[TowerTalk] FW: Concrete Fiber

[RJD]

I live in Wisconsin where summers and winters affect outside material to
extremes in expansion and contraction and my block is still a "BLOCK".

-----Original Message-----
From: RJD [mailto:nj9k at wi.rr.com] 
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 17:54
To: 'Doug Rehman'
Subject: RE: [TowerTalk] Concrete Fiber

Doug,
 
I put fiber in the block cement and the block is still a "BLOCK".  I had
conversation with the vendors previous to pouring the block and informed them
that I am looking for strength and cohesiveness.  In that light I would ask them
"how much would be correct" so as not to increase the brittleness of the block.
 
They were very interested in my goal and explained their reasoning on "how much"
fiber is appropriate.
 
I would talk to several vendors in regard to this issue.
 
73,
 
Dick, NJ9K

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Doug Rehman
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 14:54
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [TowerTalk] Concrete Fiber

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.

_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk