CA2174353A1 - Reinforcement fiber package and related method - Google Patents
Reinforcement fiber package and related methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2174353A1 CA2174353A1 CA 2174353 CA2174353A CA2174353A1 CA 2174353 A1 CA2174353 A1 CA 2174353A1 CA 2174353 CA2174353 CA 2174353 CA 2174353 A CA2174353 A CA 2174353A CA 2174353 A1 CA2174353 A1 CA 2174353A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fibers
- reinforcing fibers
- package
- reinforcing
- cementitious material
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C5/00—Reinforcing elements, e.g. for concrete; Auxiliary elements therefor
- E04C5/07—Reinforcing elements of material other than metal, e.g. of glass, of plastics, or not exclusively made of metal
- E04C5/073—Discrete reinforcing elements, e.g. fibres
- E04C5/076—Specially adapted packagings therefor, e.g. for dosing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28C—PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28C5/00—Apparatus or methods for producing mixtures of cement with other substances, e.g. slurries, mortars, porous or fibrous compositions
- B28C5/40—Mixing specially adapted for preparing mixtures containing fibres
- B28C5/402—Methods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D65/00—Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/38—Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D65/46—Applications of disintegrable, dissolvable or edible materials
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B14/00—Use of inorganic materials as fillers, e.g. pigments, for mortars, concrete or artificial stone; Treatment of inorganic materials specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone
- C04B14/38—Fibrous materials; Whiskers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B16/00—Use of organic materials as fillers, e.g. pigments, for mortars, concrete or artificial stone; Treatment of organic materials specially adapted to enhance their filling properties in mortars, concrete or artificial stone
- C04B16/04—Macromolecular compounds
- C04B16/06—Macromolecular compounds fibrous
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B28/00—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
- C04B28/02—Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements containing hydraulic cements other than calcium sulfates
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
- C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C04B2103/00—Function or property of ingredients for mortars, concrete or artificial stone
- C04B2103/0068—Ingredients with a function or property not provided for elsewhere in C04B2103/00
- C04B2103/0077—Packaging material remaining in the mixture after the mixing step, e.g. soluble bags containing active ingredients
Abstract
A package (10) providing reinforcing fibers (20, 25) for a concrete mixture. The package comprises a first plurality of reinforcing fibers (20) and a non-paper container (12) therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of fibers (25), the fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the first plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
Fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures comprise a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package of reinforcing fibers mixed therewith comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials. The present invention also pertains to a package for admixtures added to cementitious materials and methods for adding admixtures or a plurality of reinforcing fibers to cementitious materials.
Fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures comprise a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package of reinforcing fibers mixed therewith comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials. The present invention also pertains to a package for admixtures added to cementitious materials and methods for adding admixtures or a plurality of reinforcing fibers to cementitious materials.
Description
WO 95/11861 217 ~ 3 5 3 , PCT/US94/12321 REINFORCEMENT FIBER PACKAGE
AND RELATED METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
SThe present invention relates to a package providing fibers for the reinforcement of concrete. The package skin is designed to be disintegratable within the concrete mixer thereby elimlnating the need to open the package, pour In thefibers and subse~uently discard it. Moreover, the package skin is manufactured from a non-woven manmade fiber or blend fabric which provides additional fibers for 10 relnforcing the concrete upon addition.
BACKGROIIND ART
Discrete fibers have been employed heretofore in the reinforcement of concrete as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,64~,961. The patent discloses the use of 15 nylon, polyvinyl chloride and simple polyolefins in lengths ranging between one-quarter to three inches (0.6 to 7.5 cm) to form a blast resistant concrete.
Actually, polypropylene f~bers have been used to modify the behavior of concrete for over 20 years. Reductions in water permeability and crack formationhave been noted, as well as improvements in toughness, ductility, and impact 20 resistance. Steel fibers have also been used for this purpose witll limited success.
Nevertheless, the fiber reinforcements have been typically provided in containers or packages which must first be opened so that the contents can be added to the concrete, as it is being mixed, in order for tile fibers to be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. While pre-measured amounts are available for addition per 25 cubic yard or other unit, and these can be added at the job site or at the ready mix plant, the procedure is time-consuming and provides waste as the package is discarded.
One alternative to the use of such discardable bags is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,t20,367 which teaches the use of water-soluble materials, SUdl as 30 polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene oxide, to form the container for various concrete WO 9!i/11861 ~ l'CT/US94/12321 0 21 743~3 admixtures. For use, the admixture pack3ge is added directly to concrete and theadmixture is released as the water-soluble container dissolves.
The problem with this type of tontainer is that it is susceptible to attack by moisture and water, prior to use, and ~hus others have employed paper bags ascontainers. U.S. Pat. Nos. ~,203,629 ~and 5,224,774 represent this teaching, disclosing the packaging of admixture materials, and fibers alone, respectively, In closed paper packages which disintegra~e under the influence oF mechanical action in a concrete mixture.
While reinforcing fibers and th~ like have heretofore been packaged in water-soluble films and paper bags, the art has not disclosed the use of a container material that will itself reinforce concrete.
DISCLOSURE OF l HE INVENTION
It Is therefore an object of the~present invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcing cementitious materials.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a package that is disintegratable within apparatus for mixing~cementitious materials.
It is another further oblect of the present invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcing cementitious materials, wllicll package is disintegratable wlthin mixlng apparatus into a second plurality of reinforcing fibers.
It is still another obJect of the pr,esent invention to provide a package for receiving reinforcing fibers and admixture materials as are added to cementitious materials.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provlde a package for 2~ receiving reinforcing fibers and admixture materials, as are added to cementitious materials, which package is disintegratable within mixing apparatus into a plurality of reinforcing fibers.
It is yet another object of the F~resent invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcin~ cementitious materials which does not require opening individually by hand to release the fibers and, which does not create any waste for disposal.
