Pier 57 is a Seattle waterfront location favored by tourists and locals. It was lengthened to construct a 156 ft diameter Ferris wheel which opened in 2012. Helix® Micro Rebar™ reinforcement was incorporated into the project design to fully replace the #6 rebar cages inside 53 piles.
Concrete Road Reinforcement
Roads and other infrastructure face relentless stress from environmental extremes and traffic loads. Without proper reinforcement, concrete is prone to cracking, fatigue, and costly maintenance.
Helix Steel is redefining how roads and infrastructure are built by directly addressing these challenges. Our Helix Micro Rebar® improves concrete’s flexural strength, allowing for thinner sections and providing more resistance to fatigue. It has been used to develop better and longer-lasting concrete in roads and other infrastructure projects for more than a decade.
Lower Dosages than Steel Fibers
Third-party testing has proved that Micro Rebar® requires lower dosages than steel fibers.
Buy America Compliant
No need to apply for waivers to purchase foreign steel. Helix Micro Rebar® is made in America, eliminating the need for waivers. Buy America Compliant material is available on request.
Higher MOR
Allows for thinner sections and provides more fatigue resistance.
Benefits of Helix Micro Rebar® to Roads and Infrastructure
Helix Micro Rebar® is a twisted steel micro reinforcement that disperses throughout the concrete matrix, replacing or supplementing traditional rebar and mesh. Unlike steel fibers, the Micro Rebar® forms a three-dimensional reinforcement network. This enhances the structural integrity of every cubic inch of concrete, making it ideal for concrete road steel reinforcement.
Key performance benefits of the Helix Micro Rebar® are:
- Higher flexural strength and modulus of rupture (MOR): It increases the concrete’s ability to resist bending and cracking under loads. This allows for thinner and lighter sections without compromising structural resilience.
- Superior fatigue resistance: Helix Micro Rebar® withstands repeated stress. It helps prevent microcracking and structural fatigue over time, extending the lifespan of concrete roads and surfaces.
- Reduced cracking and shrinkage control: The solution distributes stress more evenly throughout the concrete, significantly reducing both plastic and drying shrinkage cracking. This leads to smoother surfaces, fewer repairs, and better long-term aesthetics.
- Durability against environmental stress: It enhances concrete’s resistance to environmental degradation. From freeze-thaw cycles to de-icing chemicals and corrosive surroundings, our product is ideal for roads, bridges, and cold-weather climates.
- Lower dosages than steel fibers: The Micro Rebar® achieves equal or better reinforcement than traditional steel fibers. Third-party testing also proved that our Micro Rebar® requires lower dosages than steel fibers, resulting in less material, easier mixing, and faster placement.
- Better ROI over time: Helix Micro Rebar® delivers higher return on investment with faster installation, reduced labor, and fewer long-term repairs. It’s the smarter choice for innovative road and infrastructure projects that demand performance and efficiency.
Specific Application Types
Helix Micro Rebar® has been used across a wide range of applications, including reinforced concrete road designs. It supports different road and infrastructure reinforcement methods, including:
Pavements
Proven in pavements, our Micro Rebar® improves concrete road design by enhancing load distribution and minimizing surface cracking. In Lake Havasu City, pavement rehabilitation using Helix Micro Rebar® demonstrated superior performance against extremely high desert temperatures.
Bridge Decks and Overlays
Bridge decks demand high fatigue resistance. The corrosion resistance of Helix Micro Rebar® makes it ideal for exterior applications exposed to water, as well as de-icing agents. Phillips Hardy integrated our solution into a bridge deck replacement project, making the deck less vulnerable to deterioration and cracking.
Repair and Partial Depth
Concrete repairs — especially partial-depth patches and joint restorations — require reinforcement that is easy to place, fast to install and capable of controlling cracking in small, irregular forms. Helix Micro Rebar® provides multidirectional reinforcement throughout the patch area. We have partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for joint repairs and pavement patches. Our solution strengthened concrete, saved time and money, and reduced maintenance.
Heavy-Duty Applications
Helix Micro Rebar® has undergone testing of up to 5 million equivalent single axle loads. Helix is also a proud member of the National Road Research Alliance and has participated in the development of partial depth repair methods to extend the life of pavements and bridges. Our product has been deployed in industrial zones, parking lots, and high-traffic intersections.
We have designed and deployed over 4.5 million square meters of Helix® Micro Rebar® reinforced concrete with 100% customer satisfaction.
— Juan Aguilera VillarrealTecnorBuild Roads That Last With Helix Steel
Helix Steel delivers a smarter, more resilient approach to road reinforcement methods. Our Micro Rebar® empowers you to complete concrete road reinforcements that perform better, last longer, and cost less over time.
Contact us today to discuss your concrete reinforcement projects.
Helix® 5-25
Helix® 5-25 Data Sheet
Application Guide — Pavements
Specification ToolTell Us About Your Project
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