Service life of plastic fittings. Plastic (composite) reinforcement for foundations

Scientific progress does not stand still. This also applies to the construction manufacturing sector. Every day more and more alternatives to outdated products appear on the building materials market. The same is true with steel reinforcement. IN last years A product such as composite reinforcement is gaining popularity. This fitting comes in three types: fiberglass, basalt-plastic And carbon fiber. Depending on the type, it is based on either glass, carbon, basalt, or aramid fibers and polymer binders in the form of resins. Externally, it consists of plastic rods with special technological ribs (like steel reinforcement) or a sand coating.

Ribs and sand are applied to the surface to improve the adhesion of the reinforcement to the concrete. Technological process and the characteristics of composite reinforcement have been known for many years. But, despite this and the bold statements of manufacturers that it is more durable than steel reinforcement, the leadership still remains with steel. Is it possible that it will replace steel and is it as good as the manufacturers praise it? This question can be answered only by considering all the pros and cons of composite reinforcement.

Advantages of composite reinforcement

Resistance to aggressive environments. The most important advantage of all types of composite reinforcement is biological and chemical resistance. This fittings are neutral to the effects of microorganisms and their metabolic products. It is also neutral to water and highly resistant to various alkalis, acids and salts. This allows it to be used in those areas of construction where steel reinforcement shows poor resistance in these parameters.

Such areas may include: coastal fortifications, bridge construction, road construction(where the impact of anti-ice reagents occurs), concrete works V winter time, when in concrete mixture Various plasticizing, frost-resistant and hardening-accelerating additives are added.

Relatively light weight. Compared to steel reinforcement, composite reinforcement weighs four to eight times less, which helps save on transportation costs and unloading and loading. In addition, due to the low weight, concrete structures are also lighter, which is important for large scales and volumes of work.

Dielectricity and radiotransparency. Since plastic fittings are a dielectric, this allows you to avoid emergency situations and losses of electricity due to faulty wiring. Also, composite reinforcement does not interfere with radio waves, which is important in the construction of commercial and other types of buildings.

Long service life. Due to its composition and structure, as well as resistance to aggressive environments, the service life of composite reinforcement is very long. To date, a record of forty years has been recorded. Manufacturers claim that it can last 150 years or more, but since composite reinforcement has been used in construction relatively recently, it is not yet possible to verify this.

Ease installation work . Due to its elasticity, composite reinforcement is twisted into small coils (with a diameter of just over one meter, depending on the cross-section of the reinforcement), which, combined with its low weight, allows it to be transported to passenger car. In addition, installation work can be successfully carried out by one person, since the technology for assembling structures is relatively simple.

Strength. The tensile strength of composite reinforcement is much higher than that of steel. With the same rod diameters, composite reinforcement can withstand longitudinal loads 3-4 times greater than steel reinforcement.

No length restrictions. Due to its elasticity, plastic reinforcement can be twisted into coils of 50, 100 or more meters. While the maximum size of steel reinforcement is usually limited to 12 meters.

Disadvantages of composite reinforcement

1. Poor bending performance. Composite reinforcement has a modulus of flexibility that is three to four times less than steel reinforcement, which can lead to deformation concrete structures and the formation of cracks. In addition, due to its high elasticity, it is not intended for the manufacture of bent structures (for example, foundation corners).
2. Small range of sizes. Due to limited use, composite reinforcement is produced in a smaller variety of diameters than steel reinforcement. The range of produced sections is limited to sizes from 4 to 32 millimeters.
3. Limited types of installation work. Installation of structures is carried out only by tying with wire or plastic ties. While steel reinforcement can also be welded.
4. Low thermal resistance. At temperatures above 100-120 degrees, composite reinforcement begins to melt and loses all its properties. Therefore, in case of fires in such buildings, their further operation can be dangerous.
5. Lack of sufficient documentation and regulatory framework. Although there are GOSTs for composite reinforcement, in most SNiPs, calculations for composite reinforcement are either poorly represented or absent altogether.
6. Increased fragility with negative temperatures. Even at low subzero temperatures, composite reinforcement becomes more fragile.

conclusions

Composite reinforcement has a number of advantages and can be successfully used in many areas of construction. But a number of significant disadvantages do not allow it to completely replace steel reinforcement.

When constructing any building, a foundation is required. To make it stronger, reinforcement is inserted into the concrete. Previously, it was made exclusively of metal. Modern technologies make it possible to produce reinforcement from composites. It has its pros and cons, and therefore before using it in the construction of a bathhouse, you should carefully study the features.

