FORTA-FI’s robust fiber network significantly enhances pavement resilience against environmental and mechanical stresses. It extends pavement life by up to 50%, significantly outperforming traditional asphalt mixes.
The longevity and durability of asphalt pavements are critical concerns in construction. Contractors, owners, and engineers face constant challenges in extending pavement life while controlling costs.
We at FORTA® recognize these challenges and have developed FORTA-FI® as an innovative solution. This high tensile strength synthetic fiber blend enhances asphalt mixes, delivering superior performance and extended pavement life.
FORTA-FI is a cutting-edge blend of synthetic fibers engineered to significantly enhance the performance of asphalt mixes in new construction and rehabilitation projects.
Composed of aramid and polyolefin fibers, FORTA-FI is specifically designed to improve various asphalt properties, such as tensile strength, resilient modulus, flow, and Marshall stability. Aramid fibers are especially notable for their ability to withstand extreme temperatures without melting, providing unmatched strength and durability.
FORTA-FI fibers distribute uniformly and completely within the asphalt mix, making them suitable for all working temperatures and compatible with both batch and drum plants. FORTA-FI is also easy to feed and ensures that the asphalt mix maintains its enhanced properties throughout its application.
The primary objective of FORTA-FI is to provide three-dimensional reinforcement within asphalt pavements. By creating a robust internal fiber network, FORTA-FI effectively controls and reduces thermal, reflective, and fatigue cracking and mitigates rutting and traveling.
This reinforcement extends the pavement’s life, enhances its durability, and provides significant cost savings through reduced maintenance and longer intervals between repairs.
FORTA-FI is versatile and can be used in a variety of transportation applications, including:
This fiber blend also effectively stabilizes stone matrix asphalt (SMA) and open-graded friction course (OGFC) mixes.
These synthetic fibers mix well in batch and drum plants without compromising production efficiency. They are typically added during the asphalt production process, either manually using premeasured bags or through automated fiber delivery systems such as FORTA’s Voyager, Big Shot®, or Ranger. These systems can automatically track and record the amount of fiber fed into the batch for quality assurance.
FORTA recommends a dosage of 1 pound of FORTA-FI per ton of asphalt mix for optimal results, though this ratio may change depending on project requirements. We recommend contacting our engineering team for design assistance. To ensure proper fiber dispersion, maintain minimum mix production temperatures of 220 degrees Fahrenheit for bulk fiber and 275 degrees Fahrenheit for premeasured bags.
Reinforcing asphalt mixes with FORTA-FI offers numerous advantages, such as:
FORTA-FI’s robust fiber network significantly enhances pavement resilience against environmental and mechanical stresses. It extends pavement life by up to 50%, significantly outperforming traditional asphalt mixes.
By extending pavement life and reducing maintenance needs, FORTA-FI offers substantial long-term savings.
Rigorous testing and real-world applications have consistently demonstrated FORTA-FI’s effectiveness in improving asphalt performance.
By extending the lifecycle of roads, FORTA-FI contributes to lower carbon emissions.
Compatible with existing asphalt mixing equipment, FORTA-FI does not require significant procedural changes, facilitating a smooth integration into current construction processes.
To explore how FORTA-FI can enhance your asphalt projects, contact our team of experts. We will provide detailed information and technical support to help you make informed decisions. Experience the FORTA advantage — stronger, longer-lasting pavements that save you time and money.