WO 95/11861 217 4 3 ~ 3 PCTIUS94112321 It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for the addition of fibers to cementitious materials.
These and other objects, together with the advantages thereof over the means for adding fibers to concrete mixtures, which shall become apparent from the 5 specification which follows, are accomplished by the invention as hereinafter described and claimed.
In general, tlle present invention is directed toward a package providing reinforcing fibers for a cementitious material which comprises a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric10 formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having the ability to dlsintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the first plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
A fiber-reinforced Celll~llliLiOUS material is also provided which comprises 15 a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package providing reinforcing fibers mixed therewitll comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper contalner therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurali~y of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having tlle ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the 20 ~Irst plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers ~o the cementitious material.
The present invention also provides a package for admixtures added to cementitious materials comprising a non-paper container manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of reinforcing ~Ibers, the fabric having the ability to 25 disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious materTal is mixed, releasin~ the admixtures and providing the plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
The present invention also provides a method for the addition of a plurallty of fibers to cementitious materials which comprises the steps of introducing 30 at least one package providing a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality oF reinforced WO 95/11861 ~ PCT/US94/12321 217~53 - 4-fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sumcient agitation to shred the container, releasing the firstplurality of reinforcing fibers and providing~ the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
The present invention also provides a method for the additlon of an admixture to cementitious materials which ~omprises the steps of introducing at least one package providing the admixture and a non-paper container, manufactured froma fabric formed from a plurality of reinforced flbers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sumclent agitation 10 to shred the container, releasing the admixture and providing the plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. i is a perspective view of the package of the present invention, a 1~ portion thereof being broken away to depict the reinforcing fibers contained therein;
and Fig. 2 is a graph schematically depicting 2~ fiber designs that form a mixture of graded fibers that can be employed witll the present Invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a special package of reinforcing fibers whlch is added directly to apparatus for mixing cementitious materials. Cementitious materials, as used herein includes without limitation precast products, mortar, grout, shotcrete, cast in place concrete, stucco and the like, all of whicll generally comprise hardenable cement-like materials. The terms~ concrete or concrete mixtures shall be employed herein with the understanding that all types of concrete products and cementitious materials are included such as tllose listed hereinabove. Reinforcement of concrete mixtures with fiber reinforcement~is well known. The important functions of fiber reinforcement include: reduction cf plastic shrinkage; increased abrasion resistance; reduced concrete permeability~ increased concre~e durability and WO 95/11861 2 17 ~ 3 5 ~5 PCTIUS94~1Z321 toughness; improved post-crack performance and, improved impact and fatigue resistance by providing shock absorbency.
The fibers that are added to the concrete mixture can be selected from the broad class of commercially available thermoplastic polymers and copolymers as 5 well as fiberglass, sultably coated; carbon fibers and steel fibers. Generally speaking, the fibers should neither affect the concrete nor be affected by the concrete and therefore, the fiber should not mold, rot mildew, dissolve or otherwise deterlorate in the concrete environment but should maintain its basic integrity throughout its useful life.
Useful fibers include the polyoleflns, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, the former being pre~erred; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride;
polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides, such as nylon-~ and nylon-6~, and aromatic polyamides, such as KEVLAR~; polyacrylics, and the like, as well as Rberglass, suitably coated; carbon fibers, and even steel fibers, but should not be limited to t 5 these. Generally, polyolefins formed from monomers having from 2 to about 4 carbon atoms are employed because of tlteir availability and cost although otherpolyolefins are not necessarily precluded. Practical considerations include energy absorption, tensile strength and dispersibility of the fiber in the concrete mixture, although the absence of any one of these properties should not eliminate a particular 20 polymer. Typically, thermoplastic fibers having speciflc gravities ranging from about 0.80 to 1.96 and fiberglass with a specific gravity range of about 2.~0 to 2.70 are suitable. In addition, manmade cellulosic fibers such as rayon, acetate or triacetate can be employed in 100 percent form, formed as mixtures or blends with the foregolng synthetic polymer fibers and strands, as can fiberglass fibers and strands, 25 carbon and steel fibers.
Configuration and shape of the fiber can be important, but neither is a controlling feature. The term fiber as employed herein shall be understood to include monofilament and multifilament materials as well as slit films and sheets of synthetic materials which may also be fibrillated. Filamentary materials are not~0 limited to cylindrical or round configurations but include all known cross-sectional configurations e.g., rectangular, square, round, oval, hollow, triangular, and the like.
Wo9~ 861 2174353 ~. - 6- PCT/US94112321 Additionally, tri-lobal multi-lobal, fibrilla~ted, collated, bonded fibrils, entangled monofilaments or monofilaments and roll embossed film fibers are other practicaltypes for concrete reinforcement. Hence, it is customary to refer to the denier of the material i.e., the weight in grams of a ~9000 yard length, rather than diameter.
As is known, configuration of the filaments can also be straight, crimped, slubbed, spiraled, gear crimped, saw-tooth configured, gnarled, cork-screwed or otherwisedeformed and all of these types are included.
The present invention provides ~or mixtures of fibers, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. It is to be uhderstood that such mixtures encompass mixtures of one type of fiber, e.g. polypropylene, whicll is preferred, in different sizes; as well as mixtures of different fibers e.g., polyolefins and polyamides; and mixtures of different fiber configurations e.g., fibrillated materials and fllamentary materials. In each instance, the mixture selould also comprise a range of different flber sizes, that is, the mlxture should be graded. While all of the parameters,1~ including different lengths, width, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillation, cross-sections and/or aspect ratios, need not be varied for each component of the graded mixture, it is to be understood that at least one or more pardnleter~ will vary between any two components.
