Fibtong - Use of fiber reinforcement in Concrete Elements at Element Nor AS
Summary
The Norwegian Concrete Association's publication no. 38, provides a basis for the use of fiber reinforcement in load-bearing concrete structures. Element Nor is the first concrete element manufacturer in Norway to carry out a pilot project where the use of fiber reinforcement in concrete elements can be tested. The project consists of five work packages that will clarify the technical basis for the use of fiber reinforcement. These work packages consist of concept development, development of calculation tools, testing, technical advice and pilot production / skills development. Through talks with Innovation Norway Arctic, it has been clarified that Element Nor is the applicant. The project is carried out in collaboration with KUPA AS, Betongklyngen N3C, Arcon, UIT and SINTEF. The use of fiber reinforcement will bring about several environmental benefits such as improved EPD, less use of steel and it will simplify the production process at Element Nor.
Background
The concrete element industry has been waiting years for unambiguous calculation rules for the use of fibers in concrete structures. Calculation rules have been available in other countries in and outside of Europe without having received sufficient acceptance for use in Norway.
The use of fiber reinforcement in concrete elements will require testing and approvals. The physical tests will be carried out at UiT Navik under the leadership of Boy-Arne Buyle. Element NOR is the production unit.
This collaboration will benefit the entire industry and will be able to improve the environmental footprint of buildings with concrete elements.
Tasks
Concept development Development of a calculation program for fiber reinforcement. Development and implementation of courses for the designers at Element Nor. The work is carried out by Arcon .
Testing and test methods The tests are carried out at the laboratory at UIT: Norwegian Arctic University and with tests in the factory at Element Nor . Tests will be carried out with two different concrete mixtures and with three different fiber types. (steel fiber, stainless steel fiber and basalt fiber)
Technical advice, quality control and preparatory work for technical approval Plan and develop a concept that can form the basis for future technical approval when the product is put into production. The workwill be carried out by SINTEF Narvik in collaboration with SINTEF Community in Trondheim.
Pilot production and skills development Arranging and producing test elements as well as raising the competence of personnel at Element Nor AS. The work must take place in parallel with ordinary production, where 70% of the capacity is already occupied.
Project administration and coordination KUPA will take care of project management, coordination of the project and final reporting to innovation Norway.
Goal
Element NOR AS's clear goal is that the development work will result in a technical approval, i ssued by SINTEF department Narvik, so that this type of product can be commercialized and used in the same way as current products.
