r strand

r STRAND is a structural reinforcement macrofiber made of Alkali-Resistant (AR) glass. It comes in the form of "strands" (bundles of multiple continuous filaments) and is designed to be mixed into concrete, providing a homogeneous, three-dimensional reinforcement throughout the entire mass.

Its main application is the reinforcement of concrete elements, excelling in:

• Industrial pavements and slabs: For crack control, increased load-bearing capacity, and impact resistance.
• Precast concrete elements: Panels, tunnel segments, pipes, and other elements requiring high durability.
• Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC): Where it helps achieve exceptional mechanical strengths.
• Shotcrete: As primary reinforcement in slope stabilization and tunnels.

• Three-Dimensional Reinforcement: Unlike steel mesh (2D reinforcement), the fibers are distributed throughout the entire volume, controlling cracking much more effectively.
• Total Corrosion Resistance: Being made of AR glass, it is 100% rust-proof, ensuring maximum durability even in aggressive environments (marine, industrial).
• Increased Productivity: It eliminates the processes of cutting, positioning, and tying steel mesh, significantly reducing execution times and labor.
• Improved On-site Safety: It avoids the risks of tripping and cuts associated with handling steel mesh.
• Perfect Surface Finishes: The fibers do not appear on the surface, allowing for high-quality polished finishes with no risk of rust stains.

Yes. Due to its high mechanical properties (Tensile Strength ~1700 MPa and Modulus of Elasticity >70 GPa), r STRAND fiber has structural capacity. It provides post-crack residual strength to the concrete, an essential requirement for structural reinforcement according to standards like the Spanish Código Estructural or the British technical report TR34.

• Steel fibers: r STRAND does not corrode, is lighter, and its high density (similar to concrete) ensures perfect dispersion without segregation.
• Polymer fibers: r STRAND has a much higher Modulus of Elasticity. This means it starts absorbing stress long before a visible crack forms, resulting in superior crack control.

Concrete is a highly alkaline material that would degrade conventional glass. r STRAND fiber is manufactured with a high Zirconia content (>16%), which gives it excellent chemical resistance to alkali attack, ensuring its integrity throughout the structure's service life, as required by the EN 15422 standard.

It is added directly at the batching plant or into the mixer truck on-site. Its format is designed for rapid and homogeneous dispersion during the mixing process, preventing the formation of clumps or "hedgehogs."

The dosage is not a fixed value; it must be determined by a structural calculation that considers the specific application and project loads. Doses typically range from 3 kg/m³ for shrinkage control to over 15 kg/m³ for high-demand structural applications.