Useful deniers range from about O.S to 8000 although broader ranges are not to be precluded. Preferred deniers range from about 340 to 2600. Similarly, the preferred lengths of the fibers range between about 0.125 to 2 inches (0.3 to ~.1 cm) although shorter and longer fibers, approximately 0.062~ and 3 inches (0.16 and 7.6 cm), respectively can be employed. Volume percentages of the shortest lengths range between about 2 to ~ percent; for the Intermediate lengths, between about 4 to 8 percent; and for the longest lengths, between about 2 to 3 percent, so as to total 100 percent by volume. Slit films and sheets will generally have thicknesses of from about 0.0001 to 0.01 inches (0.025 to 2.54 mm) and wldths of from about 0.052 to 0.298 inches ( 1.32 to 7.57 mm) with 0.123 inches (3.12 mm) being preferred. Lengths are ~s noted hereinabove. Selection of the fiber designs for a mixture is related to the application. Generally speaking, mixtures WO 95/1 1861 21 713 5 3 ~ PCT/US94~123ZI
of the shorter fibers are preferred for stucco and the like while the longer fibers are preferred for concrete.
As noted hereinabove, a mixture of fibers can be employed. Such mixtures are not necessarily random collections, but can instead be graded to accommodate the proportions and sizes of aggregate in the concrete. With reference to the drawing figures, Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of the distribution of fiber deniers, cut lengths, and volume percentages for five preferred fiber sizes.
Each of the five sizes, expressed in denier (its weight in grams for ~000 meters) is cut to five different lengths, from 0.40 to 0.85 inches. Thus there are 25 10 combinatlons of volume percent by denier and cut length. One can deterrnine by Fig. 3, for example, that 2600 denier fiber, cut 0.~0, 0.60 and 0.7S inclles in length, each make up about 6 percent by volume of the total 100 percent.
The 25 different fiber designs are the preFerred combination for practice of the invention where a mixture of fibers is packaged. In particular, it is preferred 15 that the shortest and longest fiber lengths comprise a smaller percentage of the total, while the intermediate lengths make up the majority. Minimally, at least three dlfferent flber designs should be mixed together for practice of the present invention.
In this instance, selections should be made from each end of the range as well as one from the middle e.g., flber lengths of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8~ inches or the like. At the 20 minimum range, the three different fiber designs selected are combined to provide 100 percent by volume of the graded fiber mixture. Preferably, more than three designs are combined, those selected being present in amounts of from about 2 to8 percent by volume of the graded fiber mixture.
In Fig. 2, if the individual data points were presented as a cumulative 2~ distrlbutlon, the volume of each fiber length would describe one half of a bell-shaped curve. Similarly, a cumulative distributlon of each fiber denler would describe one half of a bell-shaped curve. For a more detailed explanation regarding the use of graded fber mixtures, reference can be make to co-pending application U.S. Ser.
No. 08/ , owned by the Assignee of record herein, the subject matter of 30 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
WO 95/11861 , a ,. PCT/US94/12321 0 2 1 7435~ 8 -With respect again to the present invention, whereas these fibers have heretofore been provided in bags whicn must be opened, emptied and then discarded, tlte present invention provides a complete package that is readily disintegratable within the concrete mixt~re, eliminating the need to open and S subsequently discard. The package material is manuFactured from a fabric formed from flbers. Selection of the package material Is made on the basis that Tt willmaintain acceptable dry strength for handling and shipping, but when exposed to agitation within the concrete mixer, providing water and shear action, it will rapidly loose strength and disintegrate In the concrete, releasing the contained flber 10 reinforcement into the mix.
The package itself can be oF v~rious configurations whlch include, for Instance, bags, envelopes, pillows, sleeves, cylinders, boxes, clamshells and the like, all of whlch must be of such size to flt Into the opening of a concrete mlx truck or related apparatus.
The package materlal is construc~ed from continuous strand polymer fibers or dlscontinuous discrete fibers. Both types are manufactured via conventional means for synthetic polymers such as polyolefins, nylons and polyesters, as disclosed hereinabove, or steel flbers or carbon flbers or any oF the other polymers disclosed hereinabove which are selected as the additi~e fiber reinforcement, including mixtures and blends thereof. In addition, manmade cellulosic fibers such as rayon, acetate or triacetate can be employed in 100 percent form, formed as mixtures or blends with the foregoing synthetic polymer fibers and strands, as can fiberglass fibers and strands and steel and carbon flbers. All suitable flber materials to form the package generally fall within the specific gravity range of 0.80 to 2.70.
Contlnuous strand polymer flbers are typically melt spun and when cast upon a movable conveyor belt, a random, non woven fabric is formed, suitable foruse as the package material. Discontinuous discrete fibers are deposited on a movable belt and then bonded together wlth a suitable binder such as a non cross-linked acrylic binder to produce a fabric, but not necessarily limited to such binders.
Fabrics from either source of fiber type are then cut to form the package whlch, for example, may be a bag, or any other suitable container. Dimensions of WO 95/11861 217 ~ 3 5 3 ,~ PCTlUS9J/1232~
a typical bagare approximately 14" by 18" (3~.5 cm x 45.7 cm) to contain 1.5 pounds (0.67~ kg) of reinforcing fiber and suitable dimensions to contain other reinforcing fiber dosages. Bag dimensions may be varied as dictated by packagingprocedures, required bulk densities, and the like.
Other types of containers may be, but are not limited, to pillows, cylinders, clamshells, boxes, soft boxes, and the like. Forrning and sealing thecontainer made from manmade or fiberglass fibers or strands is dependent on the container structure and make-up. Preferable methods may be heat sealing, gluing,bonding with an adhesive ultra-sonic sealing, folding, perforation, sewing, thermo~orming, merely wrapplng the contents, but are not limited to these procedures or methods. Bonding with a water soluble adhesive, blnder, cement or the like is preferred.