Features of the material

Reinforcement, which is made from various composites, has found application in both private and capital construction.

Composite reinforcement comes in two types depending on the material of manufacture. It is made from fiberglass or basalt fiber. The latter costs much more, although its properties slightly exceed the quality of fiberglass rods.

The peculiarity of composite reinforcement is that it consists of two layers - internal and external. Interior- This is a core of fibers arranged in parallel. These fibers are combined with a composite of epoxy or polyester resins. The characteristics of the reinforcement depend on the core.

Fibers are wound onto the core in the form of a spiral, which are also combined with each other using a composite. This part responsible for adhesion to concrete mortar.

Since the composite material does not have sufficient flexural strength, it is not suitable for knitting when laying steel bars. For this it is better to use plastic clamps.

Advantages and disadvantages

Carbon fiber rods are fastened with special clamps; there is no need to use welding for fastening

The advantages of composite reinforcement include:

• light weight;
• the cost is lower than that of metal;
• strength;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• excellent thermal insulation properties, which is the main advantage when building a bathhouse;
• is not a conductor and therefore does not interfere with radio waves;
• service life can be 80 years;
• The reinforcement is sold in coils, and therefore the length of the rod is unlimited.

And yet, composite reinforcement also has disadvantages:

• it cannot be operated at temperatures above 200°C;
• not too elastic. However, the last drawback is important only in the construction of high-rise buildings. In the foundation of a bathhouse, elasticity does not play any role.

If you are not going to heat the foundation of the bathhouse to too high temperatures, then best choice is the use of composite reinforcement. Durable and lightweight material, which can be cut into pieces of any length, has excellent reinforcing properties.

Modern construction technologies involve the use of new materials with improved characteristics. One of the latest developments in scientific and construction organizations is plastic reinforcement. Thanks to its complex of operational properties, it successfully competes with metal rods, which are gradually destroyed as a result of corrosion processes. Glass reinforcement is used to provide an increased safety margin for concrete structures in contact with fresh and salt water, as well as aggressive environments.

Composite reinforcement – ​​fiberglass material for strengthening concrete

Composite fiberglass reinforcement is new building material made from various fibers:

• basalt;
• glass;
• polyamide;
• carbon.

The name of the polymer reinforcement is determined by the type of fiber used:

• basalt-plastic rods are made from basalt thread;
• fiberglass reinforcement is made on the basis of glass fiber.

Novice developers are interested in whether it is possible to use fiberglass reinforcement for the foundation, and also how fiberglass reinforcement behaves in aerated concrete walls. Modern manufacturing technology, which involves impregnation of a bundle of fibers with a thermoplastic mixture based on polymer components, ensures the required strength of the finished product.

Polymerizing at elevated temperatures, the threads collected in a bundle harden and acquire the required form. Combining fiber threads can improve performance properties.

Improved adhesion of glass reinforcement to concrete is ensured by applying the following materials to the outer surface of polymer rods:

• fine sand;
• marble particles;
• crushed granite.

Transverse or spiral corrugations increase the strength of the reinforcement and improve adhesion to the concrete mass.

Plastic fittings - features of building materials

Plastic reinforcement, designed to increase the strength of concrete structures, has its own characteristics.

The main difference between this material is a light weight, as well as a two-layer design:

• the inner layer is the core of the rod, consisting of longitudinal threads filled with a composite mixture. The core increases the resistance of the material to tensile and compressive loads;
• the outer layer is formed by a group of threads twisted in a spiral. The characteristic arrangement of the outer fibers increases the resistance of the rods to torsion, and also improves the contact of the polymer reinforcement with concrete.

Polymer threads improve the performance properties of composite rods, which successfully compete with standard metal reinforcement. Distinctive features glass fittings:

• weight reduced by 4-5 times compared to steel rods. The main advantage of the material makes it easier to work and reduce costs associated with transportation;
• The polymer material is twice as durable as steel in terms of tensile strength. This makes it possible to provide the required safety margin with reduced parameters of the outer diameter;
• resistance to corrosive destruction and neutrality to aggressive liquids. Polymer rods retain their properties in a humid environment;
• reduced thermal conductivity coefficient compared to steel. Polymer material allows for the construction and repair of houses, preventing the formation of cold bridges;
• possibility of assembling load-bearing frames without electric welding. This simplifies the process of fixing the bars and also reduces costs.

