Flexural toughness characteristics of steel–polypropylene hybrid fibre-reinforced oil palm shell concrete

Hybridization of steel–polypropylene leads to improvements of both the mechanical and ductility characteristics of concrete. In this investigation, the effect of steel, polypropylene (PP) and steel-PP hybrid fibres on the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural toughness and ductility of oil palm shell fibre reinforced concrete (OPSFRC) was studied. The comparison on the above said properties between the specimens prepared with crushed and uncrushed oil palm shell (OPS) as lightweight coarse aggregate was also carried out. The experimental results showed that the highest compressive strength of about 50 MPa was produced by the mix with 0.9% steel and 0.1% PP hybrid fibres. The highest increments in the splitting tensile and the flexural strengths of the OPSFRC were found up to 83% and 34%, respectively. However, the mixes with 1% PP fibres produced negative effects on both the compressive and tensile strengths. The results on the toughness indices showed that the OPSC possess no post-cracking flexural toughness. Though, the flexural deflection and toughness of the OPSC was significantly enhanced by the addition of fibres; the dominance of the steel fibre on the first crack flexural deflection and toughness of OPSFRC was evident. The mixes with 0.9% steel and 0.1% PP hybrid fibres reported the highest improvement in toughness index and residual strength factor.     

Effects of Fibre Geometry and Volume Fraction on the Flexural Behaviour of Steel‐Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Abstract: This work aims in studying the mechanical behaviour of concrete, reinforced with steel fibres of different geometry and volume fraction. Experiments include compression tests and four‐point bending tests. Slump and air content tests were performed on fresh concrete. The flexural toughness, flexural strength and residual strength factors of the beam specimens were evaluated in accordance with ASTM C1609/C1609M‐05 standard. Improvement in the mechanical properties, in particular the toughness, was observed with the increase of the volume fraction of steel‐fibres in the concrete. The fibre geometry was found to be a key factor affecting the mechanical performance of the material.     

Extrusion and mechanical properties of highly filled cellulose fibre–polypropylene composites

This study focused on manufacturing of highly filled cellulose fibre–polypropylene composites and evaluation of the mechanical properties of the composites. Cellulose fibre reinforced polypropylene composites with up to 60 wt% of fibres with and without coupling agent were manufactured by extrusion. In order to achieve consistent feeding of the fibres into the extruder a pelletization technique was used where the fibres were pressed into pellets. Two commercial grades of cellulose fibres were used in the study, bleached sulfite and bleached kraft fibres. Fibre dimension measurements showed that the pelletization process and extrusion at high fibre loading caused the most severe fibre breakage. Flexural testing showed that increased fibre loading made the composites stiffer but reduced the toughness. Addition of maleic anhydride grafted coupling agent (MAPP) increased the stiffness and strength of the composites significantly. In general, there was no significant difference in the mechanical properties between the composites with kraft and sulfite fibres. An interesting finding was that the flexural modulus and strength of the MAPP modified cellulose fibre–polypropylene composites were not higher than what has previously been reported for wood flour–polyolefin composites. Scanning electron microscopy showed that addition of coupling agent improved the interfacial adhesion between the fibres and polypropylene matrix.     

Toughness testing of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete

In this paper an investigation is made of the applicability of the ASTM C 1609 procedure for testing toughness of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concretes containing a large amount of fibre (≥2% by volume) and exhibiting deflection hardening behaviour. All mixtures exhibited deflection hardening behaviour, and the parameters varied included (1) the amount of steel fibres, (2) the type of steel fibres, (3) the size of the longest fibre, (4) the addition of polypropylene fibres, and (5) the size of the maximum aggregate grain in the concrete matrix. Based on comparison of the curves obtained from flexural toughness tests with the evaluation of the test results obtained according to ASTM C 1609 and with the statistical analysis, the authors recommended additional toughness parameters (P_100,3.00, P_100,4.00, P_100,6.00, T_100,3.00, T_100,4.00, and T_100,6.00) for the evaluation of toughness results. Such additional toughness parameters are calculated using a similar procedure as that specified in ASTM C 1609.     

A quantitative study on the plastic shrinkage cracking in high strength hybrid fibre reinforced concrete

High strength concrete using silica fume is prone to plastic shrinkage cracking in dry and windy conditions. Addition of fibres is known to restrict the growth of shrinkage cracks. The present study was aimed at controlling plastic shrinkage cracks in high strength silica fume concrete by means of adding fibre reinforcement up to 0.5% by volume of concrete. Individual steel fibres as well as hybrid combinations of steel and non-metallic (polyester, polypropylene and glass) fibres were evaluated for their influence on plastic shrinkage cracking. Results showed that hybrid fibres were most effective in reducing shrinkage cracks. Among the hybrid fibre combinations, the steel and polyester combination was found to reduce plastic shrinkage cracks by more than 99% compared to the plain concrete. Increased fibre availability and low stress levels at early ages were the main factors contributing to the good performance of hybrid fibre mixtures.     