With reference to the drawings, a package, according to the present inventlon, is depicted in Fig. I as a bag, indicated generally by the numeral t 0. The 1 5 package comprises an outer, non-paper, disintegratable fabric forming a container 12, having a sealed base 13 and a mouth 14 which is sealed at 15 after filling, and a flrst plurality of reinforcing fibers 20.
Unlike the prior art, which employs water-soluble films for bags, or non-water soluble paper, which merely disintegrates into small fragments of paper and paper pulp, the package of the present invention produces a second plurality of fibers 25 that is unexpectedly large. Taking as an example a bag measuring 14" x 18" x 2" or ~04 square inches in area, we have calculated the number of fibers at approximately 1.25 inch lengths to range from about 5 x 105 to 2.1 x lo6 per package, depending upon denier of the fiber and weight of the hbric forming the package. With a denier of 1.0 dpf and a fiber length of only 0.125", the total number of fibers available increases to 4.75 x I o7, adding significantly to the fibers added to the concrete for reinforcement purposes.
Addition of fibers to concrete according to the method of the present Invention is simply a matter of introducing the desired number of packages 10 for - 30 the volume of concrete directly into tlle mixing apparatus, without pre-opening of the packages. The concrete is then mixed in a standard fashion which provides the WO 95/11861 ~ 1 7 ~ 3 ~ 3 - - PCT/US9~112321 - 1d-mechanical agitation to tear, shred and destroy the package which permits 3-dimensional isotropic mixing of both the plurality of fibers 20, in the package 10 as well as the second plurality of fibers 2~ from tlle disintegrated package. The fibers 25 depicted in Fig. I which comprise the container 12 can be either of the S continuous or the discontinuous type, the fibers 2~ have been shown schematically, without attempt to depict either type specifically.
Although the package 10 has been described as a container for reinforcing flbers 20, it should be apparent that the package has other utilities. In general, the package can be employed for the addition of other admixture components for cementitious materials such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,120,367 and 5,203,629, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. Morebroadly, the package can be employed wherever the addition of fibers 25 from thedisintegration of the container 12 is desired or at least would not be detrimental to the material into which the package is placed.
1~ The amount of reinforcing Fibers `typically added to concrete and concrete mixtures is at the rate of about 0.025 to about one percent by volume wllicll, depending upon density of the Fiber material, represents about 0.375 pounds to 15 pounds (0.17 to 6.8 Kg) for polypropylene, per cubic yard of concrete, with 0.1 volume percent, or 1.5 pounds (0.68 Kg) per cubic yard being preferred. However,practice of the present invention is not limited to a particular amount of fibers, as the contractor can readily add fibers in the disintegratable packages to the concrete according to the requirements of the giveh job. Similarly, the other admixture components can be added at the rate specified for their proper functioning; practice of the present invention not being limited by such amounts.
Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that the present invention carries out the objects set fi~rth hereinabove. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that a wide variety ~f fiber types can be employed to fill the package. Although the invention has been described in terms of various fibers for tlle manufacture of the package, it is to be understood that such disclosure should not be construed as any limitation on the scope of the invention, as other types of fibers can be substltuted for construction oF a suitable container. Similarly, the type of WO 95/11861 21 7 g 3 5 ~ ' ` PCT/US9~/12321 fabric formed for the container and the configuration thereof are all deemed to be within the skill of the art. Finally, the selection of fibers for reinforcing the cementitious material, including graded fibers and, the amounts thereoF added can all be determined from the disclosure provided herein.
S It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope oF the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific fabrics to form the container, the fber reinforcements and admixture materials, as well as various uses of the package, per se, can be deterrnined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described. Moreover, the scope of the invention shall include all modiflcations and variations that may fall within the scope of the attached claims.
AND RELATED METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD
SThe present invention relates to a package providing fibers for the reinforcement of concrete. The package skin is designed to be disintegratable within the concrete mixer thereby elimlnating the need to open the package, pour In thefibers and subse~uently discard it. Moreover, the package skin is manufactured from a non-woven manmade fiber or blend fabric which provides additional fibers for 10 relnforcing the concrete upon addition.
BACKGROIIND ART
Discrete fibers have been employed heretofore in the reinforcement of concrete as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 3,64~,961. The patent discloses the use of 15 nylon, polyvinyl chloride and simple polyolefins in lengths ranging between one-quarter to three inches (0.6 to 7.5 cm) to form a blast resistant concrete.
Actually, polypropylene f~bers have been used to modify the behavior of concrete for over 20 years. Reductions in water permeability and crack formationhave been noted, as well as improvements in toughness, ductility, and impact 20 resistance. Steel fibers have also been used for this purpose witll limited success.
Nevertheless, the fiber reinforcements have been typically provided in containers or packages which must first be opened so that the contents can be added to the concrete, as it is being mixed, in order for tile fibers to be evenly distributed throughout the mixture. While pre-measured amounts are available for addition per 25 cubic yard or other unit, and these can be added at the job site or at the ready mix plant, the procedure is time-consuming and provides waste as the package is discarded.
One alternative to the use of such discardable bags is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,t20,367 which teaches the use of water-soluble materials, SUdl as 30 polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene oxide, to form the container for various concrete WO 9!i/11861 ~ l'CT/US94/12321 0 21 743~3 admixtures. For use, the admixture pack3ge is added directly to concrete and theadmixture is released as the water-soluble container dissolves.
The problem with this type of tontainer is that it is susceptible to attack by moisture and water, prior to use, and ~hus others have employed paper bags ascontainers. U.S. Pat. Nos. ~,203,629 ~and 5,224,774 represent this teaching, disclosing the packaging of admixture materials, and fibers alone, respectively, In closed paper packages which disintegra~e under the influence oF mechanical action in a concrete mixture.
While reinforcing fibers and th~ like have heretofore been packaged in water-soluble films and paper bags, the art has not disclosed the use of a container material that will itself reinforce concrete.