Design features and performance characteristics allow the use of glass reinforcement instead of steel rods to solve a wide range of problems.

Glass reinforcement - types of rods

Plastic fittings are made from different types threads The following types of composite rods are used:

• fiberglass, abbreviated as ASP. The core is made of glass fibers that are highly resistant to moisture. The products are used to increase the strength of foundations and road surfaces;
• basalt plastic, marked ABP. Easily distinguished by the black color of basalt fibers. Basalt plastic rods are superior to fiberglass rods in their ability to withstand tensile loads, as well as the magnitude of elastic deformation;
• Carbon fiber rods marked UGP are made on the basis of carbon, used in the production of concrete composites. Increased level the cost of purchasing carbon fiber reinforcement is compensated by the working properties of the material, as well as the ease of working with it;
• combined. Reinforcement with the ACC index is made of basalt and glass fibers and is characterized by increased strength properties. ACC polymer rods on a glass-basalt base are used for special purposes.

The choice of composite rods is carried out depending on the complexity of the tasks.

How plastic fittings are made

The production process of polymer reinforcement is carried out on automated lines and includes the following stages:

1. Filling the feed module hopper with a polymer composition.
2. Feeding composite fibers and ensuring uniform tension.
3. Heat treatment of the material to remove water and oil inclusions.
4. Loading polymer fibers into a tank with heated binding ingredients.
5. Pulling the impregnated threads through a nozzle that winds them.
6. Polymerization of the starting material in an oven at high temperature.
7. Cooling the resulting rods and cutting them into pieces of the required sizes.

The characteristics of the equipment guarantee the quality of the resulting products.

Scope of glass reinforcement

Polymer reinforcement is used to solve various problems:

• production of composite concrete used for the construction of monolithic structures;
• construction of building foundations and pouring monolithic slabs;
• increasing the strength of walls built of brick;

• construction of port facilities and special designs to strengthen the coastline;
• construction of road surfaces and reinforcement of concrete slopes;
• construction of protective structures for railways and transport highways;
• production of concrete products requiring prestressing;
• construction of transport interchanges, bridges, overpasses and overpasses;
• construction of concrete structures in seismic zones.

Plastic rods do not require waterproofing, regardless of the choice of structural reinforcement scheme. The use of fiberglass reinforcement for concrete reinforcement and the use of polymer rods is carried out on the basis of previously performed calculations. Employees of specialized organizations are proficient in the technique of calculating reinforced concrete for construction.

Advantages of glass fittings

Developers are interested in what the pros and cons of plastic fittings are. Like all building materials, fiberglass reinforcement has disadvantages and advantages. The main advantages of glass fittings:

• increased safety margin;
• acceptable price level;
• light weight of rods;
• corrosion resistance;
• resistance to aggressive environments;
• reduced thermal conductivity;

• environmental cleanliness;
• long period of operation;
• ease of machining;
• convenient delivery option;
• possibility of assembling frames without welding;
• preservation of properties at low temperatures;
• dielectric characteristics.

Thanks to a set of advantages, composite rods are popular.

Weaknesses of fiberglass rods

Along with the advantages, glass fittings also have disadvantages.

Main disadvantages:

• decrease in strength properties when heated above 200 °C;
• increased likelihood of fire when heated;
• insufficiently high elastic modulus;
• decrease in strength properties during operation and contact with alkalis;
• impossibility of bending rods without the use of special technological methods.

These disadvantages limit the scope of use.

In construction, as in other industries, they are increasingly resorting to the use of goods and services in the production of latest technologies and innovative approaches. Fiberglass reinforcement is an example of such an alternative solution. It quickly replaced traditional metal parts, surpassing them in economic and technical parameters. From this article you will learn what fiberglass reinforcement is. The characteristics of this material will be presented in comparison with others.

Fiberglass reinforcement - what is it?

The reinforcing agent, or non-metallic fiberglass reinforcement, is a kind of rod with a ribbed surface made of glass fibers. Its profile is spiral-shaped, and its diameter varies from 4 to 18 mm. The length of the fittings can reach up to 12 meters. Sometimes it is found in the form of twisted bays; the diameter of such building material is 10 mm.

Abroad, fiberglass reinforcement, the use of which is as widespread as in our country, is called polymer equipment. It is reinforced with continuous fiber. In Russia you can often find the abbreviation AKS.

What is fiberglass reinforcement made of?

