Title:
Performance Characteristics and Fatigue Strength of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Author(s):
V. Ramakrishnan, S. P. Gollapudi, and R. C. Zellers
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
105
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
159-178
Keywords:
compression tests; compressive strength; strength; cracking (fracturing); fatigue tests; fiber reinforced concretes; flexural strength; static tests; flexural tests; polypropylene fibers; workability; Materials Research
DOI:
10.14359/2091
Date:
12/1/1987
Abstract:
Paper presents the results of an experimental investigation to determine the flexural fatigue strength of concrete reinforced with collated fibrillated polypropylene fibers. The performance of fresh concrete and the elastic and mechanical properties of hardened concrete are compared for concretes with and without fibers. The test program included 1) flexural fatigue and endurance limit; 2) static flexural strength including load-deflection curve, determination of first-crack load, and toughness index; 3) compressive strength; 4) static modulus; 5) pulse velocity; 6) unit weight, workability, and finishability of fresh concrete. The complete series of tests was run for three concentrations of fibers. Special care was taken to insure consistency with cement, aggregates, admixtures, procedure, and mix temperatures. There was no "balling" or tangling of the fibers during mixing and placing. Fiber reinforced concretes had better finishability and were easy to work with even at higher fiber concentrations. Due to the addition of fibers, the ductility and the post-crack energy absorption capacity was increased. There was a slight increase in the static flexural strength and a moderate increase in the flexural fatigue strength. When compared to plain concrete, there was a positive improvement in the endurance limit (for 2 million cycles).