Stop plastic shrinkage cracking with fibers | microsynthetic fibers

Plastic shrinkage cracking occurs when concrete is placed in hot and dry environments. This typically occurs in the summer when placing flatwork or slabs, sidewalks, pavements, and bridge decks. These fibers are unsightly and they decrease the durability of the concrete. This video shows evidence that microsynthetic fibers can be used in low dosages to stop plastic shrinkage cracking in this concrete. This is shown with a novel test setup that uses box fans and heat lamps.
This video is a part of a series of videos that will focus on reducing the cracking within concrete.
My website is:
www.tylerley.com
If you would like to donate to my channel please visit
www.tylerley.com/giving

[@BluJay320]

I know nothing about concrete, I don’t work with concrete, I have no reason to have any care for concrete And yet I keep watching this man’s videos due to his sheer enthusiasm

[@grantgeorgia7168]

Are you going to make a video on the Florida condo collapse as more data/evidence becomes available?

[@SlytigerSurvival]

That’s going to awesome if he makes that!

[@nolingshawn]

Before adding fiber I'd reccomend ensuring that the mix design is designed with proper proportions that will reduce shrinkage. Also larger rock will create less shrinkage in a mix. Then chose a day with an appropriate evaporation rate. Micro fiber is definitely a great choice if you have done the above.

[@JP-ig9ri]

I love your energy Dr. ley! I also LOVE concrete. Thank you for being so concise, and articulate. You’ve helped me solve problems time and time again!

[@xrgg7111]

You're not a concrete freak. You're a concrete superfreak.

[@tarekhilo5027]

I sell to construction project managers three products to prevent plastic shrinkage cracks... They work all the time Masterkure 106, liquid curing compound based on water soluble wax.... Engineers at site spray it on top of exposed freshly casted concrete. MasterFiber 012, polypropylene micro synthetic fiber, should be added into the mixer and mix it with concrete, 600grm per cubic mtr of concrete. MasterGlenium 51, poly carboxylic eather acid based superplasticiser (admixture to concrete), it allows to produce flowable concrete with low water to cement ratios (below 45liters of water per 100kg of Ordinary portland Cement) I advise my customers to avoid direct sunlight, wind acceleration, casting concrete on variant temperature intervals at the day

[@Manish_Kumar_Singh]

Every civil engineer if he hasn't skipped clases and pays due diligence at construction site can avoid plastic shrinkage without the help of any admixtures.

[@unseenadventures8130]

Engineers don't spray cure compound on the pour lol labours or masons do lol. What is you view on finishing aid. I have been using it for about 6 years now and I love it on those hot dry windy Wyoming days. Every day from May to November lol

[@unseenadventures8130]

​@@Manish_Kumar_Singh try pouring concrete in Wyoming where it's either snowing with 80 mph winds or 100 Fahrenheit single digit humidity and 30 mph winds. And on average there's a 30 to 40 degree temp change daily

[@Manish_Kumar_Singh]

@@unseenadventures8130 It's the same everywhere in the world, either it's raining or it's too hot. Engineers find a way using all weather construction and or chilling the concert. Wet gunny bags nailed to concrete walls and ponding with water for slabs is good enough

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

Zero thumbs down? No trolls? Like I said, great stuff.

[@hector.abrach]

Your videos are great! Please keep making them, I'm a builder and I've learned a lot from you. Do you know of any tarps to reduce the rate of loss of humidity when curing?

[@manjurelahi2640]

You are awesome professor Ley

[@varietychannel5825]

Thanks for these information.

[@sasankasekhar9735]

Excellent sir....

[@cedrickutts]

Very interesting, love your Channel

[@khalidsalah8482]

Thank you very professor. It's so useful topic.

[@jasonhanson6563]

I love it when you quote ASTMs to me!

[@MartinJDavidson]

20210715-Th.1246, 😎 That's just a tiny part oy being a PE. And it's concise.

[@peetky8645]

good video

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

You should be required viewing for the employees of every small concrete contractor. I know guys take pride in their work if they get a little knowledge and encouragement. Great stuff!

[@mohammadsohail3815]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2TNlYSifJmrga8

[@united3689]

awesome thanks!

