticizer;
up to 600g of fiber, if it is expected to increase the strength characteristics of concrete;
more than 800-900g of fiber, when it is necessary to create a cement stone that has absorbed the best qualities of polypropylene.

If we consider the consumption of fiber fiber per 1 m2 of cement screed, then we will have to focus on the thickness of the layer being laid. For a 50mm high strength leveling deck you will need 40g of fibre. The figure did not come out of thin air, but from an ordinary mathematical proportion.

The fact is that a volumetric cube differs from a flat square in the presence of a third dimension, namely depth. For meter cube sizes it is 1000mm, and for our screed it is 50mm, i.e. 20 times less. Consequently, in this case, fiber fiber will be needed the same amount less. So, 800/20=40g. To obtain the final calculation, the actual area of the room in m2 should be increased by 40 times. The resulting figure will indicate the amount of fiber in grams. In fact, everything is simple and clear.

Fiber fiber for reinforcing concrete, mortar, gypsum

Why do you need fiber for concrete?

One of the most effective methods for improving the strength characteristics of concrete used in the construction of wall structures, industrial and domestic floor screeds, flat roofs, as well as various plaster mixtures is polymer fiber for concrete.

Polypropylene fiber (PP fiber), due to its low price and low fiber consumption (per m3 of mixture), is deservedly in demand for all kinds of work related not only to concrete, but also to any other cement and gypsum-containing solutions, as well as for production products made of cellular concrete (volumetric reinforcement of aerated concrete and foam concrete).

For example, the inclusion in concrete of 1.0-1.5 kg/m3 of polypropylene fibers with a diameter of 16 to 28 microns and a length of 6-18 mm. provides the following benefits:

Fiber fibers create a spatial capillary network, changing the nature of dehydration (drying) of the concrete matrix and thereby relieving the internal stress of concrete during plastic shrinkage. In fact, fiber-reinforced concrete dries not from top to bottom, but throughout the entire volume at the same time and therefore does not crack. Also, the fibers themselves mechanically work to increase crack resistance by preventing the development of cracks. The combination of these factors results in a significant increase in the crack resistance of fiber-reinforced concrete.

“MicroTec-12” is an optimal length (12 mm) fiber for concrete, which is much more profitable and more technologically advanced to buy for reinforcing plaster or semi-dry floor screed than using plastic or metal mesh.

The most optimal consumption of polypropylene fiber

The most optimal composition of fiber-reinforced concrete is in which the consumption of polypropylene fiber is 1.0-1.4 kg/m3, while the compressive strength increases to 30%, and the tensile strength during bending by 15-20%. Exceeding the consumption rate of PP fiber by more than 2 kg/m3 leads to its clumping, a decrease in compressive strength, and also to an unjustified increase in the price of fiber-reinforced concrete.

- for a flat roof, fiber consumption is 1.3-1.5 kg/m3.

Fiber for concrete can be mixed in any way in mixers and concrete mixers of forced and gravity type, including machine-mounted mixers. It mixes well and does not form lumps thanks to the lubricating composition applied to its surface.

1) The fiber is mixed with dry components (sand, cement, crushed stone), then water and, if necessary, chemical additives are added, after which the mixture is thoroughly mixed again. It should be remembered that the time for mixing the solution with fiber fiber increases by 15% compared to the time required for mixing a conventional mixture. 2) First, the dry components are mixed, then water is added for mixing and additives, and only after that the fiber is added to the running mixer. The mixing time should also be increased by 15-20%. The second option is the only possible one when the concrete is delivered in a truck mixer. Then the fiber fiber is introduced directly at the construction site, it is added to the mixture delivered by the concrete truck and mixed for 8-10 minutes. It is recommended to calculate the required amount of water to obtain a given grade of fiber-reinforced concrete mixture for workability at the stage of designing the concrete composition based on the condition that the introduction of PP fiber in an amount of 0.1% by volume reduces the workability grade of mobile mixtures (P1...P3) by one. When designing rigid fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures (Zh1...Zh3), there is no need to adjust the volume of introduced water. The exact amount of water required to achieve the required workability of the fiber-reinforced concrete mixture is determined based on trial batches.

Fiber fiber: consumption, recommendations for use

Application area

Recommended fiber size, mm

Fiber consumption

Industrial floors, cement concrete road surfaces

from 1 kg per 1 m 3 depending on the required strength characteristics

Screeds, heated floors

from 0.9 to 1.5 kg kg per 1 m 3 depending on the required strength characteristics

Reinforced concrete, concrete structures and products

from 0.9 kg per 1 m 3 to give structures and products increased strength and eliminate cracks

Cellular concrete (foam concrete, non-autoclaved aerated concrete)

from 0.6 kg to 1.5 kg of fiber per 1 m 3 depending on the required strength characteristics of the finished product

Dry building mixtures (self-leveling floors, plasters, repair compounds)

from 1 kg per 1 m 3 Dosage depends on the type of dry building mixture, production technology

Small-piece products, complex-profile products, small architectural forms

from 0.9 kg per 1 m 3 Fiber fiber consumption depends on product parameters, dimensions, type of binder, production technology

from 0.6 kg to 1.5 kg per 1 m³ of mixture, depending on the strength characteristics of the finished product and production technology.