DISCLOSURE OF l HE INVENTION
It Is therefore an object of the~present invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcing cementitious materials.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a package that is disintegratable within apparatus for mixing~cementitious materials.
It is another further oblect of the present invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcing cementitious materials, wllicll package is disintegratable wlthin mixlng apparatus into a second plurality of reinforcing fibers.
It is still another obJect of the pr,esent invention to provide a package for receiving reinforcing fibers and admixture materials as are added to cementitious materials.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provlde a package for 2~ receiving reinforcing fibers and admixture materials, as are added to cementitious materials, which package is disintegratable within mixing apparatus into a plurality of reinforcing fibers.
It is yet another object of the F~resent invention to provide a package containing a plurality of fibers for reinforcin~ cementitious materials which does not require opening individually by hand to release the fibers and, which does not create any waste for disposal.
WO 95/11861 217 4 3 ~ 3 PCTIUS94112321 It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for the addition of fibers to cementitious materials.
These and other objects, together with the advantages thereof over the means for adding fibers to concrete mixtures, which shall become apparent from the 5 specification which follows, are accomplished by the invention as hereinafter described and claimed.
In general, tlle present invention is directed toward a package providing reinforcing fibers for a cementitious material which comprises a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric10 formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having the ability to dlsintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the first plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
A fiber-reinforced Celll~llliLiOUS material is also provided which comprises 15 a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package providing reinforcing fibers mixed therewitll comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper contalner therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurali~y of reinforcing fibers, the fabric having tlle ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the 20 ~Irst plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing the second plurality of reinforcing fibers ~o the cementitious material.
The present invention also provides a package for admixtures added to cementitious materials comprising a non-paper container manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of reinforcing ~Ibers, the fabric having the ability to 25 disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious materTal is mixed, releasin~ the admixtures and providing the plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
The present invention also provides a method for the addition of a plurallty of fibers to cementitious materials which comprises the steps of introducing 30 at least one package providing a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality oF reinforced WO 95/11861 ~ PCT/US94/12321 217~53 - 4-fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sumcient agitation to shred the container, releasing the firstplurality of reinforcing fibers and providing~ the second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
The present invention also provides a method for the additlon of an admixture to cementitious materials which ~omprises the steps of introducing at least one package providing the admixture and a non-paper container, manufactured froma fabric formed from a plurality of reinforced flbers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sumclent agitation 10 to shred the container, releasing the admixture and providing the plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. i is a perspective view of the package of the present invention, a 1~ portion thereof being broken away to depict the reinforcing fibers contained therein;
and Fig. 2 is a graph schematically depicting 2~ fiber designs that form a mixture of graded fibers that can be employed witll the present Invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a special package of reinforcing fibers whlch is added directly to apparatus for mixing cementitious materials. Cementitious materials, as used herein includes without limitation precast products, mortar, grout, shotcrete, cast in place concrete, stucco and the like, all of whicll generally comprise hardenable cement-like materials. The terms~ concrete or concrete mixtures shall be employed herein with the understanding that all types of concrete products and cementitious materials are included such as tllose listed hereinabove. Reinforcement of concrete mixtures with fiber reinforcement~is well known. The important functions of fiber reinforcement include: reduction cf plastic shrinkage; increased abrasion resistance; reduced concrete permeability~ increased concre~e durability and WO 95/11861 2 17 ~ 3 5 ~5 PCTIUS94~1Z321 toughness; improved post-crack performance and, improved impact and fatigue resistance by providing shock absorbency.
The fibers that are added to the concrete mixture can be selected from the broad class of commercially available thermoplastic polymers and copolymers as 5 well as fiberglass, sultably coated; carbon fibers and steel fibers. Generally speaking, the fibers should neither affect the concrete nor be affected by the concrete and therefore, the fiber should not mold, rot mildew, dissolve or otherwise deterlorate in the concrete environment but should maintain its basic integrity throughout its useful life.
Useful fibers include the polyoleflns, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, the former being pre~erred; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride;
polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides, such as nylon-~ and nylon-6~, and aromatic polyamides, such as KEVLAR~; polyacrylics, and the like, as well as Rberglass, suitably coated; carbon fibers, and even steel fibers, but should not be limited to t 5 these. Generally, polyolefins formed from monomers having from 2 to about 4 carbon atoms are employed because of tlteir availability and cost although otherpolyolefins are not necessarily precluded. Practical considerations include energy absorption, tensile strength and dispersibility of the fiber in the concrete mixture, although the absence of any one of these properties should not eliminate a particular 20 polymer. Typically, thermoplastic fibers having speciflc gravities ranging from about 0.80 to 1.96 and fiberglass with a specific gravity range of about 2.~0 to 2.70 are suitable. In addition, manmade cellulosic fibers such as rayon, acetate or triacetate can be employed in 100 percent form, formed as mixtures or blends with the foregolng synthetic polymer fibers and strands, as can fiberglass fibers and strands, 25 carbon and steel fibers.
Configuration and shape of the fiber can be important, but neither is a controlling feature. The term fiber as employed herein shall be understood to include monofilament and multifilament materials as well as slit films and sheets of synthetic materials which may also be fibrillated. Filamentary materials are not~0 limited to cylindrical or round configurations but include all known cross-sectional configurations e.g., rectangular, square, round, oval, hollow, triangular, and the like.
Wo9~ 861 2174353 ~. - 6- PCT/US94112321 Additionally, tri-lobal multi-lobal, fibrilla~ted, collated, bonded fibrils, entangled monofilaments or monofilaments and roll embossed film fibers are other practicaltypes for concrete reinforcement. Hence, it is customary to refer to the denier of the material i.e., the weight in grams of a ~9000 yard length, rather than diameter.
