Suitability of Concrete Reinforced with Synthetic Fiber

Abstract

Addition of fiber reinforcement in discrete form improves many engineering properties of concrete. Currently Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is a new structural material which is gaining increasing importance. Very little research work is being conducted in India using this new material. This report describes the use of synthetic fibers and the comparison of PCC & FRC is made on the basis of different mechanical properties. Shrinkage cracking of concrete is a major problem in plain cement concrete especially in tropical regions. To overcome shrinkage cracking of plain concrete, the addition of synthetic fiber to the concrete mix is suggested. This report briefly discusses the effects of addition of polypropylene fibrillated fibre on the properties of concrete mix of 20 Mpa.. Concrete mixes with fiber dosage 0.10%, 0.2% and 0.3% by volume fraction besides the control concrete mix were manufactured. Fibrillated polypropylene fiber was used in this study. The properties such as workability, compressive strength & split tensile strength of the concrete were evaluated. The study suggested a significant reduction in settlement without significant change in compressive strength for the concrete mixes reinforced with fiber. Further, an improved spilt tensile strength for the concrete mixes reinforced with fiber was also observed.