FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

A Major Project Report

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of
Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering
Submitted to

RAJIV GANDHI PROUDYOGIKI VISHWAVIDYALAYA

BHOPAL (M.P.)

Submitted By
Mohd Ehteshamullah (0127CE141030)
Prince Kumar (0127CE141040)
Sagar Khambra (0127CE141048)

Under the supervision of

Prof. Raghvendra Bajpai
Project Guide

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

BANSAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, MANDIDEEP

SESSION 2018
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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the work embodied in this Major Project entitled “Fibre
Reinforced Concrete” has been satisfactorily completed by ( Mohd Ehteshamullah ,
Prince Kumar And Sagar Khambra ) students of final year. It is a bonafied piece of
work, carried out under my supervision and guidance in the Department of Civil
Engineering, Bansal College of Engineering, Mandideep in partial fulfilment of the
Bachelor of Engineering degree during the academic year 2018.

Under the Supervision of

_______________
Prof. Raghvendra Bajpai
Project Guide

Approved By
_____________________

Prof. Lokesh Malvi

Head of the Department

Forwarded by
______________________

Dr. V.K.Dwivedi
Director

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 DECLARATION

We (Mohd Ehteshamullah, Prince Kumar And Sagar Khambra) students of Bachelor of

Engineering, Civil Engineering Department ( Bansal College of Engineering, Mandideep) .
Hereby declare that the work presented in this Major Project is outcome of our own work and is
correct to the best of my knowledge. This work has been carried out taking care of engineering
ethics. The work presented does not infringe any patented work and has not been submitted to any
University for the award of any degree or any professional diploma.

Student Name: Mohd. Ehteshamullah

Enrollment No: 0127CE141030

Student Name : Prince Kumar

Enrollment No: 0127CE141040

Student Name: Sagar Khambra

Enrollment No: 0127CE141048

Date: _________

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At the outset, I wish to thank my parents for their abounding love, encouragement, and support
they have bestowed upon me. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my guide Prof. Raghvendra
Bajpai for his tremendous support, patience and guidance throughout my dissertation work. I am
sincerely thankful to Head of Department Prof. Lokesh Malvi and other committee members for
their support and spending their valuable time in evaluating my dissertation work. My special
thanks to Management of my college and Director Dr.V.K. Dwivedi for their support, and
valuable time. I also express deep sense of gratitude to the staff of Department of Civil
Engineering for their cooperation and support throughout the session.

I am thankful to my friends and other well-wishers whose names could not be mentioned but
without their direct or indirect contribution this thesis would never been a success. Last but not the
least my heartiest thanks to my Parents for their blessings, keen interest, active support and pains
taken by them during the entire duration of my studies. Finally, I would like to thank all those who
contributed remotely for my success.

Student Name: Mohd. Ehteshamullah

Enrollment No: 0127CE141030

Student Name : Prince Kumar

Enrollment No: 0127CE141040

Student Name: Sagar Khambra

Enrollment No: 0127CE141048

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 CONTENT

S.No. TOPIC NAME PAGE No.

1. Introduction
 Literature Review 7-8

2. Metrology
 Materials
 Cement
 Aggregates 9
 Sand
 fiber

3. Type of fibre
 Steel fibre.
 Glass fibre. 10-15
 Polypropylene fibre.

4. Fibre Reinforced Concrete

 Properties Of Fibre Reinforced Concrete 16-25
 Application Of Fibre Reinforced Concrete
5. Compression Test 26-30
6. Slump cone test 31-34
7. Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete
 Effect Of Polypropylene Fibre In Hardened
State Of Concrete 35-39
 Procedure
 Specimen Reading

