Evolution of Durable High-Strength Flowable Mortar Reinforced with Hybrid Fibers

Abstract

The production and use of durable materials in construction are considered as one of the most challenging things for the professional engineers. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties and the durability by using of different percentages of steel fiber with high-strength flowable mortar (HSFM) and also the use of the hybridization of steel fibers, palm fibers, and synthetic fiber (Barchip). Different experimental tests (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and static modulus of elasticity among others) were determined after 90 days of normal water curing and 180 days of seawater exposure. The results indicate that hybrid fibers of 1.5% steel fibers + 0.25% palm fibers + 0.25% Barchip fibers provide significant improvement in the different mechanical properties of HSFM. Besides, the hybridization of fibers was found to be effective in the terms of durability (exposure to seawater). Therefore, the minimum reduction in static modulus of elasticity, compressive, splitting and flexural strength was obtained for the HSFM mixes of hybrid fibers using steel fibers with palm fibers and also for the use of steel, palm, and Barchip fibers.