Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Containing Nano Silica, Alccofine and Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the strength and durability behaviour of concrete specimens that have been reinforced with micro reinforcements made of polypropylene fibers and microfillers and nanofillers such as alccofine and nanosilica, respectively. Methods: The concrete samples were made to achieve a targeted strength of 33 MPa. In this experiment, polypropylene fibers were added to the concrete mix in volume fractions of 0%, 1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, with the optimum percentages of alccofine (15%) and nanosilica (1%). Concrete mixes with and without PP fibers were evaluated for their mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, elastic modulus, and flexural strength and also looked at several durability characteristics, including acid resistance, porosity, sorptivity, and water absorption. The proper instrumentation has been used to make the measurements related to the experimental parameters. Findings: After the introduction of Alccofine, Nanosilica, and Polypropylene fibers, the following properties have been improved: compressive strength, elasticity modulus, flexural strength, water absorption, porosity, sorptivity, and acid resistance. Adding polypropylene fibers increased the compressive strength of cubes and cylinders by up to 15.15 and 14.87 percent, respectively. It also increased flexural strength by up to 10.47% and elasticity modulus by up to 14.35%. Novelty: The novel material, comprising polypropylene fibers, significantly enhances the mechanical and durability characteristics of concrete, enabling the concrete to avoid brittle and rapid failure and instead experience a more ductile failure that enhances the durability and serviceability of the concrete.

Microstructural and Durability Properties of Concrete Containing Alccofine and Zeolite Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibres

“…This may probably be due to the balling of fibres. In Ref (16) , (Jamen Raja MCK et al, 2023), the weight loss in specimens made with fibre was less compared with specimens without fibre. This may be attributed to the inclusion of fibre in concrete.…”

“…et al ( 2022), An increase in porosity was observed with a 0.4% volume fraction of PP fibres owing to the collation of fibres. In Ref (16) , Jamen Raja MCK et al, 2023. The test results showed that as the fibre volume percentage increased, water absorption decreased.…”

“…An increase in porosity was observed with a 0.4% volume fraction of PP fibres owing to the bundling of fibres. In Ref (16) , Jamen Raja et al ( 2023) found that when compared to control concrete, fibre concrete has a lower sorptivity coefficient. The use of PP fibres resulted in a considerable decrease in capillary pores and internal pore connectivity.…”