Title:
Properties, Durability, and Environmental Analysis of Fiber- Reinforced Concrete Mixtures
Author(s):
Ali Farhat, Adel Chahrour, Bilal Hamad, Joseph J. Assaad, and Alissar Yehya
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
25-36
Keywords:
durability; effect of heat; fibers; life-cycle assessment (LCA); mechanical properties
DOI:
10.14359/51746712
Date:
5/1/2025
Abstract:
This investigation attempted to analyze the environmental impact of
fibers, including their effect on the cost and durability of concrete
mixtures, especially given the variety of fibers that are available in
the market. Five types of fibers (polypropylene [PP], glass, basalt,
polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], and steel) possessing different aspect
ratios were considered in this study. The concrete mechanical
properties—including the resistance to sorptivity, heat, and freezing-
and-thawing cycles—were evaluated. Test results showed that
the best environmental/cost/durability indicator was achieved for
concrete prepared with 0.25% PVA or PP fibers by volume. This
indicator gradually degraded with the use of basalt, glass, and steel
fibers because of higher cost and greenhouse gas emissions generated during the fiber manufacturing. The use of PVA fibers significantly enhanced the resistance to heat and freezing-and-thawing cycles, while the least-performing concrete contained basalt fibers with relatively reduced flexural properties and increased sorptivity.