The physical body of the AKC consists of several parts:

1. Main trunk. It is made of parallel fibers that are connected with a polymer resin. The main trunk ensures the strength of the reinforcement.

2. Outer layer - is a fibrous body. It is wound in a spiral around the AKS barrel. It is found in the form of sand spraying or bidirectional winding.

There are various variations of fiberglass, it all depends on the imagination of the manufacturer and the feasibility of the know-how. On sale you can find fittings, the main trunk of which is made in the form of a carbon fiber pigtail.

Basic properties

To determine the properties of fiberglass, a lot of research and testing has been carried out. The results obtained characterized AKS as high-strength and durable equipment for construction, which has a number of advantages over other materials:

• light weight (fiberglass is 9 times lighter than metal reinforcement);
• resistance to corrosion in acidic and aggressive chloride environments (10 times higher than the properties of steel reinforcement);
• low thermal conductivity;
• efficiency (it is more profitable to transport it, and replacement is carried out less frequently);
• magnetoinertness;
• radio transparency;
• the reinforcement is a dielectric.

Fiberglass reinforcement: disadvantages

In addition to the undeniable advantages of AKS, thanks to which it has gained great popularity among construction companies and ordinary people, it has its drawbacks. Of course, it is very difficult to call them critical. However, it is worth keeping in mind the negative characteristics of the material, which may affect the construction process.

So, the disadvantages:

• short ;
• insufficient heat resistance;
• others.

Due to its low elasticity, the AKS is easy to bend. For the manufacture of foundations and paths, this is not a serious disadvantage. But in the case of the production of floors, you need to do additional calculations, considering this feature fittings.

Insufficient heat resistance is a more serious drawback of AKS. The fact that fiberglass itself is heat resistant does not mean anything. The plastic connecting link does not withstand high temperatures, but the reinforcement belongs to the group of self-extinguishing materials. This property is valid up to a temperature of 2000 degrees Celsius, after which AKS loses its strength. Therefore, the use of fiberglass with concrete is prohibited. Such reinforcement can be used only in those areas of construction where temperature changes are completely excluded. However, these requirements are almost always met in ordinary residential and some industrial buildings.

Fiberglass reinforcement, the disadvantages of which were listed above, has a number of other negative aspects. Over time, its strength is destroyed, and under the influence of alkaline compounds, the reaction rate increases several times. But modern technologies allow us to cope with this disadvantage. Rare earth metals are added to AKS, which make fiberglass less sensitive.

Some experts note the fact that such fittings do not tolerate welding. Therefore, many people prefer to “knit” fiberglass lashes.

Fiberglass production

We very often use fiberglass reinforcement at home, for example, in pouring foundations, etc. AKS production does not have to be in-line. Many auto repair shops involved in tuning cars produce this material in various configurations. - a common thing for services: they can make a new bumper and other parts out of it. But in this case we're talking about about small-scale production. Only large industrial enterprises put AKS on stream.

There are several basic manufacturing methods:

• stretching;
• winding;
• manual method.

The first method is used for the manufacture of various profiles. Glass fibers are unwound on a continuous flow line. Most often, parallel bundles of material are unrolled from the reels and do not twist together. Experts call this production element roving. Before the bobbins are put into action, the fiberglass is lubricated with a resin containing substances to polymerize it at high temperatures. Gradually, the material will harden, and this effect is achieved due to the chemical reaction that has occurred. Then the fiberglass passes through filters, which free the material from excess resin, and the AKS takes on its usual cylindrical shape. While the reinforcement has not hardened, a special strand is wound around it in a spiral. It is this that provides strength upon contact with concrete. Due to this property, fiberglass reinforcement is increasingly used for foundations. The reviews left by builders are often positive.

After all the manipulations, the AKS passes through the oven, where it hardens at high temperatures. Next, the finished reinforcement is cut into pieces of the required length (they are called lashes). Sometimes AKS is wound on bobbins, but this is only possible if it has a small diameter. Thick lashes are simply impossible to twist. Such fiberglass reinforcement, the use of which is very widespread, is produced in large quantities, if we are talking about large-scale production.

They are most often produced using the winding method. They are made according to the same principle as whips. Fiberglass impregnated with resin is wound onto a special machine. The winding device, due to its rotation, makes it possible to obtain a cylindrical surface. The fiberglass is then passed through a high-temperature furnace and cut into pipes of specific sizes.