Method of using fiber fiber

Option 1: Fiber fiber is poured into any concrete or mortar mixer (mixer) into the dry mixture before adding water.

Option 2: Fiber fiber is added to the cement laitance, then all other components of the concrete mixture.

Recommendations for the use of fiber fiber

Volumetric reinforcement of concrete (foam concrete, cement-sand mixtures) using polymer fibers has been increasingly used in the construction industry in recent years. Unlike reinforcing steel meshes, microfibers are evenly distributed throughout the volume of the mixture, improve astringent properties, and make it resistant to delamination.

The use of fiber fiber leads to the fact that concrete becomes more tensile strength, its shrinkage rate decreases, which increases crack resistance. At the same time, the material’s resistance to environmental influences increases: to alternating cycles of freezing and thawing, drying and wetting.

The effectiveness of concrete reinforcement using polymer microfiber is a variable value, which is determined by a number of parameters: the length and diameter of the fibers, the elastic modulus of the polymer, as well as the number of fibers per unit volume of the cement mixture.

The most important factors are the elasticity and length of the fibers: the more the elastic modulus of the polymer corresponds to that of the cement matrix, and the longer the fibers used, the greater the influence of dispersion reinforcement on the crack resistance characteristics of concrete. It should be noted that the length of the fibers should not be excessively high - this would lead to technological difficulties when trying to uniformly distribute microfibers in the volume of the prepared mixture.

Types of material

Steel additives

Steel fiber is made from wire and added to cast elements when decorating various structures.
Steel fiber for concrete is made from low-carbon wire, the diameter of the metal elements varies from 0.7 to 1.2 mm, and the reinforcing cellulose has a length of 25-60 millimeters. With the help of additives, the quality of concrete products, paving slabs, surface coverings, road surfaces, airfield strips, cast fences or architectural monuments made of concrete composition is strengthened. Metal fiber is included in the solution for cast decoration elements, such as fountains, balustrades, and decorative elements for architectural designs. Concrete with steel fiber is laid in two ways:

manually;
using special equipment.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene fiber for concrete is a common type of reinforcement for concrete structures. Release form: substance packaged in bags. Material Objective:

increase resistance to mechanical stress;
protect from negative environmental influences;
make it resistant to temperature changes;
protect from exposure to chemical reagents.

Additives from basalt

Basalt fiber is used to strengthen the mechanical properties of a material with a porous structure. Added to the composition of gypsum products. The length of basalt threads differs from the parameters that other types of additives have, so the calculation of the material is regulated individually, depending on the specific case and characteristics of operation. The properties of the finished product depend on factors such as fiber consumption.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass does not dissolve in the concrete mixture, but is a reinforcing additive with increased strength. Fiber for reinforcement is crushed reinforcing glass fiber in the form of narrow strips of different lengths. It differs from other additives in its increased strength and modulation flexibility. Such properties make it possible to positively resist the development of an acid-base environment in a restored structure. The material is added at the time of mixing the solution. The substance does not have the properties to dissolve, but is contained in the composition as individual microparticles. Microfiber is invisible in an already erected structure.

Fiber for screed: what is it, fiber consumption per 1 m2 and m3, how much to add

Polypropylene fiber, or more often called fiberglass, is a new reinforcing material used for construction work using concrete. It can help cement overcome shrinkage, prevent the penetration of moisture into it and the formation of cracks on its surface. It is often used for floor screeding. During its operation, the likelihood of abrasion decreases, it tolerates more cycles of thawing and freezing. Today, polypropylene fiber is the most used material for reinforcing building structures. Let's consider the options for consumption per m2.

What to look for when buying fiber

Buying low-quality fiber is not only a waste of money, but also a risk of ruining the structure. Concrete structures are manufactured with strength and long service life in mind. The use of low-quality materials can lead to significant losses.

For example, you can find handicraft polypropylene fiber on the market. In appearance, it differs little from factory fiber, but is manufactured in violation of technology. High-quality fiber contains a component called lubricant. It prevents fibers from clumping and promotes their uniform distribution in the solution. The fake fiber will crumple, and the formation of a three-dimensional frame in the thickness of the concrete will not occur, which means that the concrete will not receive the properties that were expected when the fiber was added. By “saving” a few rubles, you can incur significant losses.

To avoid such situations, purchase fiber from trusted manufacturers from reliable suppliers.

Fiber fiber - what is it?

It is made from artificial material – polypropylene. It is a translucent white fiber up to 18 mm long and 20 microns in diameter. This material is characterized by low electrical conductivity; for better connection with the building mixture for the screed, an oily substance is applied to its surface.

