SikaFiber® Econo-Net

FIBRILLATED POLYPROPYLENE FIBER FOR CONCRETE APPLICATION

SikaFiber® Econo-Net is a fibrillated polypropylene fiber designed for crack control and improved durability in concrete or shotcrete applications. SikaFiber® Econo-Net significantly reduces the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks by increasing the tensile capacity of plastic concrete. Reducing the formation of microcracks prevents them developing into larger cracks during subsequent drying and shrinkage phases. SikaFiber® Econo-Net can be used as an alternative secondary reinforcement system to welded wire mesh in slab on ground applications. Note: SikaFiber® Econo-Net does not replace structural reinforcement and hence cannot be used to increase shrinkage control joint spacings or decrease slab thickness.  

  • Control plastic shrinkage cracking.
  • Reduces concrete permeability.
  • Improved shatter impact resistance.
  • Thoroughly dispenses through concrete.
  • Fibers are inert and non-corrosive.
  • Safe and easy to use.
  • Improves concrete cohesion for inclined and slipformed placements.
Product Data Sheet Show all documents

Overview

Usage

SikaFiber® Econo-Net is the ideal secondary reinforcement for:
  • All concrete slabwork where crack control is a major requirement.
  • Thin layer concrete overlays.
  • Shotcrete applications.
  • Kerbing or slipforming operations.
  • Alternative secondary reinforcement to welded wire mesh for slab on ground applications.
  • Shatterproof or impact resistant concrete.
  • Precast concrete.

Advantages

  • Control plastic shrinkage cracking.
  • Reduces concrete permeability.
  • Improved shatter impact resistance.
  • Thoroughly dispenses through concrete.
  • Fibers are inert and non-corrosive.
  • Safe and easy to use.
  • Improves concrete cohesion for inclined and slipformed placements.

Packaging

0.9 kg/bag

Product Details

Composition

Polypropylene fiber

Shelf life

12 months from date of production if stored properly in undamaged, unopened, original sealed packaging.

Storage conditions

Store in cool, dry conditions.

Density

0.905 gr/ml

Length

19 mm

Melting point

160 - 170 °C

Ignition temperature

Above 350 °C

Tensile strength

620 – 758 Mpa

Thermal conductivity

Low

Water absorption

Nill

Application

Compatibility

SikaFiber® Econo-Net is compatible with all Sika admixtures. The action of SikaFiber® Econo-Net in concrete purely mechanical and will not affect the hydration process.

DISPENSING

Put 1 (one) bag of 0.6 kg SikaFiber® Econo-Net per m3 concrete directly into the mixture. A mixing time of 3 to 5 minutes is necessary to ensure that the bag is fully degraded and ensure uniform fiber dispersion throughout the mix.

Concrete with SikaFiber® Econo-Net is placed and handled exactly as for plain concrete. Proper timing of the finishing operation is critical to minimise the “hairy con-crete” effect. Concrete with fibers tends to appear stiffer than it actually is due to the increased internal cohesion, and therefore the effect of the fibers on timing must be recognized. When power floating is used the machine should begin operation when the surface is dull, without bleed water, and can be depressed approximately 3 mm. At this time the powerfloat blades should be flat. During successive trowelling the angle of the blades should be slightly increased but the raise edges should never be more than 25 mm above the surface.

Finishing with a poer float at the correct timing (i.e. not too early) will ensure a surface as smooth and dense as that for plain concrete without fibers. Concrete with SikaFiber® Econo-Net is compatible with all concrete surface treatments :

  • Power floated.
  • Hand trowelled.
  • Exposed aggregate.
  • Coloured concrete.
  • Dry shake surface hardener.
  • Liquid hardeners.
  • Concrete sealers.
  • Stamped/ stencilled concrete.

Recommended dosage

0.9 kg/m3 of concrete. Other dosages may also be used depending on the specific working conditions. Trial mixes should be made with job materials to determine the optimum dosage required for a specified job requirement.

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