Properties of foamed concrete reinforced with hybrid fibres

Abstract

The properties of foamed concrete reinforced with carbon fibres and hybrid fibres of carbon with polypropylene fibres has been studied. Various volumetric fractions of carbon fibres (0.5, 1 and 1.5%), hybrid fibres of carbon fibres (CF) with polypropylene fibres (PPF) as (1% CF + 0.5% PPF) & (0.5% CF + 1% PPF), also the mono polypropylene fibres as 1.5% PPF were used to reinforce foamed concrete mix. Fresh and hardened properties of all mixes included flowability, density, absorption, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strengths has been tested. Results showed that inclusion of carbon fibres up to 1% volumetric fraction may increase the compressive strength by about 36% higher than that of control mix. Whereas, the use of 1.5% carbon fibres exhibit significant increase in splitting and flexural tensile strengths by about 47 and 114%, respectively, compared to the reference mix. On the other hand, the hybridization of 1% CF + 0.5% PPF increased the splitting tensile strength and flexural strengths by 53% and 114%, respectively, compared with plain foamed concrete mix.