Due to this additive, the quality indicators of cement are significantly improved at any proportion of the mortar for floor screed, it:

reduces the hardening time of the solution;
increases strength and durability;
improves resistance to temperature changes;
reduces water absorption;
eliminates cracks, chips and delamination;
provides resistance to mechanical stress;
prevents abrasion.

What is the technology of semi-dry floor screed can be found in this article.

In the video - fiberglass for screed:

You can see what a dry screed for a warm water floor looks like in this article.

Fiber fiber has no obvious disadvantages. If it is certified and manufactured by a reliable manufacturer, then there will be no problems with it. If you use low-quality material, problems may arise during operation - as it ages, it can release dangerous chemicals that, with constant exposure, can cause significant harm to health.

Before applying plaster to the wall I use different types of primer. To increase surface adhesion, the primer Beton-Contact is most often used. The main features of the Beton-Contact primer, what it is and how it is used when finishing surfaces are described in the instructions for use.

Polypropylene fiber is used for repair work, as well as in the construction of housing and industrial buildings:

most often it is a reinforcing component of a cement screed;
it is added to compositions for pouring piles, road surfaces and building foundations;
with its help, the strength properties of the plaster are improved.

Due to the uniform distribution of fiber fibers throughout the cement composition, the viscosity and load-bearing capacity of concrete is improved.

The video shows a semi-dry screed with fiberglass:

Distinctive properties of fiber

With the use of fiber, the reliability of the structure increases by 90%, but this is done with the simultaneous introduction of high-quality plasticizers into the composition. One of the most important parameters is the weight of building materials. You can find out how much 1 cube of concrete weighs based on the weight of its components.

It is able to prevent the formation of cracks in the poured layer at all stages of its hardening:

at the first stage of laying concrete, during the first six hours, fiber fiber eliminates the appearance of cracks due to the uniform filling of mortar voids;
in the second, when the shrinkage process occurs, the fiber fibers connect the small cracks that have begun to form and eliminate the presence of large ones;
at the final stage, the fiber reduces the stress of the concrete and promotes uniform dehydration.

Fiber fiber reduces moisture absorption by concrete. This is achieved by reducing the pores in the material. It is more difficult for water to find passages and it leaks out much more slowly. Thanks to this, polypropylene fiber has found application in the construction of water settling tanks, marine and river structures. At the same time, it also has the opposite effect - it is difficult to release the moisture contained in the material to the outside, so in the event of a fire, fiber fiber will slightly dampen its spread and reduce the explosive spalling of the building structure.

How to make a solution for plastering a home oven can be found in this article.

Fiber increases the plasticity of concrete significantly. Moreover, this applies not only to the solution itself, but also to the finished frozen structure made from it; it can withstand impacts and dampen vibrations. This property of the material is used in heavy industry and military installations. Structures with fiberglass can withstand seismic activity well and have increased resistance to explosions.

An important factor is the abrasion of surfaces. Concrete structures wear out quickly if used in a particularly aggressive environment, so dams, water barriers and storage facilities are often built from cement-fiber compounds.

The frost resistance of this material is also excellent; it transfers its properties to concrete . At the same time, the latter’s resistance to cold increases several times.

If the composition is mixed with fiber fiber using technology, this will improve the adhesion of the resulting material to the surface and facilitate its leveling on it. Compared to reinforced mesh, polypropylene fiber prevents delamination of the concrete surface and also ensures rapid hardening of the composition.

The composition of the solution for the foundation is indicated in the article.

Features: pros and cons

Fiber fiber is an artificial filler for cement mortars. It is produced in the form of small flakes that are easy to mix with other components of the mixture.

Fiber-based solutions have several significant advantages over classic products:

Fiber fiber screed has increased bending strength. A foundation made of such materials perfectly withstands shrinkage of buildings, heaving of soils and many other loads.
Cement mortars almost never delaminate after hardening. This is achieved due to fibers that are randomly located in the structure of the substance.
Fiber fiber prevents the screed from cracking. But this effect is achieved only if the exact proportions recommended by the manufacturer are observed.
Fiber cement mortar can be prepared using a small amount of water. This, in turn, accelerates the hardening of the mixture and does not allow microvoids and other negative components to form inside the structure.

Fiber fibers are obtained from materials that do not rot or collapse under the influence of external factors.
Once hardened, cement is not easy to wipe off, which affects the service life of both bases and decorative materials.
The addition of fiber fibers to concrete affects the quality of waterproofing of the material. A frozen base does not allow moisture to pass through or absorb moisture.
Fiber-based surfaces can withstand low sub-zero temperatures, at which it is not recommended to use pure concrete.

As for the disadvantages, fiber fiber and products based on it have practically none.

Why add a reinforced layer?

Cement screed is not reliable and over time, under the influence of various factors, it begins to crumble and become covered with cracks. Its ideally flat surface is achieved with great effort. To facilitate this work, a reinforced layer is first laid on the treated area, often a steel mesh is used for this. But on large areas it does not help create a flat surface. It is for these purposes that polypropylene fiber is used; it costs less than its steel counterpart and is mixed together with cement. Its structure is compatible with all additives used to create concrete.