[@sohibalaa8579]

Thank you sir

[@blakevazmendes4080]

Hey Tyler I own a pressure washing company and need to pick your brain on getting deep stains out of slick finished concrete. Everyone in the industry just keeps telling me there’s no way to get the stains out and I feel like there just has to be a way!

[@ataaminfar4444]

Awesome info! I really wish I had a professor lime you. The energy you have the info you provide gets us motivated and inspired professor.

[@boedesign]

"professor lime you" is a hilariously fitting typo for a concrete discussion :D :D :D

[@tigistsolomon5121]

first time when i watch you. i like it keep it up, you're helpfull

[@colimaazulsol]

Tnks for all the info 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@charlesviner1565]

Thanks for the videos 👍new subscriber from Davenport Iowa USA 🇺🇸

[@omarolvera6025]

You just solved my problem

[@ypure3859]

YES..GREAT

[@rickw4160]

Tyler, it used to be used- in fact before these modern fibers it used to be asbestos fibers, and before that, horse hair. In china they had even used silk. for concrete reinforcement.

[@njsconstruction1201]

Love it

[@peetky8645]

would be nice to have a checklist of what to look out for in a concrete building before buying a multistory condo. video from miami shows water pooling and sagging of the pool deck into the garage below.

[@ahmadbelial9778]

do they affect the moment of inertia of the section or the calculations of flexural strength ?. Thanks for the videos, keep it up!

[@gregmach8230]

Do ferro-cement sailboats. They are amazing.

[@gabemillee3726]

Im am engineering student, your videos have helped, thanks. We use fiber in ohio a lot, but are here any set backs to using it, such as, delamination?

[@RobertWilliams-mk8pl]

Please do a video on roller compacted concrete.

[@Dadnatron]

Tyler, you videos are great. Could you do a video on the effects of different finishing? Does the surface of finished concrete change the structure/durability/etc? Why do we need paste layer over aggregate? Does visible aggregate 'when paste is washed off so aggregate is visible (pea gravel) change the durability?

[@bearfoot100]

Yes! Yes! Yes! This was what I was looking for. I've written this into my new house spec. " All Concrete, to have plastic microsynthetic fibers , at the rate of 1lb per cubic yard." Walls, flat work, all of it.

[@Real_Tim_S]

Why not a combination of macro/micro-synthetic fibers? About 1lb/cu-yd of each type should cover most of the hydration strength development and then cover semi-structural cracking later in the concrete's life. Also helps with spalling in a fire... Any other admixtures to reduce water migration like a Xypex (no affiliation)? Stuff in admix is IMHO better than trying to "fix" performance after casting... Kind of like spec'ing 10mil hot dip galvanized bar, with a thermal spray galvanization of joints on the finished steel - than putting pre-rusted bar in a cast. Then of course, a wet pulp water retention cover under plastic to keep the surface from drying out before hydration completes... Mmmmm ;-)

[@imconsequetau5275]

Be sure to specify "hydrophilic".

[@shakeydavesr]

@@Real_Tim_S Have you witnessed that thermal spraying? Company I used to work for had 2 guys driving around the country doing that stuff. Like standing next to a jet engine 🤯

[@Maulakus]

Great Video Dr. Ley. I have some follow up questions. How does the addition of microsynthetic fibers effect strength? If more hydration of the cement is happening with the addition of the fibers, can we reduce the amount of cement and maintain the required strength? Does the addition of the fibers effect the pump-ability or final finish of the concrete? Are you guys doing more tests and experiments in this area? I would love to show research findings to the contractors I work with.

[@essamwahid5385]

Oh man i love your informative with funny moments

[@ryanminyard4446]

Hi Tyler, thanks for all the informative content ! I was looking to build a big fire bowl for our side and I was wondering if you have any suggestions on the type of concrete I should use to to make it fire proof or at least fire resistant and if there are any pre mixed bags of concrete I can purchase do build it with ( most fire bowls are gas, but I want this one to be able to be wood burning) thanks, your thoughts are very much appreciated :)

[@gregstringer7392]

Tyler, I would to see a video of how you would build a slab on grade concrete slab for your personal home.

