Use of microgrid fibre as a new reinforcement additive to improve compressive and tensile strength values of cemented rock fill mixes

Abstract

In this study, use of microgrid fibre (MGF) was tested as a new polypropylene fibre additive for cemented rock fill (CRF) mixes and compared with the conventional polypropylene fibre type geosynthetics. Changes in the uniaxial compressive strength and indirect tensile (splitting) strength values of CRF specimens were investigated for the use of different fibre types. In this experimental study, cemented basalt aggregate type rock fill materials were tested in case of using different amounts of fibre additives and cement contents. According to the results obtained from this experimental study, it was determined that MGF type new fibre additives can supply better increases in strength values in comparison with the conventional polypropylene fibre products. It was assessed that MGF type novel additives can be used to make better adherence in the CRF mixes and reinforcement performances under both compression and tension cases than those of the conventional fibre additive products.