Technical characteristics of cement-lime mortar grade 75 are given in this article.

The video shows a fiber reinforced screed:

What is the composition of the mortar for plastering walls is indicated here.

The quality of such a solution depends on homogeneity - all particles must be evenly mixed together. This is achieved by portionwise introduction of fiber into the composition. The best method is to mix part of the material with a dry cement mixture, and then mix it with water and then adjust the solution to the desired consistency. The fiber fills all the voids and prevents the cement material from hardening in pieces. The quality of the resulting screed directly depends on its volume used.

How to make fiber-reinforced concrete?

Initially, the dry components of the solution are placed in a concrete mixer, according to its manufacturing technology, brand and strength class of the material. Depending on where the concrete monolith will be located and under what load it will be operated, the type and amount of fiber fiber is selected. After dry mixing, water is added to the composition, and plasticizers are used if necessary. Thanks to the use of fiber, the amount of water and cement required is reduced.

The mixing time will be 7-10 minutes, while you need to monitor the state of the solution and, if necessary, add water or a plasticizer. This is done to ensure that the mobility of the solution is optimal for the work, there are no voids left in it, and the composition is uniform.

For small volumes in private construction, fiber-reinforced concrete can be made with your own hands in another way. Fiber fibers are filled with water and stirred for uniform distribution. After this, cement or dry construction mixture and other fillers are added to the water until the desired composition is achieved. Constant mixing during production ensures correct distribution of fiber throughout the entire volume of the concrete mixture.

Consumption of cement mortar and fiber

There are several recipes for mixing cement composition with fiberglass. But on average, it is generally accepted that the more of this additive it contains, the better properties it will have. There are certain consumption limits by which you can find out in advance the properties of the future material.

They are designed for 1 m 3 of solution, so:

300 grams - acts as an additive, with it the cement composition becomes more plastic and fills all the unevenness;
500-600 gr . – the introduction of such a portion increases the strength properties of concrete;
800 grams and above - with such proportions the maximum result is achieved; the cement material takes on the characteristics of fiber.

Effect of fiber in a concrete floor

It has been proven that fiber cement floor screed is stronger, and the reliability of structures using fiber is 90% higher. When the solution hardens, the material performs the following tasks:

During the first 6 hours after pouring, small cracks begin to form. But if the composition contains fiber, the fibers prevent this process from developing, filling the voids that lead to the formation of cracks.
When shrinkage of the screed occurs, defects are likely to occur. In this case, the small components of the fiber fiber keep the concrete intact.
The fiber helps in uniform drying and reducing stress in the concrete.
Due to the reduction of pores by fibers, the surface becomes less permeable to moisture, which has a great effect on the final quality. The material releases less moisture in the solution, eliminating its overdrying.

The result of using fiberglass in a screed

Price

The approximate cost of fiber per 1 m 3 of area is 120 rubles, since 1 kg of this material costs 250 rubles. It is sold in 10 kilogram polypropylene bags. There is also packaging of 900 grams, it comes in a batch of 20 bags, which are packed into one bag weighing 18 kg. The price of one package in it is 220 rubles. A package weighing 600 grams costs 142 rubles. They are packaged in 30 pieces.

It should be noted that the cost does not depend on the size of the fiber fibers; it is the same for all types. The length of the fibers affects the scope of application of the material, as follows:

6 mm – suitable for masonry and facing work;
12 mm – suitable for floor screeds, construction of monolithic cement structures;
18 mm - used in repair compounds, for semi-dry screeding and in the construction of dams.

Video description

This video talks about all types of fiber for screeds:

Approximate prices for fiber per 1 kg:

Polypropylene – 200-300 rubles.
Basalt – 160-240 rub.
Fiberglass - 100-180 rubles.
Steel – 50-65 rub.
Carbon – 2500-4000 rub.

But the price of the material in itself does not mean anything; it must be considered in conjunction with the consumption rate. Let's compare the cheapest steel fiber with carbon fiber, which has the highest cost.

Steel fiber for concrete – consumption per m³ averages 40 kg. With an average cost of 58 rubles we get:

40 x 58 = 2320 rub.

The same volume of solution requires only 1 kg of carbon fiber, costing about 3,000 rubles.

The final difference is not as noticeable as the price per kilogram of product.

How to reinforce a screed with material

Before tiling the floor, it is first filled with a cement composition to level it and make it more reliable. The solution is made from cement, sand, polypropylene fiber and water. In addition to the materials listed, you will need the following tools:

building level;
aluminum profile;
ruler;
Master OK;
putty knife;
rake-rule;
roulette;
a drill with a special attachment for mixing cement mortar;
screwdriver;
self-tapping screws

First, the foundation is prepared. Debris is removed from it, and then cracks and recesses found on the floor are sealed using putty. After this, wash it and wait until it dries completely.

