Mechanical Properties of Mortar Using Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

In the present paper the behavior of mortar reinforced with polypropylene fibers was studied. Different percentages of polypropylene fibers such as 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% as volumetric fractions were used. Different properties which are flowability, density, compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength were evaluated for all mix combinations. The experimental results indicated that a reduction in flowability was obtained with increased polypropylene fibers content. Besides, it can be concluded that the incorporation of polypropylene fiber may significantly reduce the density of mortar. The use of low volume fraction of polypropylene fiber improves the mechanical properties of HPM. Thus, the use of 0.2% of such fiber increases compressive strength by about (4-10%), at various ages.

Effects of Polymer Treatment on Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Mortar at the Fibre/Matrix Interfacial Transition Zone

“…However, the continuous drop in compressive strength after the optimum P.P. percentage is due to the discontinuous mortar structure where coherent matrixes fail to form (Dawood and Ghanim, 2020). The hydration process between water and cement will form calcium silicate hydrate (C-H-S) gel, the primary source of concrete strength.…”

“…This condition is particularly effective in the ITZ region, leading to a prolonged resistance to failure under bending conditions. The holding effect by a network of fibres within the mortar matrix will prevent the mortar from disintegrating or degrading over time (Dawood and Ghanim, 2020). The bridge effect will reduce crack formation by delaying the time for cracking initiation.…”