Durability of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete: Literatures review

Abstract

Use of polypropylene fibers to reinforce concrete has attracted widespread attention from both researchers and construction industry because of the numerous characteristics they have, compared to other types of fibers. This paper critically reviews the current state of knowledge of impacting the inclusion of polypropylene fibers on concrete durability. Detailed review on the different durability properties including: permeability, sorptivity, water absorption, chloride diffusion, carbonation, and frost resistance. Based on the literatures review, the incorporation of polypropylene fibers with various rates into the concrete can limit the development of cracks by forming a bond bridge and modifying the pore network, and thus enhancing the durability. However, some researchers reported that this enhancement can be fulfilled with a certain rate of added fibers which, if it is exceeded, will have opposite effects.