What is a cement blanket ( Concrete Canvas) ?
Cement blanket, also known as concrete canvas, is a new type of geosynthetic material in which dry-mixed concrete is prefabricated within a flexible fiber substrate.
Its appearance resembles a heavy fabric. After being laid, it only requires the addition of water to complete the hydration reaction and harden in a short time, forming a high-strength, durable concrete protective layer.
Structural Composition of Cement Blanket
Top layer: Fiber fabric; provides tensile strength and abrasion resistance
Intermediate dry-mix concrete layer; contains cement, aggregates, and additives
Bottom layer: Waterproof membrane (PVC/PE); prevents moisture loss and ensures complete hydration
Key Advantages of Cement Blanket / Concrete Canvas
Extremely fast construction speed, significantly shortening the construction period.
One of the biggest advantages of cement blankets is their speed.
No on-site concrete mixing required.
No formwork, reinforcement, or complex supports needed.
Simply add water after laying for curing.
Daily construction area can reach 500–1000㎡.
Construction time can be shortened by 50%–70%.
Simple construction, significantly reducing labor and equipment costs
The cement blanket construction process is simple and requires minimal technical skills from construction workers:
Only a small amount of manpower is needed
No large machinery or equipment is required
Suitable for areas with poor manual accessibility
Before curing, it exhibits high flexibility and excellent adaptability to complex terrain.
Before adding water, cement blankets are flexible materials:
They are bendable
They can be cut
They can be applied to irregular substrates.
High strength and excellent durability after curing
After curing with water, the cement blanket forms a continuous, integral concrete layer:
Compressive strength ≥ 40 MPa
Good flexural and impact resistance
Service life ≥ 50 years
Resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, UV radiation, chemical corrosion, wind erosion, and scour.
Main engineering applications of cement blankets:
River and drainage ditch protection; erosion control/seepage prevention/rapid repair of water-damaged projects
Slope protection and reinforcement; highway slopes/railway slopes/mine slopes
Water conservancy engineering seepage lining; irrigation canals/water conveyance canals/open channels seepage prevention
Selection & Purchasing Guide for Cement Blanket
Slope protection and slope protection engineering; Thickness: 8mm – 10mm, for use with anchoring systems
River channels, water conservancy projects, and high scour areas; Thickness: 10mm – 13mm, high-strength fiber reinforced type
Emergency and temporary works; Thickness: 5mm – 8mm, rapid curing type
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cement Blankets
Is cement blanket flexible or rigid?
A: Before adding water, cement blankets are flexible, bendable, cut, and can be fitted to complex terrains. After adding water and curing, they become a rigid, monolithic concrete structure with high strength and durability.
Does cement blanket need to be poured like traditional concrete?
A: No. Cement blankets are precast dry-mix concrete materials; construction only requires laying, fixing, and adding water. No mixing, formwork, or reinforcement is needed.
How long does it take for cement blankets to cure?
A: Initial setting time: approximately 2–4 hours / Final setting time: approximately 24–48 hours / Fully reaching design strength: approximately 7–28 days
Can cement blankets be applied in low or high temperature environments?
A: Application is possible at low temperatures (≥5℃), but the curing time will be longer.
In high temperature environments, care must be taken to prevent excessive moisture evaporation; secondary curing with water spraying may be necessary.
What is the service life of cement blankets?
A: Under normal design and construction conditions, the design service life of cement blankets is generally no less than 50 years, and in some projects it can reach more than 70 years.
