Fibertex
South Africa has developed a new curing blanket, designed to
optimise the curing of concrete and protect the new structure.
The Fibertex curing blanket is used to cover concrete surfaces when the
material has set and has been designed to reduce the loss of internal and
surface moisture and control the temperature, for optimum hydration of the
cementitious materials and to prevent discolouration.
“It is important that, when concrete has been poured, it is protected
against drying and from temperature variations to prevent shrinkage and to
ensure better abrasion and scaling resistance – thus greater durability of the
structure,” explains Fibertex SA CEO Clive Hitchcock.
“The Fibertex curing blanket is manufactured from a high-quality absorbent
synthetic fabric, coated with a thin impermeable polyethylene film. The fabric
absorbs and distributes water evenly, resulting in optimum and uniform curing
conditions for concrete, with minimal colour variations.
“The impermeable film of the blanket prevents loss of moisture needed
for concrete curing, without drying or shrinkage. The white pigmented blanket
reflects sunlight and reduces temperature variations in the day and night, even
in hot temperature conditions,” he states.
The Fibertex curing blanket is available in single- and multiple-use
quality options. Care must be taken not to damage the sensitive concrete
surface during application and therefore, the blanket is packaged in a convenient
roll for easy installation.
Fibertex solutions for concrete surface enhancement also encompass
controlled permeability formwork (CPF) liners, which are suitable for concrete
used in bridges and tunnels, marine structures, water treatment plants, drinking
water tanks, as well as dams and sluices.
The main functions of this geosynthetic material – Formtex – are to
improve the durability of a concrete structure, extend its service life and
reduce maintenance costs.
Formtex is a two-layer CPF liner, consisting of a drainage layer that
allows water and air to escape and a filter layer with a pore size designed to
retain cement particles. When surplus water and air
is drained from the surface of the freshly poured concrete during compaction,
the water/cement ratio in the concrete cover is reduced. This results in a
denser and stronger concrete, with a blemish-free surface.
Formtex also reduces the formation of blowholes and other blemishes on
the concrete surface that normally require extensive deburring after the
formwork is removed. The smooth, dense and strong concrete cover is dust-free
and because there are no release agents, it is an ideal prepared base for
further surface treatment or coatings.
Formtex CPF liners, which reduce micro-bacterial growth, are a highly
efficient alternative to slip agents for freshwater supply structures. CPF
liners also minimise the penetration of graffiti media.
Formtex is designed for tensioned, glued or self-adhesive mounting to vertical or inclined surfaces. Once Formtex is attached, concrete casting is performed as usual. These liners can easily be removed from the concrete during formwork striking. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/new-curing-blanket-for-concrete-developed-2019-05-22