You can learn how to prepare cement mortar for plastering walls from this article.

Then the levels are set with marks on the walls. This stage of work begins from the corners of the room. Instead of beacons, wooden blocks or self-tapping screws with plastic tips made from corks are used. They must be fixed with cement.

After such preparatory work, you can proceed to preparing the solution. First, the dry ingredients are mixed - sand and Portland cement. The proportions are maintained at 3:1. Then half the volume of fiber fiber is added to them. After thorough kneading, the mixture is diluted with water, and the remaining fiber mass is introduced in small portions. If you use traditional technology, it is useful to read about what mixtures are used for floor screed.

In the video, reinforcement of the screed with fiberglass:

If such a fiberglass screed is used to create a heated floor, thermal insulation must be provided. It is laid on a dried base, and after it is filled with the prepared solution. Typically the layer thickness is 30-50 mm. The plane is leveled using a rule. Please note that the next layer is applied only after the previous one has dried.

After leveling, the resulting surface is rubbed with a grinding device, which hardens the surface. It is produced 20 minutes after pouring. The resulting screed must be covered with polyethylene to protect it from drafts. For proper hardening, it must stand for at least 12 hours. After four days, a decorative layer of the selected floor covering can be laid on its surface.

Fiber fiber is an excellent alternative to reinforced mesh. It costs less, and gives the cement screed properties that the latter cannot distinguish. The work will not take much time; the only factor on which the quality of the screed will depend is the correct creation of the solution and its pouring. You can do it yourself, but for those who doubt their abilities, it is better to hire specialists. In any case, when performing such a screed, the base will be smooth, frost-resistant, moisture-resistant and thermally conductive.

Technology of use

All stages of creating fiber-reinforced coatings are so worked out and verified that obtaining the correct result without defects is possible even without turning to professionals, when working independently. To fill a reinforced screed, you must have the following tools and materials:

cement, sand, water, plasticizer, fiber;
damper tape;
level: laser or regular water level;
profile for beacons;
usually, tape measure, ruler;
drill with a nozzle for mixing the solution;
roller for leveling semi-dry screed (if necessary);
screwdriver, fastening materials (screws);
construction knife, trowel and spatula.

The stages of work are as follows:

First you need to prepare the base for the base screed. To do this, you need to remove all debris, dirt and dust, and carry out wet cleaning. The surface should become dry and clean. Next, you need to seal all the cracks and irregularities with putty, and go over the base with a primer for the best adhesion.
Find the highest point of the future screed, use a level to mark a line along all the walls.
Install beacons that will be used to level the surface of the screed. Lighthouses are made from profiles. They are fixed at the required height with gypsum mortar or cement. After leveling, the beacons will be flush with the surface.
A special damper tape is glued along the entire perimeter of the room at the bottom of the walls and around columns and podiums for plumbing fixtures, which performs a compensating function when concrete expands as a result of temperature changes, for example, when a “warm floor” is turned on. Along with fiber, it prevents deformation and cracking of the screed when drying.

Insulating materials and, if necessary, reinforcing mesh are laid, thermal insulation and a heating circuit for “warm floors” are installed.
The solution is being prepared. For one part of the volume of cement, take 3 parts of the volume of clean sand, from 300 to 900 g of fiber fibers. All ingredients are mixed, then water and plasticizer are added to the dry base mixture. If the solution is mixed thoroughly, you will get a high-quality fiber cement screed.
The prepared reinforced solution is applied to the prepared surface in a thin layer of 3-5 cm. It should be taken into account that the semi-dry screed “shrinks” by 1 cm after compaction.
The screed is leveled by sliding the rule along the guide beacons, or the semi-dry screed is rolled with a special roller.
Waiting for it to dry and gain strength. To do this, cover the finished screed with plastic wrap and moisten it with water once a day. Duration time: 1 week. The time for complete hardening is 2-3 weeks.

The reinforced screed is ready. You can begin laying the final decorative coating.

You will learn even more information about fiberglass for floor screed in the next video.

How to use fiberglass for floor screed and how much is needed per 1 m2?

During the construction process, it becomes necessary to carry out activities to fill the screed. The use of concrete and cement mortars prepared according to standard recipes has weaknesses. The cement-sand composition for leveling the base is prone to shrinkage, which causes cracking and a decrease in the strength of the floor. To increase the load capacity, mesh reinforcement is performed, the use of which increases the weight of the base. An alternative option is fiberglass screed, which strengthens the concrete surface and prolongs its service life.

Performance properties of fiber reinforced concrete

Fiber fiber manufacturers usually claim two main qualities that can be achieved through the use of this material. This is durability and elasticity. After laying the mortar, it takes a little time to harden, and after just a few days the screed will effectively withstand mechanical, chemical and other influences. In addition, fiber for heated floor screed prevents the natural processes of destruction of concrete itself. Practice shows that adding polypropylene fibers to the solution reduces the likelihood of delamination of the cement structure, the formation of cracks, chips and shrinkage defects. Underfloor heating systems are not recommended for use in rooms with high humidity - for example, in the bathroom or kitchen. However, polypropylene reinforcement makes concrete waterproof, so the risks of negative impacts in such conditions are significantly reduced.

