Title: Durability of Plastic Fiber-Reinforced Multilayer Shotcrete Panels

Author(s): R. Montagna, M. G. Pauri, and U. Scartozzi

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 192

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1001-1018

Keywords: accelerated tests; climate; concrete panels; cracking (fracturing); curing; physical properties; polypropylene fibers; shotcrete

Date: 4/1/2000

Abstract:
The research dealt with the durability of multilayer sandwich panels cast in situ with shotcrete technology. The research analysed the behaviour of different shotcrete mixtures towards actions caused by the climatic variations changes. A standard shotcrete mixture (traditional), normally used by panel producers, and three differently modified and optimized shotcretes (with silica fume, expansive agent, plastic fibres) were compared. Two accelerated tests were carried out: an accelerated cracking test for the short term degradation and an accelerated aging test for the long term degradation. The test procedures and the climatic chamber used in the aging test are illustrated. This report present the results of investigation on the superficial cracking density of panel specimens. The data obtained obtained at the end of the accelerated tests (total length of cracks per area unit-cm/m2) were compared. The results point out a cracking density of the optimized and modified shotcretes lower than that of the standard shotcrete. In particular the study proved the efficiency of plastic fibre-reinforced shotcrete towards the climatic variations changes both at short and long term.