[@ucupcruijff]

Hi Dr. Ley, I have 2 questions. When the fibers prevent cracks do they also retain the size of the concrete also? And, since the fibers attracts water, do we need to check the water content of the fiber, and do we need to change the w/c from the original recipe?

[@sorinputarici1195]

Hey Tyler, great video. The issue with these fibers is they are difficult to finish with. Is there a fiber that you know of that is good to finish with?

[@MPiano-jk8wp]

Can you do a video about sprayed concrete/shotcrete some time?

[@BarreraRomeroIngenieros]

Hi professor, if the crack are forming exactly above the rebar,not randomly, it is due to shrinkage cracking?

[@ProfessionalFixologist]

Tyler, love your videos! Can you do a video about concrete mixes for 3D printing? I would imagine they use smaller aggregate sizes and high amounts of superplasticizers, but information about 3D printing mixes is hard to find.

[@CrackerFL]

Will be pouring my house foundation soon. What about/will Basalt fiber do the same job?

[@misbah6139]

hey hi could u please make a video on the effects of both silica fume and sisal fiber on the performance of concrete

[@atom410]

Hey bro love your vids 🙂 Got a question hope you can help me out What would be a good mix to use for cement pots there 10cm high by 10cm wide I use rubber moulds thanks Rob

[@FTCHub-EpicVault]

Do you recommend a brand/type of microfiber?

[@NomenNescio99]

Could you please make a video about 3d-printing with concrete? It seems like a field of limited use as of now, but where there is a lot of development going on. I would like to know what a professional thinks of the future of 3d printing with concrete.

[@jeffreyn5968]

Could additive like latex could help in preventing plastic shrinkage? The curing of those additive modified concrete might be different from conventional concrete?

[@averagejoe6890]

Bro you should make a guide on the mixture of concreate used in water containers like swimming pools and water tanks. How do they make it , doesn't concrete hate water?

[@barbaraabuzek7471]

Thanks for this video. I have a question what do you think about using only syntethic fibers in industrial floor loaded by moving vehicles ? And other question to prevent from curling its better to use steel fibers or it doesnt matter? Im trying to understand the way of working these fibers. Thank you for any help🙂

[@akkiefrylinck3901]

Hi. im all the way from Cape Town, South Africa.. Just found your channel..... AMAZEBALLZZZ.. i manufacture pots. i make them by making a mortar, and them plastering them onto moulds. My question is, what would be the ideal microfiber to use here.... 6mm or 12mm or should i use another. and what is the best cement type to use for these pots... i plaster them about 10mm - 15mm thick, whithout fiber currently.. so if they crack nothing holds the pot from completely breaking apart. AND would you agree to using a more finer sand, in the pot plastering, compared to a rough sand for plastering

[@kendrickdelosreyes5381]

Since I live in central Oklahoma, I’ve been researching alternatives on more efficient and weather-resistant housing, and happened to come across monolithic dome construction (particularly underground monolithic dome construction). Could you please do a video on shotcrete? Durability, low permeability, and longevity are key factors I would like to focus on in a structure, especially since water and moisture can be hard to control once permanently underground. However, I can’t find much info online about shotcrete and still have no idea if it’s a good application for underground, particularly when it comes to long life.

[@BiPolarBear722]

@Tyler Ley, is there a maximum limit to how much microfibers you can add to a mix before the benefits stop? Money no issue.

[@robertpayne2717]

Can you buy fiber to use in small quantities for use in portable small mixers for do it your self home projects etc. Less than 1 yard total

[@JD-by9np]

How do these compare to steel fibers mixed into concrete? I don't think the steel fibers would help with water retention but they should add some ductility and strength that you wouldn't see with the plastic fibers right?

[@luckystrike656]

Is it good to cover the poured concrete with plastic sheet or something?

[@coast-guard-1cargo-spectio552]

(How can I make concrete bendable? For structures that have fluctuating pressure loads, like a concrete-cast-form-water-tank! Can you compare superplasticisers?)

[@Wdbx831]

Thank you for the invaluable actionable information. Just a handyman note "Crack resistant" Quikrete has been out for sometime - did you by chance test this product against your baseline fiber test?

[@Maulakus]

I would also like to know.