Why is floor screed with fiberglass performed?

The need to strengthen the concrete composition with fiber fibers is related to its properties. The hardened concrete mass has an increased safety margin. It is able to withstand compressive loads and, at the same time, loses its integrity under the influence of tensile forces and bending moments. During operation, a cement screed that does not have reinforcement gradually collapses.

Cement floor screed

A floor screed with fiber fiber evenly distributed inside the mass allows you to:

increase the strength characteristics of the base;
reduce shrinkage of building materials;
increase service life;
increase the plasticity of the floor base;
reduce the time it takes for the mixture to harden;
ensure resistance to temperature fluctuations;
prevent cracking and delamination;
evenly distribute the load on the concrete base.

The use of fiber filler improves the performance properties of the screed. Fiber fiber for floor screed has serious advantages and is used when performing repair work.

Fiber fiber for floor screed

Tips for selecting reinforcing fibers

Each type of reinforcing fiber has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of reinforcing fiber directly depends on the purpose of the structures that will be made of concrete.

The quality of the material is of great importance, so you should carefully choose the manufacturer and seller of reinforcing fibers.

Polypropylene fiber fiber is a modern alternative to concrete reinforcement, which saves money, time and labor and provides concrete with increased strength, durability, resistance to external factors and other important characteristics. Today it is recommended to use fiber in almost any design. The effectiveness of additives depends on their correct selection and application.

Fiber fiber for screed - types, characteristics, properties

Depending on the components used for manufacturing, fiber screeds are classified as follows:

metal. The steel filler is characterized by increased resistance to temperature changes and an increased safety margin. This allows it to be used in industrial premises, where the strength and durability of concrete are negatively affected by increased loads, vibration and surface abrasion. Steel fibers are susceptible to high humidity and also have increased weight compared to fiber counterparts made from other materials;
basalt. The reinforcing material has a set of advantages - increased resistance to open fire and temperature, resistance to corrosion processes, high humidity, and high impact strength. A filler made of basalt threads ensures the integrity of the concrete base even when through cracks occur. These advantages make it possible to use the material for pouring floors in buildings erected in seismically active zones, as well as in rooms with increased moisture concentration;
polypropylene. Synthetic fibers made of polypropylene have reduced weight and are characterized by resistance to aggressive substances. The reinforcing material is dielectric, which allows it to be safely used both for screeding a heated floor base and as a standard leveling coating. The reasonable price of fiber filler allows it to be used in private construction to solve a wide range of problems - from floor screed to plastering walls.

Advantages

Concrete with fiber has the following advantages:

The tensile strength of the material during bending increases by 2 times;
the ultimate deformation increases by 20 times;
improves viscosity and shock resistance;
frost resistance and water resistance are maintained;
fire resistance increases when exposed to high temperatures;
resistance to seismological factors increases;
the resulting three-dimensional structure prevents cracking of the building material and its abrasion;
has excellent compatibility with any active additives.

With all this, fiber is available for use and has a low cost, which reduces the price of concrete and the construction process as a whole.

How to make screed with fiber fiber - technology of work

The sequence of actions for planning the floor surface using concrete mortar with the addition of fiber fiber corresponds to the algorithm for constructing a traditional screed. The set of measures includes the following stages:

Finishing the surface to the required conditions.
Determining the level of the poured solution.
Preparation of a mixture with fiber fiber.
Pouring the mixture and leveling it.

Let us dwell in detail on the specifics of performing individual stages of work.

Preparing the surface

Preparation of the base surface involves performing the following work:

Removing existing floor covering.
Cleaning the surface from construction debris.
Visual inspection of the base for defects.
Cutting detected cracks.
Cleaning the edges of the prepared cavities.
Abundantly moisten the surface with water.
Sealing with cement-sand mortar.
Clean up dust using a vacuum cleaner.
Gluing damping tape along the contour of the walls.

The strength and durability of the coating depends on the quality of surface preparation.

Carrying out markings

Floor screed with fiber fiber is poured to a thickness determined by the height differences of the base and the purpose of the room. Before pouring the mixture for the screed, it is necessary to make markings, following the given sequence of actions:

Identify areas of the floor with maximum differences.
Mark the required pour height on the wall surface.
Draw a horizontal line corresponding to the thickness of the screed.
Install beacons on the floor in accordance with the markings.
Secure the guides to the base with cement mortar.

Installation of beacons for floor screed and surface leveling
When performing work, pay attention to the following nuances:

using a laser level will simplify marking the layer thickness;
the interval between the guides should not exceed the size of the rule;
The fixing solution for beacons must harden before the next step begins.

Having completed the activities at this stage, check the correct installation of the guides.