8. To Find Optimum Polypropylene Fibre

Content 40-43
 Cube crushing strength results
9.
Effects of Curing 44-48

10. Experiment 49-50

11. Conclusions 51

12. References 52

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6
 ABSTRACT

Concrete is one of the world most widely used construction material. However, since the early
1800’s, it has been known that concrete is weak in tension. Weak tensile strength combined with
brittle behavior result in sudden tensile failure without warning. This is obviously not desirable for
any construction material. Thus, concrete requires some form of tensile reinforcement to
compensate its brittle behavior and improve its tensile strength and strain capacity to be used in
structural applications. Historically, steel has been used as the material of choice for tensile
reinforcement in concrete. Unlike conventional reinforcing bars, which are specifically designed
and placed in the tensile zone of the concrete member, fibers are thin, short and distributed
randomly throughout the concrete member. Fibers are commercially available and manufactured
from steel, plastic, glass and other natural materials. Steel fibers can be defined as discrete, short
length of steel having ratio of its length to diameter (i.e. aspect ratio) in the range of 20 to 100 with
any of the several cross-section, and that are sufficiently small to be easily and randomly dispersed
in fresh concrete mix using conventional mixing procedure. The random distribution results in a
loss of efficiency as compared to conventional rebars, but the closely spaced fibers improve
toughness and tensile properties of concrete and help to control cracking. In many situations it is
prudent to combine fiber reinforcement with conventional steel reinforcement to improve
performance. Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is defined as a composite material essentially
consisting of conventional concrete or mortar reinforced by the random dispersal of short,
discontinious, and discrete fine fibres of specific geometry. Since Biblical times, approximately
3500 years ago, brittle building materials, e.g. clay sun baked bricks, were reinforced with horse-
hair, straw and other vegetable fibres. Although reinforcing brittle materials with fibers is an old
concept, modern day use of fibers in concrete is only started in the early 1960s. Realizing the
improved properties of the fiber reinforced concrete products, further research and development
on fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been initiated since the last three decades. This paper
presents about the use of polypropylene fibre in concrete .

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 1.INTRODUCTION

Polypropylene fibers are hydrophobic, that is they do not absorb water. Therefore, when placed in
a concrete matrix they need only be mixed long enough to insure dispersion in the concrete
mixture The mixingtime of fibrillated or tape fibers should be kept to a minimum to avoid possible
shredding of the fibers .The typeof polypropylene fiber recommended by manufacturers for paving
applications is the collated fibrillated fiber.The length of fiber recommended is normally tied to
the nominal maximum size of aggregate in the mixture.Manufacturers recommend that the length
of the fiber be greater than twice the diameter of the aggregate. This would be consistent with past
experiences with steel fibers and also with current theories on fiber dispersion and bonding”. The
manufacturers of fibrillated fibers recommend their products for the following purposes in paving:
to reduce plastic shrinkage and permeability, to increase impact resistance, abrasion resistance,
fatigue,and cohesiveness (for use in slip forming and on steep inclines), and to provide a cost
effective replacement for welded wire fabric (WWF). However, they do not recommend
specifying fibers for the control of cracking from external stresses, increased structural strength,
slab thickness reduction, joint spacing reduction, or replacement of structural steel reinforcement.
Monofilament fibers, according to fiber manufacturers, only provide control of cracking caused by
shrinkage and thermal stresses occurring at early ages. These fibers provide no post-crack benefit
and are used only for shrinkage cracking and not to provide improvements to other engineering
properties.The amount of polypropylene fibers recommended by most manufacturers for use in
paving mixtures and most other mixtures is 0.1 percent by volume of concrete (0.889 to 0.949 kg
per cubic meter). Researchers have experimented with fiber volumes up to 7.0 percent. Fiber
volumes greater than 2.0 percent normally involve the use of continuous fibers, which are not
usually considered for paving applications due to constructability problems. Fiber volumes up to
0.5 percent can be used without major adjustments to the mixture proportions. As volume levels
approach 0.5 percent, air-entraining and water-reducing admixtures are required.

