Experimental Study on Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

This paper reports of a comprehensive study on the durability properties of concrete containing polypropylene fiber. Properties studied include unit weight and workability of fresh concrete. Compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength of hardened concrete. Fiber volume fraction was 0%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5% in volume basis. The addition of polypropylene increases with the decreases the workability of concrete. The positive interactions between polypropylene fibers lead to the lowest drying shrinkage of fibrous concrete. Polypropylene fiber with 12-mm length and four volume fractions of 0%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5% are used. The results show that incorporating polypropylene fibers improves mechanical properties. It is shown that using 0.5% polypropylene fiber increases split tensile, and flexural strength. Silica fume is used as cement replacement material at 8% weight of cement. The presence of polypropylene fibers had caused delay in starting the degradation process by reducing permeability, reducing the amount of shrinkage and expansion of concrete that can significantly affect the lifespan of the structure. By adding a polypropylene with higher and lower grade of concrete and analysis the results of compressive strength, spilt tensile strength and flexural strength studies. Finally compare the results with higher grade of concrete to lower grade of concrete.