[@hamdiahmad6548]

How about adding fibers to the screed?

[@21stcenturyentertainment14]

Does it cause leakage? Any sweapage through this

[@jeffsedletzeck3882]

Tyler, How can we calculate the maximum amount of allowable water per yard in a mix design before it's "too much" for that design?

[@joshjones9878]

hi - i need to put down two foundations for metal columns to support a roof overhang - been told to make them 50x50cm and 80cm deep to go below frost line - thinking of doing it myself. Wondering what kind of re-inforcement you would recommend for that please? What diameter rebar? How many rods - should they be joined toether into a a single structure or just placed in indidvdually - is it worth using fibre? The main force is compression but it's conceivable excessive wind under the roof overhang could create some lift (tension) but doubt it - many thanks

[@AD-bx2xo]

Do an analysis of Frank Lloyd Wright’s textile block concrete

[@notsoserious0944]

I've placed concrete in some pretty horrible conditions, extremely hot with a strong wind, and the specs prevented the spraying or fogging of water on the surface of the concrete. The concrete obviously was degraded and stopping the crazing cracks wouldn't have helped much except perhaps with appearance. However the appearance was terrible anyway since the plastic concrete formed a dry crust on top whilst remaining plastic and it couldn't be tooled properly. I'm told they have methods for dealing with this in arid climates but those are not applied in the midwest. Nobody was happy with the results. Jobs like that drive you to a different trade.

[@imconsequetau5275]

I strongly suspect that those "specs" prohibiting fogging didn't take such extreme environmental conditions into account. What is so bad about learning from others in more extreme climates? And what is ever detrimental about fogging? You just have to tool at the right moment _without being influenced by surface gloss._

[@notsoserious0944]

@@imconsequetau5275 The spec book is a legal document to which you can get changes made if, say, the receptacles spec'd are no longer made. Concrete placement, asphalt paving, and welding specs are just seemingly fixed. So when you get a really really bad summer in the midwest, it is just bad. You won't get a change in time before the site work is scheduled to be finished. Hope that makes sense.

[@imconsequetau5275]

@@notsoserious0944 I'm sure the results of that slab were frustrating for everyone, even the spec team. I hope they start a dialog with counterparts in arid and freezing climates, because climate zones are shifting fast and weather extremes will stay more chaotic. For example, Texas can expect freeze events every few years due to polar air.

[@notsoserious0944]

@@imconsequetau5275 Horrible in every respect. Not work to be proud of for sure. The control joints were to be hand tooled...lol.

[@21stcenturyentertainment14]

How to make light weight in site?

[@daviddabell2109]

I had a contractor use chlorinated calcium on my foundation. Is there anything I can do?

[@genegene8686]

Why don’t you do a video on steel fibers that do add tensile strength? Thinking of Dramix and Helix as well as Novocon steel fibers ASTM A820 Type I

[@unseenadventures8130]

I pour concrete in Wyoming where its hot dry and windy everytime its not cold snowy and windy. I use fibers every time. I started in upstate NY very different environment. Do you have any recommendations for patio and driveway installation here where the temp swings wildly on avarage in the sumer theres a 40 to 50 deg. Swing daily. Im thinking make sure sub base is even and compacted use expansion and be liberal with control joints

[@taurusRAHEEL]

where are you. No videos for such a long time

[@volt8399]

Hey Tyler, I would like to know your thoughts on two applications; 1) of how well concrete and rebar is protected inside an ICF wall with tyvek wrapping and stucco. From what I have learned watching you this sounds like a 100 year concrete wall. 2) green roof on a concrete flat roof. Green roofs do usually have 1 or 2 layers of waterproof membrane of some sort on top of the concrete. Would you consider it to be too risky? Thank you ❤️

[@mysterymanforu]

I too have wondered about ICF and rebar rusting. It's pretty thin. Also that "Micro Rebar" brand that is zinc plated. I think just electro plated. How long will that last before rusting.

[@jmabso]

Are you familiar with reinforced concrete pipe?

[@EmrysImmortal]

Are those plastic fibers biodegradable?

[@didsombodysayskip]

How about a video on a pex pipe heated slab? How’s heat going to science concrete?