The manual method is most often used in small-scale production. Fiberglass reinforcement, the disadvantages of which do not greatly affect the final result, allows you to obtain a durable car body, bumper, etc. Craftsmen create a special matrix with a pre-applied decorative and protective layer. Usually a sprayer is used for this, which allows you to achieve a uniform effect. After this, glass material is placed on the matrix, which is cut in advance according to the right sizes. Fiberglass or glass mat is impregnated with a mixture of polymer resin. It is best to use a brush. Using a roller, the remaining air is squeezed out of the material so that there are no voids inside the fiberglass. When the fabric has hardened, it is cut, given the desired shape, holes are drilled in it, etc. After this, the matrix can be reused.

Characteristics

Fiberglass reinforcement is characterized by the following parameters:

• winding pitch;
• internal and external diameter.

Each profile number corresponds to its own indicator value. The only parameter that remains unchanged is the winding pitch. It is equal to 15 mm.

According to the specifications, fiberglass reinforcement, the characteristics of which vary depending on the profile, is produced under the following numbers: 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. These values ​​​​correspond to the outer diameter. The weight of the profiles varies from 0.02 to 0.42 kg/1 running meter.

Kinds

Construction fittings have many varieties. There are classifications that divide it into:

• piece;
• mesh;
• frames;
• designs.

The fittings are also divided into groups:

• working;
• distribution;
• installation;
• reinforcement used in reinforced concrete structures.

In addition, rods are divided into longitudinal and transverse, smooth and round, fiberglass and composite, etc.

Scope of application of composite reinforcement

The scope of application of the material we are considering is quite wide. Very often, composite reinforcement (fiberglass) is used for foundations, namely for reinforcing elastic foundations. In this case we are talking about the production of road slabs and slabs. Reinforcement with fiberglass reinforcement is used for the production of conventional concrete structures, drainage pipes, dowels, etc. With its help, they improve the characteristics of walls, make flexible connections between brickwork. AKS is used for reinforcing road surfaces, embankments for weak foundations, monolithic concrete, etc.

Transportation

Fiberglass reinforcement is produced in the form of coils that can be rolled up. This became possible after manufacturers removed self-tightening ties. The AKS coils can be easily unrolled, after which the fiberglass straightens and becomes suitable for work.

The material is packaged and transported horizontally. The main thing during transportation is to follow the basic rules for transporting goods.

Comparison of fiberglass reinforcement with steel

The main competitor of AKS is steel reinforcement. Their characteristics are largely similar, but in some respects fiberglass is clearly superior familiar look metal equipment.

Let's compare fiberglass with steel according to certain parameters:

1. Deformability. - elastic-plastic, AKS - ideal-elastic.

2. Tensile strength: for steel - 390 MPa, for fiberglass - 1300 MPa.

3. Thermal conductivity coefficient. In the first case it is equal to 46 W/mOS, in the second - 0.35.

4. Density. Steel reinforcement has a value of 7850 kg/m 3, AKS - 1900 kg/m 3.

5. Thermal conductivity. Fiberglass is not thermally conductive, unlike steel.

6. Corrosion resistance. AKS is a stainless metal; steel corrodes relatively quickly.

7. Ability to conduct electricity. The dielectric is fiberglass reinforcement. The disadvantages of steel rods are that they are 100% current conductors.

After the invention of composite reinforcement, the pros and cons of the new material remained the subject of heated debate for some time. But practice has shown that the technical and operational characteristics of the material allow it to successfully compete with classical steel reinforcement. For the production of composite reinforcement, fibers impregnated with a special substance - a hardener - are used.

Like steel, composite construction has ribs to improve adhesion to concrete. In some cases, the ribs are replaced with sand spraying.

Types of composite reinforcement

The production of reinforcing rods of this type is carried out from different fibers. This feature determines the type of composite reinforcement:

Carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcement differs from other types in its increased elastic modulus characteristics. These materials are very expensive and are mainly used in the construction of military facilities. Civil engineering prefers to use fiberglass reinforcement. She happens to be optimal combination technical characteristics and affordable price.

Advantages of composite reinforcement

All consumers note the relatively light weight of the material. On average per one linear meter accounts for only 0.07 kg. Fiberglass reinforcement is 5 times lighter than metal. This feature simplifies the transportation of the material and its installation. During installation, it is enough to use binding wire or plastic clamps to obtain a durable structure.

In the construction of medical centers, laboratories, and testing facilities, composite reinforcement is increasingly used due to its dielectric properties. It is inert to:

• electricity;
• magnetic field;
• radio waves.