Preparing the mixture

You can prepare a solution containing fiber fiber for floor screed using various methods. To mix the ingredients, use one of the following methods:

Mix Portland cement, fiber filler and fine sand thoroughly. Dilute the mixture with water, gradually adding it during the mixing process until a uniform consistency of the composition is obtained;
add fiber strands to the previously prepared cement laitance and mix thoroughly. Gradually introduce the resulting composition into the prepared cement-sand mixture and mix until smooth;
Prepare a standard concrete solution in a concrete mixer, following the required recipe. Add fiber reinforcement to the concrete mixer and mix the solution.

Preparing the mixture for pouring the floor screed
Let's consider the sequence of steps for preparing fiber-reinforced cement mortar:

Mix pre-sifted sand and Portland cement in a 3:1 ratio.
Introduce fiber fiber, the amount of which is 50% of the total volume of the solution.
Gradually add water at the rate of 0.3–0.4 liters for each kilogram of Portland cement.
Mix the ingredients evenly until creamy.

To ensure the strength characteristics of the screed, it is necessary to prepare a concrete solution marked M200. To prepare it you will need 250 kg of Portland cement per cubic meter of concrete.

Fiber fiber consumption per 1 m 2 screeds

It is necessary to know, when introducing fiberglass for screed, the consumption per m 2. It should be remembered that with increasing concentration of polypropylene fiber, the characteristics of the screed improve. Depending on the condition of the floor, the thickness of the formed layer differs. That is why it is convenient to calculate the amount of fiber reinforcement per cubic meter of solution.

Fiber fiber consumption per 1 m2 of screed

Professional builders are guided by the following proportions:

to increase the mobility of the cement composition and better fill unevenness, you can add 0.3 kg per cubic meter of the mixture;
to prevent cracks and increase the strength characteristics of concrete, 0.5-0.6 kg is introduced per cubic meter of cement mortar;
The maximum effect can be obtained and the strength of the cement base can be significantly increased by introducing 0.8–1.5 kg of fibers per 1 m 3 of composition.

The manufacturer of fiber fiber for floor screed indicates the recommended proportions on the packaging. Exceeding the recommended formulation may cause cracking of the screed surface.

Making a screed

Floor screed with fiber fiber is performed according to the following algorithm:

Pour cement mortar between the beacons.
Distribute the mixture evenly as a rule.
Compact the material using a needle roller.
Remove the guides after the base has cured.
Fill the cavities from the beacons with cement mortar.

Floor screed with fiberglass
When performing work, pay attention to the following points:

you should start pouring from the far corner of the room;
work must be performed in one step;
The screed should be protected from drafts;
It is necessary to moisten the surface from time to time.

After the material has hardened, you can begin further work on laying the finishing coating.

Features of screed for heated floors

Making screeds for heated floors has its own nuances:

To prevent heat loss, it is necessary to perform the following work before pouring the cement base:

lay thermal insulation material;
reliably waterproof the base.

In addition to reinforcing ingredients, plasticizing substances should be introduced to increase the plasticity of the solution and its resistance to the influence of elevated temperatures.

Fiber fiber screed for heated floors

DIY concrete additives

The basic characteristic of concrete and cement-containing mortars is the compressive strength of the finished products. The process of setting and strengthening of the poured mortar is tied to the hydration of the cement.

The minerals included in its composition react with water and atmospheric carbon dioxide, which leads to the creation of a strong crystalline structure, which, in turn, binds the filler: sand, gravel, slag, crushed stone, expanded clay....

In this article we will touch on the main additives in concrete and cement mortar, which modify their properties and which you can make with your own hands in the living conditions of an apartment or cottage.

DIY cement mortar and concrete, what it is and why - introductory

In fact, this is the simplest version of concrete: a mixture of cement mortar with coarse sand.

It is mainly used as substrates for foundations or as a filler for metal forms (piles).

Very little water is required for the solution - only for convenient stirring and hydration of the cement. It is possible to mix the mixture directly in the pouring mold or formwork.

Usually crushed stone with a fraction from 2-3 mm to 30-35 mm is used

Important!: crushed stone, like any other filler, must be clean! It is also recommended to use aggregates of different sizes with non-smooth surfaces, i.e.

extracted by crushing rocks.

In the recipes below we will assume that 1 bag of cement is 50 kg. unless explicitly stated otherwise.

So, how to prepare concrete yourself:

Prepare the mold or formwork.
We choose aggregate with different sizes, for example, mixed large gravel or crushed stone with medium. Because at home, there is usually no equipment for high-quality compaction of concrete - it is the different size of the stone that will ensure a tight fit of the aggregate elements to each other, which does not allow the formation of large voids.
Mix sand and cement in a trough, bucket or concrete mixer.
We fill in water, which should be as clean as possible and without any extraneous alkaline or acidic inclusions.
Little by little we begin to add cement and aggregate, stirring constantly.
After mixing thoroughly!!!, pour the prepared solution into a mold or formwork and, if possible, compact it using improvised means.

