Is Fibermesh Good In Tension?

[BSVBD]

Please see attached...

Does fibermesh reinforcing in concrete topping on precast plank provide the necessary tensile resistance to prevent the upper corner of this concrete from cracking?

We do not want to use wire mesh.

Thank you!

 

[Gumpmaster]

That's a pretty strange detail.

Are you wanting it to take tension from the guardrail? I don't think you should count on fibermesh in this situation.

 

[msquared48]

I would opt for a #4 continuous at the corner with #4 bent bars from the top of the CMU bond beam and into the topping.

Other than for small crack control, I would never rely on fibermesh for anything else.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[Ron]

Agree with both above. It will slightly increase the compressive strength and in so doing, will slightly increase the tensile strength of the concrete....but not enough to do any good for your application. As Mike noted, good for a little early crack resistance but that's about it.

 

[hokie66]

Because plastic fibres slightly improve some of the properties of concrete, a lot of folks have been fooled into thinking it is magic stuff. But it is just a gimmick.