Categories

FORTA-FERRO®

When you choose FORTA-FERRO, you get the strength to do more than ever before.

FORTA-FERRO is an easy-to-finish, color blended fiber, made of 100% virgin copolymer/polypropylene consisting of a twisted bundle non-fibrillating monofilament and a fibrillating network fiber, yielding a high-performance concrete reinforcement system. FORTA-FERRO is used to reduce plastic and hardened concrete shrinkage, improve impact strength, and increase fatigue resistance and concrete toughness. This extra heavy-duty fiber offers maximum long-term durability, structural enhancements, and effective secondary/temperature crack control by incorporating a truly unique synergistic fiber system of long length design. FORTA-FERRO is non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and 100% Alkali proof!

This patented fiber is actually a blend of two fibers:

  1. A standard fibrillated polypropylene fiber to reduce and control shrinkage and temperature cracking.
  2. A very heavy-duty twisted-bundle monofilament fiber made of a strong synthetic copolymer, to increase load-transfer and post-crack performance. This pre-blended fiber is typically used in long lengths (2-1/4″) and in high dosages (3.0 to 30 lbs. / cu. yd.) to affect a higher replacement level of reinforcing steel than standard synthetic fibers. FORTA-FERRO, which means “Strong as Steel”, is also extremely user-friendly, having gained a reputation as the best mixing and finishing fiber of its kind in the industry.

Packaging

FORTA-FERRO is available in convenient degradable mixer-ready bags in 1.0 to 5.0 lb increments (1.0 and 2.0 kg) and new, more efficient bags that are water resistant while maximizing freight and storage.

FIBER EXPERTS ON STAFF Ready to Answer Questions & Aid in Technical Support
Contact a FORTA® Expert

What are the cost comparisons between FORTA-FERRO® and steel reinforcement?

There are many factors to take into consideration. Steel fibers typically require special conveyors or extra man-hours to add them due to the high dosage per cubic yard. Steel mats or rebar are very labor intensive to place on chairs and supports and to tie properly. The 3-dimensional FORTA-FERRO® fibers can be placed with a laser guided screed and can eliminate the need for a concrete pump in these situations. The FORTA-FERRO® benefits can reduce labor hours and placement time, providing significant job savings.

How does FORTA-FERRO® affect placement and finishing?

FORTA-FERRO® fibers are added at the concrete batch plant and require 4-5 minutes at normal mixing speed for proper distribution. They will reduce visual slump approximately 3″ at the 7.5 lb. dosage, and will typically require a super-plasticizer or mid-range water reducer to provide flowability for placement. Using excessive mix water will naturally reduce concrete strength and create bleed water that will make the surface less durable. Good concrete finishing practices should be exercised.

Can FORTA-FERRO® replace wire mesh, steel mats or rebar in slab-on-grade concrete?

In most situations, FORTA-FERRO® can safely and reliably replace all non-structural steel in slab-on-grade concrete. Factors such as requirements from rack or point load, average daily traffic, slab thickness and sub-base must be considered. As always, it is best to contact the FORTA® Engineering Department before eliminating steel reinforcement.

What benefits do FORTA-FERRO® fibers have over steel fibers?

FORTA-FERRO® (which means “Strong as Steel”) fibers are non-corrosive, non-magnetic and 100% alkali proof. In comparison testing vs. three types of steel fibers it was determined that it requires 1 pound of FORTA-FERRO® fiber to offer equivalent A.R.S. (Average Residual Strength) values to that of 10 pounds of steel fibers. This one-to-ten dosage ratio offers tremendous advantages for FORTA-FERRO® fibers in the batching, pumping, placing and finishing processes.

Contact FORTA® for comparative test results.

Calculate Your Savings!
Select Unit:US TonMetric Ton
Enter Asphalt:

Enter Asphalt Price:
FORTAfied asphalt for Tons of Savings!

Use our Savings Calculator to compare material costs between a traditional asphalt mixture and FORTAfied Asphalt.

Original Asphalt Cost:
Reduction in Asphalt Thickness:

Reduced Asphalt Cost:
Cost of FORTA-FI (based on MSRP):
FORTAfied Asphalt Cost =
Material Cost Savings =
Savings in Tons =