FLOORING - STEEL FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE
A typical example of load-bearing capacity of floors on piles
South Africa
Steel reinforced durability The most effective way in which the performance of concrete floors in buildings in Sub Saharan Africa can be enhanced is through steel fibre reinforcement.This enables organisations to operate safely and efficiently from floors that are durable in the most demanding heavy-duty environment,Construction Review learns from Phil Walker, the Managing Director of RCRFlooring Products South Africa.
A
s the limitations of ‘conventional’ concrete floors in industrial warehouses continue to be exposed, strangely enough, wrong procurement
crucial role in ensuring a safe and efficient environment. When exposed to constant pounding from activity, ordinary concrete floors easily give in to incessant cracking which
decisions, which are costing infrastructure developers in
proves difficult and costly to contain. In comparison, when
Africa billions in replacement and repair costs, continue
reinforced with steel fibre which optimises crack control,
to be made.
explains Walker, concrete floors are more durable even in
However, it is uplifting to note that reinforcing concrete
the most demanding and heavy-duty environment.
floors with steel fibre, addresses this challenge adequately. Construction Review seeks the opinion of Managing
Operational advantages
Director of RCR Flooring Products South Africa, Phil
Through meticulous engineering, the strengthened concrete
Walker, on the relevance of this innovation in African
floors have optimal load bearing capacity, optimum crack
construction, based on his company’s rich experience.
control, high impact resistance and high fatigue resistance.
RCR is widely known as the leading supplier of steel fibre
Walker says: “On the whole, the reinforced concrete floors
concrete reinforcing solutions,as well as other products
bring the following operational benefits: they cost much
worldwide.The company sources its products from its
less to maintain and repair, have a longer lifespan as they
strategic partner, Bekaert.
have optimised thickness, and better performance. Further, with their enhanced robustness, mesh is not needed during
A recommended option
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construction.
Walker firmly believes that steel fibre reinforced concrete
“The steel fibre reinforcement is evenly distributed
floors should be a top priority in projects, as they play a
throughout the concrete - at the top layer, in the core, at May 2015