[@MattOwens]

I wonder what happens if you add diamond dust to concrete?

[@etle113]

You said that these don't provide any mechanical advantage once the concrete is set. Could using glass, basalt or steel fibers provide both curing crack protection as well as a long term mechanical advantage or is the ability to retain water absolutely needed? If the key is in water retention could using a water binding long molecules, like poly ethylene oxide also help prevent cracking during the cure?

[@imconsequetau5275]

It seems that Tarek Hilo agrees with using hydrophilic microfibers, plasticiser additives, and also recommends an emulsified wax coating.

[@kevinmccall8874]

Because the fibers love water should more water be added to a mix design?

[@jesuslugo2767]

Good question

[@evilecruela589]

From the point of view of concrete strength (not the practicality or costs involved) Why is it important for hydration to occur after the concrete is poured ? For example, why not mix the concrete in a surplus of water and keep agitating it for maybe days, then (magically !) remove the excess water and pour it. Rather like that other method of cooking rice. Or maybe introduce the cement to the other concrete ingredients as a pre-hydrated slurry that has been allowed to steep for a while ?

[@honeytubs]

I think the concrete sets by forming crystals that interlock. Concrete generally sets within a couple of hours. It then reaches the majority of it's final strength within a couple of days. If it was mixed for days the crystals would be broken as they were formed. The concrete would not be strong. Also, too much water is no good because voids remain after it evaporates. Less water results in tighter crystal structure.

[@Crankyman-tu7eq]

I have searched your channel and also tried everywhere else I can think of to determine if these "waterproof by crystallization" products (such as Xypex) actually work. I can only find studies conducted by the people wanting to sell it! Do you know of any independent studies? Do their claims make any scientific sense? (I'm learning lots from your channel, Thanks!)

[@essamwahid5385]

❤️

[@thecollapseofchamplaintowe7199]

Where did you go ?

[@LincolnLog]

he looked too closely to the collapse of the towers. Flying too close to the sun if you will.

[@SlytigerSurvival]

Excellent video! Quikrete best get on the ball, dammit! I demand all my quikrete to have macro and micro fibers in my ready mix or else I will start complaining!!! Ha

[@joemeyer6876]

How do the fibers improve load or torsional strength?

[@imconsequetau5275]

They don't. Hydrophilic microfibers just better retain water in the green concrete, so the surface stays hydrated longer. They are easier to use than a layer of pulp, misting, and/or plastic film cover.

[@NSER164]

I suppose not directly however by allowing it to hydrate longer you get stronger concrete which helps.

[@Manish_Kumar_Singh]

Why not just properly cure the concrete, instead ? Because the fibers won't reduce the shrinkage but only lead to it's even distribution making it invisibles to naked eyes. Also, it's relatively very easy to mix micro fibers in a mortar or cement mixer compared to a concrete mixer, where many fibers just allgomerate and create weak points.

[@user-tq5yi6re1x]

Concrete Filled HSS ????????

[@cuwynn]

What about these 3d printed homes out of concrete

[@matekochkoch]

Interesting video. BTW, have you sniffed cement again? Cement abuse is no answer!

[@BigJimSportsCamper]

Like Kramer after too many café lattes.

[@mookfaru835]

Lol you arr so funny

[@Samuelir96]

Excuse me I cannot send you an applaud or donation and therefore cannot receive maximum value from you in my mentality ;p

[@marioxerxescastelancastro8019]

1:47 🤢 Clean your fingernails.

[@y2ggaming397]

its a turn off to a lot of viewers to see over-the-top thumbnails like the one seen in this video, me included. You shouldn't need to open your eyes and mouth so wide to catch my attention, its kind of insulting. Just advice, I avoid videos like these. Im sure others do the same. Literally clicked just to leave this comment, so you got my view this time but I don't subscribe for this.

[@Bogx1]

Could you do a video on Helix Micro Rebar? Not necessarily that brand, but the benefits/downsides of using micro rebar instead of regular rebar in single-family houses, in conjunction with ICF (either foam forms or the alternative woods fiber blocks). Thank you!

[@mysterymanforu]

Agree, they claim that they are zinc plated or something. How long will that last since it is electroplated.