The chemical stability of the material allows it to be successfully used in areas with high alkalinity and acidity of soils. In this case, the foundation retains its properties even after partial damage to the concrete. Fiberglass reinforcement is resistant to acids and alkalis, which include sea ​​water, solvents, bitumen, concrete laitance. At the same time, high corrosion resistance is observed. Thermosetting resins do not react with water, so composite reinforcement is not subject to oxidation.

The possibility of concrete delamination due to sudden temperature changes when using composite reinforcement is minimized. This is explained by the similar value of the thermal expansion index for glass composite and concrete.

Disadvantages of composite material

Fiberglass reinforcement has a small number of disadvantages, but each of them imposes certain restrictions on working with it. For example, it can only be worked at temperatures above -10°C. This is due to the fact that at lower temperatures the material becomes brittle, unable to withstand even minimal loads.

At mechanically When pouring concrete, the structure made of composite material is characterized by poor stability. At manual way filling this problem is easier to deal with.

Fiberglass reinforcement has significantly lower modulus elasticity characteristics than steel. In the case of fiberglass, the elastic modulus differs by 4 times. With the slightest defect in the placement of reinforcement, this indicator can cause cracking or delamination due to the weak tensile strength of the material. Craftsmen and engineers need to carry out additional calculations when working to ensure high strength of the structure.

Fiberglass composite cannot cope with increased loads, for example, curved areas, exit points for connection to walls. Such areas require working with metal.

According to the experts, the disadvantages of the material include other features of working with it:

At the same time, manufacturers are often ready to offer ready-made curved parts different sizes. Research to find a way to increase the strength of the composite material is still underway. Already presented on the market various options, significantly different in their properties.

Comparison of metal and composite reinforcement

The pros and cons of fiberglass reinforcement are easier to identify when comparing the main characteristics with metal. The main problem reinforced concrete structures considered to be corrosion of metal elements. During the work process, they often resort to additional costs for primer mixtures, but even they are not able to protect the metal from rust. Rust causes concrete to deteriorate.

The advantage of composite materials is their tensile strength. Metal is 3 times inferior. Light weight allows you to save on shipping and labor when loading or unloading. If composite rods are cut by specialists directly at the construction site, then the customer gets the opportunity to save on material scraps. IN warm weather Composite fibers of any thickness can be easily cut with wire cutters or bolt cutters.

The material is resistant to temperature changes. At the same time, fiberglass, due to its thermal expansion index, does not cause concrete defects. This is another plus in favor of composite structures. The low modulus of elasticity of fiberglass reinforcement is successfully compensated by reducing heat loss. Unlike metal, composite fibers do not provoke the appearance of cold bridges in concrete.

Many craftsmen, in their reviews of the properties of composite structures, include an indication of the possibility of completely replacing metal with fiberglass. It is already confidently used for:

According to consumer reviews, fiberglass reinforcement is much more economical than metal. At the same time, the price per linear meter of composite fiber is slightly higher than for steel. The benefit is achieved by the absence of scraps, ease of storage, transportation, and the absence of the need for welding work And additional processing structures with special protective compounds.

There are enough advantages of fiberglass reinforcement, but for me it has one significant drawback. When sawing, it raises dust with small particles of glass. It is not always possible to work in thick glasses and a respirator, so after filing you feel as if there are a million glass splinters in your throat and nose.

Ivan. Concrete worker. 4 years of experience

My husband and I were planning to install a bathhouse. When purchasing fittings, they diligently tried to convince us to choose fiberglass, claiming that, according to experts, it is better in many respects. Before my eyes, the child broke off a piece of the rod with his hands. But the seller insisted that this was normal, because the reinforcement must withstand longitudinal loads. In general, I was categorically against it, and my husband was tempted by the low cost. It turned out that it was more convenient to install than metal. We poured the foundation and it has been successfully standing under the bathhouse for 3 years. Didn't burst, didn't bend over.

For composite reinforcement customers for a long time were treated with suspicion. But over the last 5 years it has started to become popular. Accordingly, many factories began to produce it. To attract the attention of the buyer, various dyes are added and the number of winding ribs is increased. In practice, it turned out that some color pigments impair the strength of the fiber, and the number of ribs affects only the cost. Otherwise composite reinforcement I'm happy: it's comfortable to work with her.

Oleg. Concrete worker. 8 years of experience