Post-irradiation effects on Nylon-fibers reinforced concretes

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced concretes (FRCs) have a wider application range than ordinary concretes. Properties of FRCs necessarily depend on the characteristics of the aggregates used. We have studied first effects of gamma radiation on mechanical properties of hydraulic concretes containing Portland cement, silica sand, marble, water and Nylon fibers. Compressive strength and dynamic elasticity modulus are of particular importance. In the second stage we have analyzed the changes in these mechanical properties after storage of our concretes for three years. The long storage results in a 97 % of increment in the compressive strength and simultaneous lowering by 35 % of the dynamic elastic modulus. We find a larger influence of the Nylon fibers than those of silica sand and marble on mechanical properties of the concretes.