Mechanical and Durability Performance of Macro Polypropylene Fibrous Concrete

Abstract

Using fibers in concrete is an effective method to enhance the tensile behavior and energy absorption capacity of concrete structures. Synthetic fibers derived from petroleum products, such as polypropylene fibers, are preferred in concrete due to their low cost, easy workability, high strength, low density, and immense chemical resistance. Depending on their length and performance in concrete, polypropylene fibers can be classified into microfibers and macrofibers. This study investigates the change in fresh and hardened properties of concrete mixtures containing macro synthetic polypropylene fibers (PPF). The study presents a comparative examination of the slump values of concrete mixtures by using five different ratios in a range of 0.1–0.5% of the total volume in the mixtures. Furthermore, it specifies the mechanical, dimensional stability, and durability properties of the mixtures. The present study reveals three key findings: first, the addition of PPF to the mixtures that leads to a minor change in the compressive strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity while significantly increases the splitting tensile strength and ductility. Second, the findings suggest that the increase in fiber ratio of the concrete mixtures reduces both the weight-loss values caused by abrasion and the length-change values caused by drying shrinkage, thus improving the durability performance. Finally, the current study found a positive effect on the dimensional stability of the mixtures. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].