[TowerTalk] Concrete Fiber

TexasRF@aol.com TexasRF at aol.com
Mon Oct 17 12:25:28 EDT 2005


 
This sounds like a version on concrete mix sold around here called  
"Maximizer" I notice on the bag it claims to yield a somewhat higher volume of  
concrete per bag of mix. This higher volume comes at a cost of less weight per  cubic 
foot of concrete. Since we are basically using the weight of the concrete  to 
keep the tower base in place, it seems to be a good idea to use the original  
mix and get all of the expected concrete weight.
 
73,
Gerald K5GW
 
In a message dated 10/17/2005 11:16:33 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
kr7x at comcast.net writes:

Doug:

Fiber reinforced concrete is not, in my professional  opinion, going to 
provide any advantage in real terms for its additional cost  for a tower 
foundation. The biggest benefit it would provide in foundation  usage is improved 
shrinkage crack control.

It does provide some benefit  when used in slabs and floors. It really does 
not improve the load resistance  of a tower type foundation whether a spread 
footing, drilled pier or  other.

Regards
Lonberg Design Group, Ltd.

Hank Lonberg,  P.E.,S.E. / KR7X
President


-------------- Original message  -------------- 

> I'm about to order concrete for a tower base. The  concrete company offers 
> fiber reinforcement mixed into the concrete  for about $10 per cubic yard. 
> I've researched concrete fiber and  found nothing on Tower Pro and only one 
> comment here by K7LXC saying  it wasn't needed. 
> 
> It appears that the fiber adds 5-10%  additional compressive strength and 
> about results in a 50% reduction  in cracking. (it is touted as a 
replacement 
> for embedded steel mesh  in slabs.) 
> 
> I have been unable to find any literature  indicating that it is 
> inappropriate for tower bases or even any  negative consequences of its use 
> for such. For less than a 10%  increase in the cost of the concrete, it 
seems 
> like it may be worth  it- even if only for a belt and suspenders approach. 
> 
> Does  anyone have any experience with concrete fiber use in tower 
>  foundations? 
> 
> Tnx, 
> Doug 
> K4DDR 
>  
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________  
> 
> See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers",  "Wireless 
Weather 
> Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free,  1-800-333-9041 with any 
questions 
> and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.  
> 
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_______________________________________________

See:  http://www.mscomputer.com  for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless  
Weather Stations", and lot's more.  Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with  any 
questions and ask for Sherman,  W2FLA.

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