Fracture properties of concrete reinforced with steel–polypropylene hybrid fibres

This research discusses polypropylene fibres and three sizes of steel fibres reinforced concrete. The total fibre content ranges from 0% to 0.95% by volume of concrete. A four-point bending test is adopted on the notched prisms with the size of 100×100×500 mm³ to investigate the effect of hybrid fibres on crack arresting. The research results show that there is a positive synergy effect between large steel fibres and polypropylene fibres on the load-bearing capacity and fracture toughness in the small displacement range. But this synergy effect disappears in the large displacement range. The large and strong steel fibre is better than soft polypropylene fibre and small steel fibre in the aspect of energy absorption capacity in the large displacement range. The static service limitation for the hybrid fibres concrete, with “a wide peak” or “multi-peaks” load–CMOD patterns, should be carefully selected. The ultimate load bearing capacity and the crack width or CMOD at this load level should be jointly considered in this case. The K_IC and fracture toughness of proper hybrid fibre system can be higher than that of mono-fibre system.     

Characterisation of cotton fibre-reinforced geopolymer composites

This paper describes the physical, mechanical and fracture behaviour of fly-ash based geopolymer reinforced with cotton fibres (0.3–1.0 wt%). Results show that the appropriate addition of cotton fibres can improve the mechanical properties of geopolymer composites. In particular, the flexural strength and the fracture toughness increase at an optimum fibre content of 0.5 wt%. However, as the fibre content increases, the density of geopolymer composites decreases due to an increase in porosity and tendency of fibre agglomeration.     

The effect of organic and inorganic fibres on the mechanical and thermal properties of aluminate activated geopolymers

The addition of fibres to a brittle matrix is a well-known method to improve the flexural strength. However, the success of the reinforcements is dependent on the interaction between the fibre and the matrix. This paper presents the mechanical and microstructural properties of PVA and basalt fibre reinforced geopolymers. Moreover low density and thermal resistant materials used as insulating panels are known be susceptible to damage due to their poor flexural strength. As such the thermal and fire resistance properties of foamed geopolymers containing fibre reinforcement were also investigated.The results highlight that the presence of PVA fibres greatly increased the flexural strength and the toughness of the geopolymer composite, while the presence of basalt fibres improved the flexural behaviour of the composite after high temperature exposure.     

Properties of Wood Fibre-Polypropylene Composites: Effect of Wood Fibre Source

This study examined the effect of type of wood fibre source on the physical and mechanical properties of wood fibre-polypropylene composites. Wood flour, fibres of heat-treated wood and pellets were used as sources of wood fibres in the manufacturing process. All studied wood fibre-polypropylene composites were made from 75% wood, 22% recycled polypropylene (PP) and 3% maleated polypropylene (MAPP). Wood fibre-polypropylene composites were compounded in a conical twin-screw extruder. Water absorption and thickness swelling were studied. Mechanical properties of the composites were characterised by tensile, flexural, and impact testing. Micromechanical deformation processes were investigated using scanning electron microscopy done on the fractured surfaces of broken samples. The durability of composites exposed to three accelerated cycles of water immersion, freezing and thawing was examined. The results showed that the density of the composites was a key factor governing water absorption and thickness swelling. A significant improvement in tensile strength, flexural strength, and Charpy impact strength was observed for composites reinforced with heat-treated fibre compared to composites reinforced with pellets and especially to wood flour reinforced composites. The flexural strength and dimensional stability performance reduced after exposure to freeze-thaw cycling for all composites, but the degree of these changes was dependent on the wood fibre source.     

Influence of the Physical Structure of Flax Fibres on the Mechanical Properties of Flax Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

This study investigates the influence of the physical structure of flax fibres on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites. Due to their composite-like structure, flax fibres have relatively weak lateral bonds which are in particular present in flax fibres that are often used in natural fibre mat reinforced thermoplastics (NMT). These weak bonds can be partly removed by combing the fibres. In order to study the influence of the physical structure of flax fibres on NMT tensile and flexural properties, uncombed and combed flax fibre reinforced PP composites were manufactured via a wet laid process. The influence of improved fibre-matrix adhesion was studied using maleic-anhydride grafted PP. Results indicated that the flax physical structure has a significant effect on flax-PP composite properties and that the flax fibre reinforced PP properties are similar to values predicted with existing micromechanical models. The tensile modulus of flax-PP composites can fairly compete with commercial glass mat reinforced thermoplastic (GMT) modulus, the strength, however, both tensile and flexural, can not. In order to rise the strength of flax fibre reinforced PP composites to the level of GMT strength, the flax fibres have to be further isolated to elementary flax fibres.     