Proportions in concrete preparation technology are not given, because For different purposes, different compositions are required.

Foundations for a house or large buildings require the inclusion of large aggregates and the cement mortar needs to be sufficiently fluid and in an amount sufficient to adhere/fix them.

The most common proportions of concrete mortar are 1:3:6, where respectively cement, sand and aggregate + 0.5-1 water. The component-wise composition of concrete is set out in GOST 7473-94 and SNiP 5.01.23-83.

DIY plasticizers

History knows many recipes and techniques for improving the characteristics of concrete.

For example, already in the 19th century, to increase plasticity and adhesion, protein from a chicken egg was added to the solution; in the 20th century, after the advent of slaked lime (fluff), they switched to it. Nowadays, at home, washing powder or other detergents are sometimes added.

We produce semi-dry screed with fiber fiber

A semi-dry screed with fiber reinforcement allows you to form a reliable and even concrete base for finishing in a limited time. The technology provides:

minimal hydration of the composition;
reinforced with plastic fiber.

You can use a stand mixer to mix the dry ingredients evenly. Sequencing:

Prepare the base.
Complete the markup.
Lay thermal insulation.
Install and secure beacons.
Prepare a sand-cement mixture in a 3:1 ratio.
Add 0.6 kg/m 3 fiber and mix.
Add a little water until semi-dry.
Lay the solution in a layer of 3–5 cm and level it.

After drying, sand the surface and cut expansion joints. Lay the finishing coating a week after pouring.

When to use fiber

Fiber reinforcement is used in screeds made from a cement-sand mixture - such a solution is more susceptible to the formation of cracks. Even with the correct ratio of components and care after installation, cracks will still occur. But to have fewer of them, it is better to add micro-reinforcing substances

Please note that fiber mesh does not replace mesh. Chaotically located fragments will improve performance, but they will not be able to redistribute the load and connect the entire screed into a single system. Fiber happens:

Fiber happens:

polypropylene;
metal;
basalt;
fiberglass.

When kneading, fiber is added to the dry ingredients. When the sand and cement are mixed until smooth, add fiberglass and mix again. When the fibers are distributed evenly, you can add water.

Types of fiber in screed

Non-professional builders often have a desire to add more fiber. If it prevents the formation of cracks, then the more fiber, the fewer cracks. Isn't it logical? From a logical point of view it is possible, but from a practical point of view the opposite is true. If there is an excess of fiber, the strength of concrete decreases. So we strictly follow the recommendations, adding exactly as much as needed.

Purpose

Fiber fiber is a universal construction filler that is used only as additives.

The main purpose of fiber is to create durable concrete surfaces that can withstand certain types of loads. The substances can be used with several types of cement mixtures, including aerated concrete, foam concrete and sand concrete.

In domestic construction, fiber fibers can be added to the screed for the purpose of additional reinforcement. Some varieties are added to plasters. But technically, fiber does not produce results without a binding component, which is cement.

Standard flow

If you decide to use fiberglass for floor screed, the consumption should be as follows:

for warm floors, a proportion of 0.8 kg of fiber per 1 m3 is suitable. Then this method of insulation will function normally: the concrete will not lose its ability to transfer heat, and will also be strong enough to withstand even serious loads;
if you want to make a concrete screed in a residential area, then you will need about 1-1.5 kg of reinforcing material per 1 m3. This proportion will provide the required strength and allow concrete to show its best qualities for a residential building;
if the screed is made in a room intended for industrial use, then more of it will be required, because in such buildings there is always a large load. More than 1.5 g of reinforcing additive will be required.

As fiber we used standard reinforcing material with a fiber diameter of 12 mm.

If you use thicker raw materials, then the consumption can be calculated by making a proportion. The larger the diameter of the seal, the less it will be required. But this does not mean at all that thick fiber fiber will help save money, because it costs an order of magnitude more than thinner analogues.

When producing concrete screed, it is recommended to use a damper tape. While working, be careful to use the fiber correctly. After all, this is the key to excellent strength, good resistance to temperature changes and chemical influences. With such a reinforcing material, you will never have problems associated with concrete screed in your home or workplace!

Proportions for adding fiber fiber to building mixtures

I will give the proportions for preparing a solution for fiber screed based on the technological map of one large construction company.

Calculation for 10 kg of cement.
For this amount of cement you need 25-30 grams of polypropylene fiber.

The solution is made in two stages.

First stage: 10 kg of cement: 15 kg of sand: 2-2.4 liters of clean cold water: 12-15 grams of fiber;

Fiber must be added at the dry mixing stage of the components. Mix everything thoroughly.

Second stage: without cement: 20 kg of sand: 1.4-2.4 liters of water: remaining fiber, 12-15 grams. Naturally mix thoroughly.

You can calculate the proportions of microfiber in the solution differently: 700-900 grams of microfiber are needed for 1 cubic meter. meter of solution.