As is known, configuration of the filaments can also be straight, crimped, slubbed, spiraled, gear crimped, saw-tooth configured, gnarled, cork-screwed or otherwisedeformed and all of these types are included.
The present invention provides ~or mixtures of fibers, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. It is to be uhderstood that such mixtures encompass mixtures of one type of fiber, e.g. polypropylene, whicll is preferred, in different sizes; as well as mixtures of different fibers e.g., polyolefins and polyamides; and mixtures of different fiber configurations e.g., fibrillated materials and fllamentary materials. In each instance, the mixture selould also comprise a range of different flber sizes, that is, the mlxture should be graded. While all of the parameters,1~ including different lengths, width, thicknesses, deniers, fibrillation, cross-sections and/or aspect ratios, need not be varied for each component of the graded mixture, it is to be understood that at least one or more pardnleter~ will vary between any two components.
Useful deniers range from about O.S to 8000 although broader ranges are not to be precluded. Preferred deniers range from about 340 to 2600. Similarly, the preferred lengths of the fibers range between about 0.125 to 2 inches (0.3 to ~.1 cm) although shorter and longer fibers, approximately 0.062~ and 3 inches (0.16 and 7.6 cm), respectively can be employed. Volume percentages of the shortest lengths range between about 2 to ~ percent; for the Intermediate lengths, between about 4 to 8 percent; and for the longest lengths, between about 2 to 3 percent, so as to total 100 percent by volume. Slit films and sheets will generally have thicknesses of from about 0.0001 to 0.01 inches (0.025 to 2.54 mm) and wldths of from about 0.052 to 0.298 inches ( 1.32 to 7.57 mm) with 0.123 inches (3.12 mm) being preferred. Lengths are ~s noted hereinabove. Selection of the fiber designs for a mixture is related to the application. Generally speaking, mixtures WO 95/1 1861 21 713 5 3 ~ PCT/US94~123ZI
of the shorter fibers are preferred for stucco and the like while the longer fibers are preferred for concrete.
As noted hereinabove, a mixture of fibers can be employed. Such mixtures are not necessarily random collections, but can instead be graded to accommodate the proportions and sizes of aggregate in the concrete. With reference to the drawing figures, Fig. 2 is a three-dimensional representation of the distribution of fiber deniers, cut lengths, and volume percentages for five preferred fiber sizes.
Each of the five sizes, expressed in denier (its weight in grams for ~000 meters) is cut to five different lengths, from 0.40 to 0.85 inches. Thus there are 25 10 combinatlons of volume percent by denier and cut length. One can deterrnine by Fig. 3, for example, that 2600 denier fiber, cut 0.~0, 0.60 and 0.7S inclles in length, each make up about 6 percent by volume of the total 100 percent.
The 25 different fiber designs are the preFerred combination for practice of the invention where a mixture of fibers is packaged. In particular, it is preferred 15 that the shortest and longest fiber lengths comprise a smaller percentage of the total, while the intermediate lengths make up the majority. Minimally, at least three dlfferent flber designs should be mixed together for practice of the present invention.
In this instance, selections should be made from each end of the range as well as one from the middle e.g., flber lengths of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8~ inches or the like. At the 20 minimum range, the three different fiber designs selected are combined to provide 100 percent by volume of the graded fiber mixture. Preferably, more than three designs are combined, those selected being present in amounts of from about 2 to8 percent by volume of the graded fiber mixture.
In Fig. 2, if the individual data points were presented as a cumulative 2~ distrlbutlon, the volume of each fiber length would describe one half of a bell-shaped curve. Similarly, a cumulative distributlon of each fiber denler would describe one half of a bell-shaped curve. For a more detailed explanation regarding the use of graded fber mixtures, reference can be make to co-pending application U.S. Ser.
No. 08/ , owned by the Assignee of record herein, the subject matter of 30 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
WO 95/11861 , a ,. PCT/US94/12321 0 2 1 7435~ 8 -With respect again to the present invention, whereas these fibers have heretofore been provided in bags whicn must be opened, emptied and then discarded, tlte present invention provides a complete package that is readily disintegratable within the concrete mixt~re, eliminating the need to open and S subsequently discard. The package material is manuFactured from a fabric formed from flbers. Selection of the package material Is made on the basis that Tt willmaintain acceptable dry strength for handling and shipping, but when exposed to agitation within the concrete mixer, providing water and shear action, it will rapidly loose strength and disintegrate In the concrete, releasing the contained flber 10 reinforcement into the mix.
The package itself can be oF v~rious configurations whlch include, for Instance, bags, envelopes, pillows, sleeves, cylinders, boxes, clamshells and the like, all of whlch must be of such size to flt Into the opening of a concrete mlx truck or related apparatus.
The package materlal is construc~ed from continuous strand polymer fibers or dlscontinuous discrete fibers. Both types are manufactured via conventional means for synthetic polymers such as polyolefins, nylons and polyesters, as disclosed hereinabove, or steel flbers or carbon flbers or any oF the other polymers disclosed hereinabove which are selected as the additi~e fiber reinforcement, including mixtures and blends thereof. In addition, manmade cellulosic fibers such as rayon, acetate or triacetate can be employed in 100 percent form, formed as mixtures or blends with the foregoing synthetic polymer fibers and strands, as can fiberglass fibers and strands and steel and carbon flbers. All suitable flber materials to form the package generally fall within the specific gravity range of 0.80 to 2.70.
Contlnuous strand polymer flbers are typically melt spun and when cast upon a movable conveyor belt, a random, non woven fabric is formed, suitable foruse as the package material. Discontinuous discrete fibers are deposited on a movable belt and then bonded together wlth a suitable binder such as a non cross-linked acrylic binder to produce a fabric, but not necessarily limited to such binders.
