Polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement

Project

269098

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Submitted

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NEW EUROPEAN BAUHAUS RISING STARS : concepts or ideas submitted by young talents (aged 30 or less)

Project title

Polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement

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Description

Using polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement instead of steel reinforcement in concrete structures, the CO2-emission is reduced with more than 60% on the reinforcement, while providing easier quality control, a safer work environment, and reduced working hours and cost. PPCD has developed online programs for calculating the required dosage of PP fiber reinforcement in various concrete structures. The programs are available for everyone, so we can start saving the planet together!

Where is your concept/idea being developed or intended to be implemented in the EU?

Please provide a summary of your concept/ idea

We are developing online programs that can be used to calculate, analyse, design, and document a variety of concrete structures using polypropylene fiber reinforcement instead of or in combination with conventational steel reinforcement. Polypropylene fiber reinforcement is a much more CO2-friendly reinforcement, compared to conventional steel reinforcement and steel fiber reinforcement. The programs consist of very user-friendly input pages, using questionnaires to reduce the amount of input fields to an absolute minimum, while still making it possible to compute all the calculations. A pull-out tab can be clicked showing live illustrations and diagrams of the input parameters that are being filled in. When all the required input fields have been filled in, another pull-out tab will show a verification of whether the bearing capacity is sufficient. Once a satisfactory design has been completed an extensive documentation necessary to get a building permit is auto-generated. The programs are designed to increase the effectiveness of these civil engineering calculations, and will make the work process more efficient and streamlined. Daniel Fester Henningsen gives a summary in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkqLM7pvXd4

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of sustainability and how these would be met

As mentioned above the polypropylene fibers, which can be documented as structural reinforcement in concrete using the calculation programs, are much more CO2-friendly than conventional steel rebar or steel fibers. This can be proved through the comparison of typical concrete structures using the relevant Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the fibers and the steel. The EPD of the default fiber type in the calculation programs, DURUS® EasyFinish polypropylene fibers, has been published by EPD Danmark and is accessible on EPD Danmark’s database and also linked on the PPCD webpage. The CO2 savings on the reinforcement in for example a ground supported slab is typically in the range 60-90%. The CO2 savings are further emphasized by the calculation programs in terms of pure concrete savings, as the quick and simple user interface implores the user to find the most optimal dimensions of the concrete element. The above mentioned CO2 savings can therefore easily be attained in almost any construction project by any civil engineer who chooses to use the developed calculation programs and design a fiber reinforced element when applicable.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience beyond functionality and how these would be met

PPCD has developed programs that examine and verify the bearing capacity of the types of constructions in question, for all loads, internal forces and scenarios, using a minimum of input fields for ease of use. Moreover, documentation is autogenerated that clearly illustrates the input parameters, prerequisites and calculations. The idea is to create a clear-cut and operational interface that makes it easier to make an optimized design where the use of conventional steel reinforcement can be avoided or reduced by the use of the more environmentally friendly polypropylene fiber reinforcement. The workflow, overview, and file management are enhanced by the programs all the way from input to output by the use of helpful figures, symbols, and databases.

Please give information about the key objectives of your concept/idea in terms of inclusion and how these would be been met

Not only are the DURUS® EasyFinish fibers produced and tested according to European Standards, but the online calculation programs also follow all parts of the European Standards and Model Code relevant to fiber reinforcement. The calculation programs can therefore be used all over Europe and also includes the option of specifying relevant national annex parameters through a drop down menu at the beginning of each calculation. The monthly subscription is cheap and flexible. The floating licenses for each program can be purchased separately and added and removed during the month for maximum flexibility. Pricing of the calculation programs are based on the amount of programs the user adds to their tool box and the amount of users per program. The more they buy, the bigger the discount.

Please explain the innovative character of your concept/ idea

Although the calculation technology and theory are recognized, they are not well established, and therefore not only has the development of the program been innovative, but especially the issue of implementing the technology in a more user-friendly interface. There is known scientific documentation surrounding the function and utilization of polypropylene fibers, but not from a single reference such as Eurocode. Therefore, the process has primarily consisted of collecting, coordinating and verifying these complex and technical theories to get an overview before turning the theory into programs with a useful, accessible and intuitive interface. The programs make the application of polypropylene fibers more accessible and thus more widespread, and the programs can both economically and environmentally contribute to Denmark’s position as a pioneer in environmentally correct design and support the Danish Concrete Society’s (Betonforeningens) goal of making concrete more environmentally correct. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no other software or engineering company provides programs for calculating with fiber reinforcement. Especially not with such variety of use, userfriendlyness and extensive design and documentation features. Lastly, the programs are online and easily accessible, making it possible for everyone to calculate with and advice the use of polypropylene fiber reinforcement, so that we can start saving the planet together.

Please detail the plans you have for the further development, promotion and/or implementation of your concept/idea, with a particular attention to the initiatives to be taken before May 2022

The theory needs to be completely implemented in the Eurocode, and the calculation programs and the general use of fiber reinforced concrete needs to be further spread in the world. Furthermore the website requires more SEO in order to spread the knowledge and benefits.

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that the proposed concept/idea has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Rising Stars Awards more than once in the same category.