Use of polypropylene microfibers to improve mass concrete by controlling the crack sealing mechanism

Abstract

Because cracks are the main problem of mass concrete, this paper investigates an experimental study on the effect of polypropylene microfiber (PPMFs) on self -repair behavior of mass concrete, through study the microstructure, workability, physical, and mechanical properties of mass concrete. PPMFs with a diameter of 18 μm add in different percentages (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5) % of cement weight. Where the prepared mixture ratio was (1:2:4.8) and the water-cement ratio (W/C) was 0.4. Also, 0.6% of Superplasticizer (SP) % of cement weight to all concrete mixtures was added. In this study, an SEM analysis used to observe the effect of PPMFs on microstructure of mass concrete, and compressive and flexural strength tests for study mechanical properties of this. And referring to the analysis and discussion of the results, PPMFs used have changed microstructure of mass concrete, and have an effective effect on improve compressive strength and flexural strength, and mechanism of sealing the cracks of concrete autogenously. Also, 1% PPMFs (% of cement weight) recorded as the highest addition, which has a positive effect on mass concrete properties to apply it in the construction field.