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Concrete roadways are essential components of American infrastructure, but even those which are constructed soundly often have early deterioration in the form of cracking due to environmental stressors and traffic loads.
Helix Micro Rebar—our patented twisted steel micro reinforcement—offers engineers an approved alternative that enhances concrete’s durability, reduces labor and extends concrete road service life.
We’ll take a look at three real-world applications where Helix Micro Rebar has significantly improved road performance.
Why Do Engineers Need an Alternative to Rebar?
Traditional concrete reinforcement methods – such as rebar and mesh – are labor-intensive and susceptible to corrosion and cracking under environmental stress. But in the engineering world, you likely dislike
Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch twisted steel reinforcement mixed directly with concrete prior to placement, creating a three-dimensional composite concrete solution that enhances tensile strength, ductility and fatigue resistance.
Its ability to increase concrete’s strength more than rebar allows for better crack control and load distribution, making it the preferred option for road and infrastructure projects.
Concrete Road Reinforcement Case Studies
Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) – Mountain View Corridor Bridge Decks
In 2017, UDOT constructed four bridge decks along the Mountain View Corridor in West Valley City, Utah. Two decks utilized Helix Micro Rebar at a dosage of 40 lb/yd³, while the other two employed conventional reinforcement.
Over a two-year period, the Helix Micro Rebar-reinforced decks exhibited a threefold reduction in surface cracks compared to the traditional decks, despite exposure to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing agents.
The study concluded that Helix Micro Rebar provided additional protection against cracking and is recommended for use in concrete bridge decks, especially under extreme loading conditions such as earthquakes.
Minnesota Department of Transportation – Highway Patch Repairs
The Minnesota Department of Transportation, through the National Road Research Alliance, conducted a three-year study to evaluate concrete patch materials for highway repairs.
Helix Micro Rebar, combined with CTS Rapid Set DOT Repair Mix, was used in test patches subjected to heavy traffic and harsh environmental conditions.
The patches reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar demonstrated superior durability, withstanding freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing agents, and are projected to last over five years. This performance reduces the need for frequent repairs, leading to cost savings and increased road availability.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona – Pavement Rehabilitation
Lake Havasu City faced challenges with asphalt roads deteriorating under extreme desert temperatures.
To address this, intersections were reconstructed using concrete reinforced with Helix Micro Rebar at a dosage of 22.5 lb/yd³. This choice provided extra durability and crack resistance, ensuring the intersections could withstand high wear and tear – and extra heat – for decades.
Read more about the results of this project and learn what concrete contractor Protek Construction has to say about Helix Micro Rebar – dive into the case study here.
Engineering Performance Metrics for Helix Micro Rebar
Helix Micro Rebar can:
- Increase fatigue resistance by up to 300%
- Enhance flexural strength by up to 33%
- Reduce construction time, saving one day for every 10,000 sq. ft. of rebar replaced
- Lower material costs by reducing the need for traditional rebar and associated labor
Validated Performance and Compliance
Helix Micro Rebar is backed by rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. It holds certifications from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) under ESR-3949 and from IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) under ER-279, confirming its ability to be used as an alternative to rebar in applications including slabs, walls, footings and foundations.
Real-World Applications of Helix Micro Rebar to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters
The practical benefits of Helix Micro Rebar are evident in real-world projects:
Pier 57 Ferris Wheel, Seattle
In this infrastructure project, Helix Micro Rebar replaced traditional #6 rebar cages in 53 piles, showcasing its capability to handle significant structural loads. The concrete’s shear strength was increased by 111% and durability increased by 45%!
Indigo Green Residential Development, St. Maarten
When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten with sustained winds of 185 mph (298 kph) on September 6, 2017, the devastation was incredible. Most buildings, including concrete structures, suffered extensive damage. Except one which used Helix Micro Rebar: Indigo Green!
“Using Helix Micro Rebar led to more durable concrete and provided much-needed hurricane resistance,” noted Rene Lepine, Managing Director at Indigo Green. “Helix technology was a key factor in the way our buildings survived Hurricane Irma’s destructive winds so well. In addition, we were able to save considerable time during construction since much less steel work was required.”
Learn more about hurricane-strength resistance by reading this article.
Engineering the Concrete Roads of Tomorrow, Today
Whether you’re an engineer, general contractor, transportation authority or labourer, the choice is clear: Helix Micro Rebar offers a superior alternative to traditional concrete reinforcement methods, providing enhanced durability, reduced labor costs and extended service life for concrete roads.
