Title: Early-Age Properties of Polymer Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): Daniel Myers, Thomas H.-K. Kang, and Chris Ramseyer

Publication: IJCSM

Volume: 2

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 9-14

Keywords: polymer fibers; early-age shrinkage; long-term shrinkage; compressive strength; tensile strength; fiber-reinforced concrete; cracking

DOI:

Date: 6/30/2008

Abstract:
The cracking problem in concrete is widespread and complex. This paper reviews the problem and focuses on those parts of the problem that are more readily solved. Polymer fibers are shown to have promise in several important areas of the cracking problem. To investigate one of these areas of the cracking problem more completely, an experimental research program focusing on the early-age properties of fibers was carried out. This study researched the properties of four polymer fibers; two of the fibers were macrofibers, and two were microfibers. Each fiber was tested at several dosage rates to identify optimum dosage levels. Early-age shrinkage, long-term shrinkage, compressive strength, and tensile strength were investigated. Long-term shrinkage and strength impacts from the polymer fibers were minimal; however, the polymer fibers were shown to have a great impact on early-age shrinkage and a moderate impact on early-age strength.