8
 Literature Review
Review of work done by various researchers discusses the mechanism of fibre-matrix interaction,
where various models are used to compute the bonding between the fibres and cement matrix. As
the bonding of fibre and the matrix plays a major role in the composite behavior. Furthermore, this
chapter also presents a review of literature relevant to the investigation and tests done for fibre
reinforced concrete in general with a prominence of civil engineering application. Fiber reinforced
concrete was successfully used in variety of engineering applications, because of its satisfactory
and outstanding performance in the industry and construction field. However, most of the
engineers and researchers have thought that how and why the fibers perform so successfully. So,
to recognize the usage of fibers in concrete, in these last four decades, most of the research was
done on mechanical behavior of fiber reinforced concrete and the fibers itself. According to
Balaguru (1988) the uniaxial compression test is normally used to evaluate the behavior of
concrete in compression. This produces a combination of shear failure near the ends of the
specimen with lateral swelling of the unconfined central section accompanied by cracking parallel
to the loading axis when the lateral strain exceeds the matrix cracking strain in tension. Fibers can
affect these facets of uniaxial compressive behavior that involve shear stress and tensile strain.
This can be seen from the increased strain capacity and also from the increased toughness (area
under the curve) in the post-crack portion of the stress-strain curve. Khajuria and Balaguru, (1989)
.in some instances, if more water is added to fiber concrete to improve its workability, a reduction
in compressive strength can occur. This reduction should be attributed to additional water or due
to an increase in entrapped air, not fiber addition. Johnston and Skarendahl, (1992). The addition
of fibers up to a volume fraction of 0.1% does not affect the compressive strength. When tested
under compression, failure occurs at or soon after the peak load providing very little toughness. It
is found that the fibers have very little effect on compressive strength calculated from the peak
load, and both slight increase and decrease in strength have been reported with increase in fiber
content. The decrease in strength is mostly reasoned due to incomplete consolidation. Alhozaimy,
A.M., et al (1995) carried out experimental investigations on the effects of adding low volume
fractions (<0.3%) of calculated fibrillated polypropylene fibres in concrete on compressive
flexural and impact strength with different binder compositions. They observed that polypropylene
fibres have no significant effect on compressive (or) flexural strength, while flexural toughness
and impact resistance showed increased values. They also observed that positive interactions were
also detected between fibres and pozzolans. Bentur, (2007). (Hasan Et Al., 2011 Roesler Et Al.
(2006), the addition of polypropylene fibres does not have a significant effect on the direct tensile
cracking strength (Bentur, 2007). However, in moderate volume replacements (0.33-0.5%) the
addition of macro-synthetic polypropylene fibres showed a 10 to 15% increase in splitting tensile
strength.

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 2. Methodology
As in the literature review I have chosen the polypropylene fibre for making the concrete mix and
I have select the different proportions of polypropylene fibre for obtaining the strength variation at
0.5%,1%,1.5%,2% and for making the PPFRC we required different materials which are described
below.

 Materials

Cement
The cement used was Pozzolana Portland cement (PPC) with a specific gravity of 3.11. Initial and
final setting times of the cement were 69 min and 195 min, respectively.

Aggregates
Good quality river sand was used as a fine aggregate of WARDHA SAND. The material whose
particles are of size as are retained on I.S Sieve No.480 (4.75mm) is termed as coarse aggregate.
The size of coarse aggregate depends upon the nature of work. The coarse aggregate used in this
experimental investigation are of 20mm size crushed angular in shape. The aggregates are free
from dust before used in the concrete.

Fibres
Fibres vary in types, geometry, properties and availability in construction industry. Most common
types of fibres are steel fibres, glass fibres, and polypropylene fibres. These usages may alter in
concrete for different applications. The fibres are selected from their properties like, effectiveness,
cost and availability. Special types of fibres such as carbon, and Kevlar, natural fibres, mineral
fibres, and asbestos fibres may use in harsh environment. These differences and usage of fibres
depends on the requirement of behavior and properties for a concrete, allowing the increase the
explicit effects and mechanical properties. Fibre geometry varies from hooked end fibres,
deformed fibres, deformed wires, fibre mesh, wave-cut fibres, large end fibres till different types
and geometries.

