Optimizing of the Cementitious Composite Matrix by Addition of Steel Wool Fibers (Chopped) Based on Physical and Mechanical Analysis

Abstract

The demand for durable, resistant, and high-strength structural material has led to the use of fibers as reinforcing elements. This paper presents an investigation into the inclusion of chopped steel wool fibers (CSWFs) in cement to form a high-flexural strength cementitious composite matrix (CCM). CSWFs were used as the primary reinforcement in CCM at increments of 0.5 wt%, from 0.5–6 wt%, with ratios of cement to sand of 1:1.5 and water to cement of 0.45. The inclusion of CSWFs resulted in an excellent optimization of the physicomechanical properties of the CCM, such as its density (2.302 g/cm3), compressive strength (61.452 MPa), and maximum flexural strength (10.64 MPa), all of which exceeded the performances of other reinforcement elements reported in the literature.

An Integrated Approach to Using Sheep Wool as a Fibrous Material for Enhancing Strength and Transport Properties of Concrete Composites

“…Lower water absorption in reinforced specimens indicates lower environmental harm, confirming the matrices’ lower permeability. With the addition of fibers beyond 2%, due to the uneven distribution of fibers in the concrete matrix, the volume of pores increased, consequently reducing the concrete density and providing more space in the matrix to absorb water and a higher water absorption rate [ 41 , 42 ]. The findings show that raising the fiber volume fraction changed the distribution and size of air voids in the matrices.…”

A New Approach to the Structure-Properties Relationships Determination for Porous Filled Reinforced Materials

“…The same can be said for reinforced composites. Combinations of these can also be found, for example, as reinforced concrete, which contains a cement matrix, sand as filler, and steel as reinforcement, as well as voids [ 3 ]. Each material has its own mechanical behavior depending on its composition and structure.…”