FORTA Reinforces Permeable Concrete Vessels

This research project, which first began in 2017, aims to clean and preserve local water reservoirs. For example, in some shallow waterways nitrogen and phosphorus can leach into the reservoirs resulting in an annual bloom of toxic algae.  An Ohio State University research team aims to combat this algae bloom by creating Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs) of plant growth.  These self-buoyant, pre-cast Permeable Concrete Vessels (PCVs) that are capable of supporting water loving plant species comprise the floating islands. As a result, these plants act as living sponges, removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus as well as alleviating nutrient pollution. 

The team began a full-scale, lake-based installation of twenty islands in the Spring of 2019. Their objective now is to optimize the form and durability of the vessel and to conduct initial in-the-field performance testing. To clarify, Jacob Boswell, Project Leader and Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at Ohio State University, states,

“Of the initial twenty permeable concrete vessels, ten of them were cast using FORTA-FERRO^® fibers.  These ten outperformed the other vessels in terms of overall durability and spalling.”

In the Spring of 2020 installation of larger islands will continue to test mix designs and long-term vessel durability.

Known as our most popular fiber on the market, FORTA-FERRO is an easy to finish, color-blended macro synthetic fiber made of 100% virgin copolymer/polypropylene. Its twisted-bundle monofilament and fibrillated fibers yield a high-performance concrete reinforcement. This heavy-duty macro synthetic fiber offers maximum long-term durability, structural enhancements, and effective temperature/shrinkage crack control. Overall, FORTA-FERRO is non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and 100% acid and alkali proof. 

To learn more about this project, click here.