FORTA : Reinforcing the Future of Concrete

The use of fibers to fortify building materials may seem like a new idea, but it's actually been around since ancient Egypt, when crude straw "fibers" were added to clay and mud building blocks and bricks. Though primitive in design, these fibers added a certain amount of cohesiveness and toughness that the Egyptian builders found very valuable.

Earlier plasterers achieved similar benefits by adding both horse and pig hair to plaster as a method of reinforcement. Though the design and uniform distribution of these earlier fibers were questionable, the basic theory of adding three-dimensional fibers to increase the toughness and durability of various building materials proved to be a sound one.

After thousands of years, FORTA Corporation has revolutionized this basic idea. By combining space-age synthetic materials with unique designs and shapes, it offers the international construction market a valuable fiber reinforcement product that controls cracking and adds long-term durability to a wide variety of concrete applications.

Since FORTA's beginning in 1978, its fibers have played an important role in the design and construction of many different types of projects, from airports and tennis courts to swimming pools and public schools. Today, the brand continues to be the most respected name in the synthetic fiber industry, including research and development. From a single grade of fiber, FORTA has expanded its product line to include an entire family of fibers tailored to specific applications and demands of the international concrete community. Coupled with a dedicated and knowledgeable management, staff, and workforce, it will continue to lead the way in building a better concrete future.

The company's extensive product range included:

Forta Ferro Fibers (Polypropylene copolymer Structural fibers)
Forta Econonet Fibers (homopolymer propylene fibers)
Forta Stucco Fibers (homopolymer propylene monofilament fibers)
Forta Fi Fibers (Fortafied Stronger Asphalt)

The basic idea behind using fibers is to hold the smaller pieces of concrete together. However, FORTA's blend of polypropylene fibers provides additional benefits such as:

Non-corrosive and increases cohessiveness
Non-magnetic
100% Alkali Proof
Increased Impact Resistance
Reduction in Shrinkage and temperature cracking
Reduction in slab curling thereby increasing post crack performance
Increased durability and ductility
Effective removal of Steel and steel fibers from Slabs on ground.

FORTA Ferro which means "Strong As Steel" is extremely user-friendly, having gained a reputation as the best mixing and finishing fiber of its kind in the industry.

Applications of FORTA Fibers include manufacturing commercial and industrial floors, residential slabs and driveways, slabs on deck, parking lots and pavements to name a few.

FORTA Ferro Fibers (Structural Fibers)

FORTA-FERRO® is an easy-to-finish, color blended fiber, made of 100% virgin copolymer/ polypropylene consisting of a twisted bundle non-fibrillating monofilament and a fibrillating network fiber, yielding a high-performance concrete reinforcement system. It is used to reduce plastic and hardened concrete shrinkage to improve impact strength, and to increase fatigue resistance and concrete toughness. This extra heavy-duty fiber offers maximum long-term durability, structural enhancements, and effective secondary/temperature crack control by incorporating a truly unique synergistic fiber system of long length design. FORTA-FERRO® is a non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and 100% alkali proof.

FORTA Econonet

FORTA® ECONO-NET® is an easy to finish, fully oriented, 100% virgin homopolymer polypropylene fibrous reinforcement in a collated fibrillated (network) form. It is used to reduce plastic and hardened concrete shrinkage, improve impact strength, increase fatigue resistance and concrete toughness. This medium-duty fiber offers good-bonding power, long-term durability, and true secondary/temperature control by incorporating a fibrillated pattern and long length option. Non-corrosive, non-magnetic, chemically inert, and 100% Alkali Proof.

FORTA Stucco Bond

FORTA® STUCCO-BOND® is an easy to apply and finish, fully oriented, 100% virgin homopolymer polypropylene monofilament fibrous reinforcement. This engineered fiber provides a mini-reinforcing system forming a more cohesive, inner-supported mix that functions as a plastic shrinkage reinforcement intended to reduce the formation of shrinkage cracks prior to initial set. FORTA® STUCCO-BOND® is non-corrosive, non-magnetic, chemically inert, and 100% Alkali Proof.

FORTA Fi Asphalt

FORTAfied® asphalt is stronger asphalt, and builds tougher roads that are both safer, and more fiscally responsible. Today, more than ever, using time and material resources responsibly is everyone's goal. FORTA-FI® is uniquely capable of reinforcing all asphalt mixtures allowing for either less asphalt or longer life, which translates into reduced processing, reduced labor, reduced time and reduced logistics thereby reducing overall project cost. Its application areas include roadways, streets, pavements, parking lots, residential driveways, and airports.

Published on 08 May 2014

Published in NBM&CW May 2014