Title: Abrasion Resistance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete under Cold Temperatures

Author(s): Rowyda A. Zaki, Basem H. AbdelAleem, Assem A. A. Hassan, and Bruce Colbourne

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 117

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 221-232

Keywords: abrasion resistance; cold temperatures; compressive strength; fiber-reinforced concrete; steel fibers; tensile strength

DOI: 10.14359/51725784

Date: 9/1/2020

Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate the effect of cold temperatures on the abrasion resistance and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures with different saturation conditions. The studied variables included types of steel fibers (SFs) (needle fibers, single hooked ends, and double hooked ends), volumes of SFs (0, 0.35, and 1%), lengths of SFs, coarse-to-fine aggregate ratios (C/F) (0.7 and 2), coarse aggregate sizes (10 and 20 mm [0.39 and 0.79 in.]), and cement content (300 and 550 kg/m3 [18.73 and 34.34 lb/ft3]). The results indicated that decreasing the temperature below room temperature generally enhanced the abrasion resistance of concrete. On the other hand, all saturated samples showed a better enhancement in the abrasion resistance and mechanical properties under cold temperatures compared to unsaturated samples. The behavior of saturated samples compared to unsaturated samples under cold temperatures was obviously affected by C/F and cement content. Among all mixtures reinforced with different types, lengths, and volumes of SFs, using 1% 60 mm (2.36 in.) single hooked-end SFs showed the highest improvement in the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance under cold temperatures. Meanwhile, the lowest enhancement was recorded when 0.35% 35 mm (1.37 in.) SFs were used.