Long term properties under marine exposure of steel fibre reinforced concrete containing pfa

The paper presents results on the long-term mechanical properties and durability under marine exposure of a steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) mix containing pulverized fuel ash (PFA) which was developed for marine applications. The mix was of proportions by weight of PFA:OPC:fine aggregate:coarse aggregate of 0.26:0.74:1.51:0.84 with a water/(OPC+PFA) ratio of 0.4. The resulting cement content of the mix was 435 kg m⁻³. Theconcrete was reinforced with low-carbon steel, corrosion-resistant (galvanized) or melt-extract (stainless) steel fibres. Prism specimens were cured in the tidal zone at Aberdeen beach, under wet-dry cycles of sea-water spray in the laboratory, in a water-tank in the laboratory and in the laboratory air. The specimens were cured for up to 1200 marine cycles of exposure (640 days) and were tested at regular intervals of age. The paper presents results on long-term compressive strength, flexural strength and energy absorption capacity as measured from the load-deflection curves. The state of corrosion of fibres is also described. The results indicate that fibres embedded within concrete remain free from corrosion under marine exposure. In the case of fibres exposed at the concrete surface during casting, extensive corrosion occurs in low-carbon steel fibres, isolated rust spots appear in corrosion-resistant fibres and no corrosion is evident in melt-extract fibres. This corrosion, however, remains a surface phenomenon and does not penetrate the concrete. The long-term mechanical properties indicate no deterioration due to possible corrosion. In general the compressive strength of concrete increases significantly with fibre reinforcement.Increases in flexural strength and post-cracking ductility due to fibre reinforcement are of the order normally expected of SFRC.     

An experimental study of synthetic fibre reinforced cementitious composites

Fibre reinforcement is one of the effective ways of improving the properties of concrete. However, current studios on fibre -reinforced concrete (FRC) have focused mainly on reinforcements with steel and glass fibres. Thin paper reports on an experimental programme on the properties of various synthetic fibre reinforced cementitious composites and the properties of the reinforcing fibres. Acrylic, polyester, and aramid fibres were tested in uniaxial tension, both in their original state as we!! as after ageing in nerO*nL Samples of these fibres were found to lose varying amounts of strength with time, depending on the ageing temperature. Two different test methods were used to measure the fibre-cement interfacial bond strength. The tensile properties of concrete reinforced with acrylic, nylon, and aramid fibres, in the form of random distribution or unioxial alignment, were studied by means of three different tests: compact tension, flexural, and splitting tensile tests. The properties of concrete, particularly that of apparent ductility, were found to be greatly improved by the inclusion of such fibre reinforcement.     

Tailoring of dual-interface in high tenacity PP composites – Toughening with positive hybrid effect

The study proves the feasibility of manufacturing injection moulded polypropylene composites reinforced with short rayon cellulose fibres of two selectively tailored fibre–matrix interfaces. The originally developed method relies on selective chemical grafting of two different polymer waxes onto the surface of cellulose fibres in order to obtain two different strengths of fibre–matrix interfaces in one composite. This selective tailoring of a dual-interface is meant to improve the notched impact strength without deteriorating of its flexural strength. Compatibilised fibres have a strong interphase, which conditions the transfer of strain from the matrix to fibres during deformation. Fibres tailored for a weak interface more efficiently hinder the crack propagation at crash. A 32% improvement of composite notched impact strength was achieved with merely a 5% deterioration of its flexural strength. Its specific properties are on the level or better than those of polypropylene counterpart reinforced with the same content of glass fibres.     

Carbon fibre-cement adhesion in carbon fibre reinforced cement composites

The addition of small amounts of short carbon fibres to cement causes a great increase in the composite material toughness and tensile, flexural, and impact strength. In order to understand how cement properties are improved by carbon fibres and to understand the level of adhesion and interfacial failure mode which are necessary to obtain optimum carbon fibre reinforced cement (CFRC) properties, various admixtures were included in cement and CFRC. Their effects on the carbon fibre-cement adhesion and the composite material properties were determined using fibre pull-out and composite material flexural tests. The addition of latex to CFRC, and hot water curing of CFRC dramatically increase fibre-matrix adhesion. Both latex (with an anti-foam agent) and hot water curing increase flexural strength by 40% over adhesion changes the failure mode from fibre pull-out to fibre rupture. Optimum strength and toughness of CFRC result from an intermediate level of fibre-matrix adhesion.     