Our case studies demonstrate Helix Micro Rebar’s effectiveness, from bridge decks to highway repairs and urban intersections. As America’s infrastructure demands grow, adopting innovations like Helix Micro Rebar will be essential for making better use of our resources and ensuring they last as long as possible.
Reach out to the Helix Steel team to learn more about how your next project could become another resounding case study soon. Start by submitting your project specs right now!
With the increasing frequency and scale of natural disasters in America, they certainly are not making life easier for the construction industry or those who rely on well-built infrastructure. This is exactly why we need to rely on quality materials – and innovative solutions – more than ever before.
One small piece taking the industry by storm is the one-inch concrete reinforcement called Helix Micro Rebar. It’s easier to use and faster to deliver to your job site, and for those in disaster-prone regions, it’s far more durable, helping to withstand the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it.
How to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters in America
Helix Micro Rebar is a one-inch-long twisted steel piece of 100% steel that’s mixed directly into your concrete. This multidirectional reinforcement creates a composite solution that evenly distributes stress throughout the concrete, reducing the likelihood of failure during a wide range of intense events.
Like a screw in wood, Helix Micro Rebar’s twisted design requires a unique untwisting mechanism to pull out, providing superior anchorage compared to rebar and mesh reinforcement.
Five Disaster Emergencies in America and Helix Micro Rebar’s Role
Hurricanes
Hurricanes bring strong, unrelenting winds and heavy rainfall, posing threats to building envelopes and foundations. Helix Micro Rebar strengthens concrete elements – from concrete footings to concrete walls – improving their ability to withstand wind loads.
Fires
High temperatures during fires can weaken concrete and cause spalling. Helix Micro Rebar’s uniform distribution in concrete minimizes internal stresses while acting as a highly resistant wall to stop fire in its path.
Floods
Significant water pressure against a foundation wall can cause cracks or result in a devastating collapse, especially if drainage is poor. Helix Micro Rebar reinforces concrete structures, enhancing their resistance to water-induced erosion and maintaining stability during and after flooding events.
Earthquakes
Helix Micro Rebar enhances concrete’s ductility and energy absorption, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. This multidirectional reinforcement can distribute seismic forces more evenly, improving overall structural resilience.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes exert extreme wind pressure on structures, whether they are built of wood, steel or concrete. Helix Micro Rebar enhances the tensile strength of concrete, allowing buildings to resist the incredible forces of tornadoes.
But How Can You Be Sure Helix Micro Rebar Works?
There are two distinct ways you can trust our micro reinforcement: validation and real-world success over 20+ years.
Validated Performance and Compliance
Helix Micro Rebar is backed by rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. It holds certifications from the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) under ESR-3949 and from IAPMO’s Uniform Evaluation Service (UES) under ER-279, confirming its ability to be used as an alternative to rebar in applications including slabs, walls, footings and foundations.
Real-World Applications of Helix Micro Rebar to Mitigate the Effects of Natural Disasters
The practical benefits of Helix Micro Rebar are evident in real-world projects:
Pier 57 Ferris Wheel, Seattle
In this infrastructure project, Helix Micro Rebar replaced traditional #6 rebar cages in 53 piles, showcasing its capability to handle significant structural loads. The concrete’s shear strength was increased by 111% and durability increased by 45%!
Indigo Green Residential Development, St. Maarten
When Hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean island of St. Maarten with sustained winds of 185 mph (298 kph) on September 6, 2017, the devastation was incredible. Most buildings, including concrete structures, suffered extensive damage. Except one which used Helix Micro Rebar: Indigo Green!
“Using Helix Micro Rebar led to more durable concrete and provided much-needed hurricane resistance,” noted Rene Lepine, Managing Director at Indigo Green. “Helix technology was a key factor in the way our buildings survived Hurricane Irma’s destructive winds so well. In addition, we were able to save considerable time during construction since much less steel work was required.”
Learn more about hurricane-strength resistance by reading this article.
Don’t Wait Until After Disaster Strikes
Trust Helix Steel today to keep your investments safe with our superior alternative to traditional reinforcement methods.
Helix Micro Rebar’s proven performance in seismic, wind and fire conditions, coupled with code compliance and successful real-world applications, makes it the absolute best choice for developers, engineers and contractors.