Fabrics from either source of fiber type are then cut to form the package whlch, for example, may be a bag, or any other suitable container. Dimensions of WO 95/11861 217 ~ 3 5 3 ,~ PCTlUS9J/1232~
a typical bagare approximately 14" by 18" (3~.5 cm x 45.7 cm) to contain 1.5 pounds (0.67~ kg) of reinforcing fiber and suitable dimensions to contain other reinforcing fiber dosages. Bag dimensions may be varied as dictated by packagingprocedures, required bulk densities, and the like.
Other types of containers may be, but are not limited, to pillows, cylinders, clamshells, boxes, soft boxes, and the like. Forrning and sealing thecontainer made from manmade or fiberglass fibers or strands is dependent on the container structure and make-up. Preferable methods may be heat sealing, gluing,bonding with an adhesive ultra-sonic sealing, folding, perforation, sewing, thermo~orming, merely wrapplng the contents, but are not limited to these procedures or methods. Bonding with a water soluble adhesive, blnder, cement or the like is preferred.
With reference to the drawings, a package, according to the present inventlon, is depicted in Fig. I as a bag, indicated generally by the numeral t 0. The 1 5 package comprises an outer, non-paper, disintegratable fabric forming a container 12, having a sealed base 13 and a mouth 14 which is sealed at 15 after filling, and a flrst plurality of reinforcing fibers 20.
Unlike the prior art, which employs water-soluble films for bags, or non-water soluble paper, which merely disintegrates into small fragments of paper and paper pulp, the package of the present invention produces a second plurality of fibers 25 that is unexpectedly large. Taking as an example a bag measuring 14" x 18" x 2" or ~04 square inches in area, we have calculated the number of fibers at approximately 1.25 inch lengths to range from about 5 x 105 to 2.1 x lo6 per package, depending upon denier of the fiber and weight of the hbric forming the package. With a denier of 1.0 dpf and a fiber length of only 0.125", the total number of fibers available increases to 4.75 x I o7, adding significantly to the fibers added to the concrete for reinforcement purposes.
Addition of fibers to concrete according to the method of the present Invention is simply a matter of introducing the desired number of packages 10 for - 30 the volume of concrete directly into tlle mixing apparatus, without pre-opening of the packages. The concrete is then mixed in a standard fashion which provides the WO 95/11861 ~ 1 7 ~ 3 ~ 3 - - PCT/US9~112321 - 1d-mechanical agitation to tear, shred and destroy the package which permits 3-dimensional isotropic mixing of both the plurality of fibers 20, in the package 10 as well as the second plurality of fibers 2~ from tlle disintegrated package. The fibers 25 depicted in Fig. I which comprise the container 12 can be either of the S continuous or the discontinuous type, the fibers 2~ have been shown schematically, without attempt to depict either type specifically.
Although the package 10 has been described as a container for reinforcing flbers 20, it should be apparent that the package has other utilities. In general, the package can be employed for the addition of other admixture components for cementitious materials such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,120,367 and 5,203,629, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. Morebroadly, the package can be employed wherever the addition of fibers 25 from thedisintegration of the container 12 is desired or at least would not be detrimental to the material into which the package is placed.
1~ The amount of reinforcing Fibers `typically added to concrete and concrete mixtures is at the rate of about 0.025 to about one percent by volume wllicll, depending upon density of the Fiber material, represents about 0.375 pounds to 15 pounds (0.17 to 6.8 Kg) for polypropylene, per cubic yard of concrete, with 0.1 volume percent, or 1.5 pounds (0.68 Kg) per cubic yard being preferred. However,practice of the present invention is not limited to a particular amount of fibers, as the contractor can readily add fibers in the disintegratable packages to the concrete according to the requirements of the giveh job. Similarly, the other admixture components can be added at the rate specified for their proper functioning; practice of the present invention not being limited by such amounts.
Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that the present invention carries out the objects set fi~rth hereinabove. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that a wide variety ~f fiber types can be employed to fill the package. Although the invention has been described in terms of various fibers for tlle manufacture of the package, it is to be understood that such disclosure should not be construed as any limitation on the scope of the invention, as other types of fibers can be substltuted for construction oF a suitable container. Similarly, the type of WO 95/11861 21 7 g 3 5 ~ ' ` PCT/US9~/12321 fabric formed for the container and the configuration thereof are all deemed to be within the skill of the art. Finally, the selection of fibers for reinforcing the cementitious material, including graded fibers and, the amounts thereoF added can all be determined from the disclosure provided herein.
S It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope oF the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific fabrics to form the container, the fber reinforcements and admixture materials, as well as various uses of the package, per se, can be deterrnined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described. Moreover, the scope of the invention shall include all modiflcations and variations that may fall within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims (31)
1. A package providing reinforcing fibers for a cementitious material comprising:
a first plurality of reinforcing fibers; and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing said first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibers and providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
a first plurality of reinforcing fibers; and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing said first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibers and providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious materials.
2. A package, as in claim 1, wherein said first and second plurality of reinforcing fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides and aromatic polyamides;
polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
3. A package, as in claim 2, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprise polypropyl-ene.
4. A package, as in claim 1, wherein said reinforcing fibers are provided in a range of sizes.
5. A package, as in claim 1, wherein said reinforcing fibers are fibrillated.
6. A package, as in claim 1, wherein said second plurality of reinforcing fibers are discrete.
7. A package, as in claim 1, wherein said second plurality of reinforcing fibers are continuous strand fibers.
8. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture comprising:
a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package providing reinforcing fibers mixed therewith, said package comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers; and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing said first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibersand providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementi-tious materials.
a preselected amount of cementitious material and at least one package providing reinforcing fibers mixed therewith, said package comprising a first plurality of reinforcing fibers; and a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforcing fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing said first plurality of discrete reinforcing fibersand providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementi-tious materials.
9. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, as in claim 8, wherein said first and second plurality of reinforcing fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamidesand aromatic polyamides; polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers and steel fibers and mixtures thereof.
10. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, as in claim 9, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprise polypropylene.
11. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, as in claim 8, wherein said reinforcing fibers are provided in a range of sizes.
12. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, as in claim 8, wherein said reinforcing fibers are fibrillated.
13. A fiber-reinforced concrete mixture, as in claim 8, wherein said reinforcingfibers are added to said concrete in an amount of from about 0.025 to one percent by volume.
14. A package for admixtures added to cementitious materials comprising:
a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the admixture and providing said plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitiousmaterials.
a non-paper container therefor manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of fibers, said fabric having the ability to disintegrate during agitation within apparatus in which the cementitious material is mixed, releasing the admixture and providing said plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitiousmaterials.
15. A package, as in claim 14, wherein said plurality of reinforcing fibers forming said fabric are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins; polyesters;
polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides and aromatic polyamides; polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides and aromatic polyamides; polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
16. A package, as in claim 15, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprise polypropylene.
17. A package, as in claim 14, wherein said reinforcing fibers are provided in a range of sizes.
18. A package, as in claim 14, wherein said reinforcing fibers are discrete.
19. A package, as in claim 14, wherein said reinforcing fibers are continuous strand fibers.
20. A method for the addition of a plurality of fibers to cementitious materials which comprises the steps of:
introducing at least one package providing a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforced fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sufficient agitation to shred said container, releasing said first plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
introducing at least one package providing a first plurality of reinforcing fibers and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a second plurality of reinforced fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sufficient agitation to shred said container, releasing said first plurality of reinforcing fibers and providing said second plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
21. A method, as in claim 20, wherein said first and second plurality of reinforcing fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides and aromatic polyamides;
polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
22. A method, as in claim 21, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprise polypropylene.
23. A method, as in claim 20, wherein said reinforcing fibers are provided in a range of sizes.
24. A method, as in claim 20, wherein said reinforcing fibers are fibrillated.
25. A method, as in claim 20, wherein said reinforcing fibers are added to said concrete in an amount of from about 0.025 to one percent by volume.
26. A method for the addition of an admixture to cementitious materials which comprises the steps of:
introducing at least one package providing the admixture and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of reinforced fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sufficient agitation to shred said container, releasing the admixture and providing said plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
introducing at least one package providing the admixture and a non-paper container, manufactured from a fabric formed from a plurality of reinforced fibers, to a quantity of cementitious material; and mixing the cementitious material in apparatus with sufficient agitation to shred said container, releasing the admixture and providing said plurality of reinforcing fibers to the cementitious material.
27. A method, as in claim 26, wherein said reinforcing fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyolefins; polyesters; polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polyamides and aromatic polyamides; polyacrylics; fiberglass; carbon fibers, steel fibers, manmade cellulosic fibers and mixtures and blends thereof.
28. A method, as in claim 27, wherein said reinforcing fibers comprise polypropylene.
29. A method, as in claim 26, wherein said reinforcing fibers are provided in a range of sizes.
30. A method, as in claim 26, wherein said reinforcing fibers are discrete.
31. A method, as in claim 26, wherein said reinforcing fibers are continuous strand fibers.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US14542193A | 1993-10-29 | 1993-10-29 | |
| US08/145,421 | 1993-10-29 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2174353A1 true CA2174353A1 (en) | 1995-05-04 |
Family
ID=22513035
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2174353 Abandoned CA2174353A1 (en) | 1993-10-29 | 1994-10-28 | Reinforcement fiber package and related method |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU8093394A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2174353A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995011861A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2161766T3 (en) * | 1993-05-03 | 2001-12-16 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | REINFORCEMENT ELEMENTS FOR MOLDABLE COMPOSITIONS PER COLADA. |
| US6790275B2 (en) * | 2001-09-25 | 2004-09-14 | W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. | Pumpably verifiable fluid fiber compositions |
| CA2520015A1 (en) | 2003-03-22 | 2004-09-30 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien | Mixing device |
| FR2916440B1 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2010-09-10 | Sika France | ADDITIVE PRODUCT FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL |
| DE102009029786B3 (en) * | 2009-06-18 | 2010-09-30 | Heraeus Kulzer Gmbh | Container containing the PMMA powder content of a two-component system of PMMA powder component and MMA monomer component and uses of such containers |
| US8114514B1 (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2012-02-14 | Forta Corporation | Reinforcement composition and method thereof |
| WO2016040584A1 (en) | 2014-09-10 | 2016-03-17 | Forta Corporation | Compositions and methods for fiber-containing grout |
| EP3184273A1 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-06-28 | Lafarge | Bag for containing powdery substances |
| CN112313184A (en) * | 2018-04-27 | 2021-02-02 | Gcp应用技术有限公司 | High surface area inducer for cementitious aggregate production |
| JP7441419B2 (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2024-03-01 | 住友大阪セメント株式会社 | Premix mortar packaging and construction method for mortar composition |
| AT525239B1 (en) * | 2022-03-18 | 2023-02-15 | Baumit Beteiligungen Gmbh | Paper sack with sack contents |
| FR3136761A1 (en) * | 2022-06-15 | 2023-12-22 | Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin | USE OF GLASS-RESIN COMPOSITE FIBERS FOR CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2824606B2 (en) * | 1990-11-07 | 1998-11-11 | 大成建設株式会社 | Cement admixture and / or admixture package and method for adding cement admixture and / or admixture |
-
1994
- 1994-10-28 WO PCT/US1994/012321 patent/WO1995011861A1/en active Application Filing
- 1994-10-28 CA CA 2174353 patent/CA2174353A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-10-28 AU AU80933/94A patent/AU8093394A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU8093394A (en) | 1995-05-22 |
| WO1995011861A1 (en) | 1995-05-04 |
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