Effect of shrinkage reducing admixture on flexural behaviors of fiber reinforced cementitious composites

The use of shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) at various concentrations was investigated in fiber reinforced cementitious composites. Both mortar and high strength concrete (HSC) matrices were tested. Two types of fibers—steel and polypropylene—were assessed. The effect of SRA was measured on the fundamental properties such as surface tension of the bulk fluids and the contact angle developed between the fibers and the bulk fluids, on the fresh properties such as the air content and the density, and finally on the hardened mechanical properties, specially the flexural behaviors. It was noted that SRA enhances the wettability of fibers and reduces the air content of fiber reinforced cement mortars, while critical SRA concentrations are existing. SRA with critical concentration can significantly improve the flexural toughness and residual strength of steel fiber reinforced cement mortar. In the case of polypropylene fiber, SRA is not as effective in enhancing the flexural behaviors as it is in the case of steel fiber. SRA is generally ineffective in reducing the air content of HSC and the properties of steel fiber reinforced HSC with SRA are inferior to those without SRA.     

混杂纤维增强水泥基复合材料弯曲韧性与纤维增强指数的定量关系

基于掺加CaCO₃晶须的混杂纤维增强水泥基复合材料梁和板四点弯曲试验,提出了确定弯曲韧性指标与纤维增强指数（S）关系的数学公式。S考虑了纤维抗拉强度和机械锚固性能对混杂纤维/水泥复合材料弯拉性能的影响,物理意义明确。公式为二次函数形式,可以反映混杂纤维体系对混杂纤维/水泥复合材料增韧效果,而通过确定二次函数极值,能对纤维配比进行优化。该数学模型对钢-合成纤维和钢-植物纤维增强水泥复合材料均有良好的适用性,且无需考虑基体（水泥砂浆或混凝土）和试件形状（梁或板）。另外,该公式不仅适用于指定挠度处弯曲韧性和等效抗弯强度表征的韧性指标,对ASTM C1018规定的弯曲韧性指标,如I₅、I₁₀、I₃₀和I₅₀等也同样适用。     

Slipforming with fibre-reinforced concrete for efficient crack control

The paper presents the results of slipforming field trials carried out to investigate the potential of polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete in reducing the need for anti-cracking conventional reinforcement in slipform construction. Three trials are reported in which polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete of different strengths ranging between 43 and 54 N mm^?2 was used to replace conventional reinforcement in normal concretes. In addition steel fibre (melt-extract) reinforced concrete of strength 60 N mm^?2 was also used in one of the trials. In order to achieve optimum mix design, use was made of pulverized fuel ash, silica fume and admixtures such as superplasticizer, retarder and air entrainer as required. The results of the field trials confirm the promising potential of fibre-reinforced concrete in eliminating the need for conventional anti-cracking reinforcement in slipform construction.     

Crack growth resistance in fibre reinforced alkali-activated fly ash concrete exposed to extreme temperatures

This paper examines the crack growth resistance of alkali-activated fly ash concrete under extreme temperatures. Plain and hybrid fibre reinforced alkali activated concrete prepared with fly ash were subjected to a range of temperatures from ? 30 to 300 °C, sustained for 2 h. The alkali activation was effected with a blend of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. A fibre blend of steel to polypropylene in the volume ratio of 4:1 and a total as high as 1% by volume fraction reinforced the mixtures. The resulting systems were examined for residual strength under compression and splitting tension. Further, notched prisms were loaded under 4-point flexure to evaluate the residual fracture toughness. Based on the results, four different stages for fracture behaviour were identified with superior fibre efficiency seen at sub-zero temperatures. Across the breadth of temperatures examined, adding fibres led to higher residual fracture toughness for those systems that displayed a narrow range of thermal conductivity.     

Mechanical characterisation and impact behaviour of concrete reinforced with natural fibres

It is well known that high strength concrete displays a brittle behaviour and less tough characteristics than normal strength concrete. This type of behaviour can be enhanced by incorporating various types of fibres which lead to better mechanical properties and impact resistance. In this paper, an experimental study conducted on high strength concrete reinforced with glass fibres and natural fibres (palm tree leaves), both used at a relatively low volume fraction, is presented. Compressive, splitting, three-point bending and impact test methods have been used to characterise reinforced concrete materials, and the results are analysed statistically. It is observed that natural fibres enhanced the mechanical properties and impact resistance of concrete and exhibit comparable response to the glass fibres. A finite element model using ANSYS was employed to study the flexural behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete. It is concluded that both experimental and numerical results are in good agreement.     

Long-term properties of steel fibre reinforced marine concrete

The paper presents some results from a continuing research programme which aims to develop steel fibre reinforced concrete (sfrc) for marine applications and to investigate its durability. A mix of proportions by weight of 1:1.5:0.86 was adopted which was reinforced with three types of steel fibres, namely, low carbon steel, corrosion resistant and melt extract. Prism specimens were cured under marine exposure, both in the laboratory and at Aberdeen beach, for up to 2000 wet-dry cycles (1250 days) and were tested at regular intervals of age. The paper presents results on long-term compressive strength, flexural strength and ductility as measured from flexural load-deflection curves. The state of fibres, with respect to corrosion, is also discussed. The results indicate that melt extract fibres, although least effective from the mechanical strength point of view, are the most suitable for marine applications.