Frequently Asked Questions About Helix

What properties of concrete does Helix improve?

Helix improves concrete ductility, bending strength, resistance to cracking and residual post cracking strength.

How much Helix should I use?

Please refer to the Helix dosage vs. rebar or mesh table or send us a Dosage Request Form (both are available from the Technical Information page).

How do I add Helix to concrete?

Just add Helix as the last ingredient to the mix and it will distribute itself within 5 minutes or less of mixing. Helix was specifically designed to mix easily into all types of concrete.

Will Helix work with all concrete mixes?

We recommend a concrete mix with at least 3,000 psi compressive strength. With very high dosages (>40 lbs/yd) some mix adjustments might be helpful.

Won't Helix stick up through the surface?

Not if the concrete is finished using any of the traditional methods (amateurs who fail to know how to finish concrete might leave an exposed Helix or two). Helix has been used in hospitals, grocery stores, airport terminals and plenty of other places where people walk in bare feet. Helix is also used in roads.

I've heard steel fibers will rust.

Helix is zinc galvanized to prevent rust.

I've looked at steel fiber in the past, but they are too expensive.

Since Helix is so much more effective than any steel fiber, the dosages are typically 1/3 or less and the cost is much lower. And Helix is always less expensive than rebar or wire mesh.

Are you telling me that Helix can replace rebar as primary reinforcement?

In most applications, absolutely! Helix was designed to make super concrete for earthquake and blast resistance. So it's all in the dosage. But sometimes we recommend a hybrid solution of rebar and Helix as levels of reinforcement may vary in certain places. Sometimes these hybrid solutions are the most economical and most practical.

But I have codes which I have to meet?

Helix is covered under the standard codes used worldwide and has already been used in virtually every application for concrete. The data sheet has a list of many of the applicable codes, but feel free to contact us if you have a specific question.

I'm just hearing about Helix for the first time, is Helix new?

Helix was invented in 1997 and has been subjected to over 10,000 tests in the laboratory and in the field. It has been used in virtually every application which uses concrete. It is now sold in 17 countries (and counting).

I've used plastic fibers in the past, can Helix replace these?

Because of the very high number of fibers per pound, plastic fibers are only useful for preventing cracks during the first 24 hours of curing. After that, they provide no real value or structural strength - contrary to popular belief. While Helix has a very high fiber count (about 500,000 per 45 pound box), that is not enough for severe shrinkage conditions.

I've been adding mesh for temperature control or to prevent cracks from getting too big.

Mesh won't prevent cracks from forming to begin with (mesh reinforced concrete cracks at the same load as plain concrete) and it's not very good at holding cracks together. Helix is designed to do both - and cost less.

But why should I change? I've been doing the same thing for years and everything is fine.

If you don't need to offer a better finished product, get jobs done more quickly and more efficiently or improve the margins on your projects, then there's no reason to change - and your competitors will love you for it. Otherwise, call us.