REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

Evening Star, Issue 23499, 13 February 1940, Page 3

REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

NEW SYSTEM OF FABRICATED UNITS MANY VALUABLE ADVANTAGES CLAIMED PRONOUNCED SUCCESSFUL BY ENGINEERS A new system of reinforced fibre construction which has been developed in America will, it is claimed, broaden the field of reinforced plastic construction by the combination of two prefabricated unite. Light steel trusses are bonded into joints of special interlocking fibre locks, and the assembly is pulled together with tie rods in tubular steel and sealed with concrete. The result is a cellular slab, with all major stresses taken by steel, suitable for wall and floor sections. Corn waste, formerly a useless byproduct of farming, after chemical treatment to protect it against fire and vermin, is being used for the construction of the fibre used in making the blocks. The material can be moulded, pressed, or rolled into any desired form and has great cohesive strength. Exposed surfaces are usually surfaced with cement, plaster or a similar substance for further protection. Heat and acoustic insulation, fire protection, flexibility in design, quick and cheap erection, and elimination of applied insulation are among the advantages claimed for the new structural medium. The units ape standardised, interchangeable, prefabricated, and easily assembled by unskilled labour. Floors and walls are light and strong, and may be combined with any' other type of supporting construction. The system has been checked hy engineers and pronounced excellent.