Title: Durability Evaluations and Performance Histories of Projects Using Polyolefin Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Author(s): V. Ramakrishnan and C. N. MacDonald

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 170

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 665-680

Keywords: V. Ramakrishnan and C. N. MacDonald

DOI: 10.14359/6848

Date: 7/1/1997

Abstract:
Durability issues about fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) have concerned users because of the material properties of the fiber and the subsequent performance of the composite concrete. Users’ concerns have also been addressed by defining durability issues in the specific FRC application. Recently developed, polyolefin FRC provides concerned users the benefits of combining the fiber material from synthetic fibers with the significantly improved concrete properties obtained with steel fibers. Polyolefin FRC was used for construction of a thin bridge deck overlay, a Jersey barrier, a full depth bridge deck slab, whitetopping (concrete on scarified asphalt pavement), and full depth pavement. Data documenting durability evaluations is presented in this paper. Extensive measurements of cracking in plain and FRC concrete Jersey barriers were made to predict the comparative durability. The calculated fatigue life had shown that bridge decks and pavement built with FRC would last longer than those built with plain concrete. Due to the 1993 development and introduction of polyolefin FRC, the long term durability by in-service case studies can only be predicted. These predictions are based on laboratory and field evaluations comparing FRC and plain concrete built in similar projects.