Sand
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely than silt. Sand can also refer to
a textural class of soil or soil type; i.e., a soil containing more than 85 percent sand-sized particles
by mass.
The composition of sand varies, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most
common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal settings
is silica (silicon dioxide, or SiO2), usually in the form of quartz. The second most common type of
sand is calcium carbonate, for example, aragonite, which has mostly been created, over the past
half billion years, by various forms of life, like coral and shellfish. For example, it is the primary
form of sand apparent in areas where reefs have dominated the ecosystem for millions of years
like the Caribbean.
Sand is a non-renewable resource over human timescales, and sand suitable for making concrete is
in high demand

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3.Types of fibres used in the construction of different structures are:

 Steel fibre.
 Glass fibre.
 Polypropylene fibre.

Steel fibres
Steel fibres mixed into the concrete can provide an alternative to the provision of conventional
steel bars or welded fabric in some applications. The concept has been in existence for many years
(the first patent was applied for in 1874) and it has been used in a limited range of applications:
among the first major uses was the patching of bomb craters in runways during World War II.
However, it was during the 1970s that commercial use of this material began to gather momentum,
particularly in Europe, Japan and the USA.
Today, industrial floors and pavements are major applications for steel-fibre-reinforced concrete.
In the United Kingdom, several million m 2 of steel-fibre-reinforced slabs have been installed over
the past ten years, both for ground-supported and pile-supported floors. Other major applications
for fibre-reinforced concrete include external paved areas, sprayed concrete, composite slabs on
steel decking and precast elements.
Fibres are often used to replace the nominal conventional steel fabric in ground bearing slabs.
Steel fibres are increasingly being used in suspended ground floor slabs on piles to replace much,
and in many cases all, of the reinforcement. Savings in the cost of supplying and fixing the
conventional welded fabric reinforcement that is replaced can offset the extra cost of adding fibres
to the concrete. There may also be health and safety benefits resulting from the reduced handling
of reinforcement. In addition, problems caused by misplacement of conventional steel in the depth
of the slab are avoided.

Fig1: steel fibre

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Glass fiber
Glass fiber also called fiberglass. It is material made from extremely fine fibers of glass Fiberglass
is a lightweight, extremely strong, and robust material. Although strength properties are somewhat
lower than carbon fiber and it is less stiff, the material is typically far less brittle, and the raw
materials are much less expensive. Its bulk strength and weight properties are also very favorable
when compared to metals, and it can be easily formed using molding processes. Glass is the
oldest, and most familiar, performance fiber. Fibers have been manufactured from glass since the
1930s.

Types of Glass Fiber

As to the raw material glass used to make glass fibres or nonwovens of glass fibres, the following
classification is known:

1. A-glass: With regard to its composition, it is close to window glass. In the Federal Republic of
Germany it is mainly used in the manufacture of process equipment.

2. C-glass: This kind of glass shows better resistance to chemical impact.

3. E-glass: This kind of glass combines the characteristics of C-glass with very good insulation to
electricity.

4. AE-glass: Alkali resistant glass.

Generally, glass consists of quartz sand, soda, sodium sulphate, potash, feldspar and a number of
refining and dying additives. The characteristics, with them the classification of the glass fibres to
be made, are defined by the combination of raw materials and their proportions. Textile glass
fibres mostly show a circular.

Fig2: Glass Fiber

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Polypropylene Fibres
Polypropylene is available in two forms, monofilament fibers and film fibers. Monofilament fibers
are produced by an extrusion process through the orifices in a spinneret and then cut to the desired
length. The newer film process is similar except that the polypropylene is extruded through a die-
that produces a tubular or flat film. This film is then slit into tapes and uniaxially stretched. These
tapes are then stretched over carefully designed roller pin systems which generate longitudinal
splits and these can be cut or twisted to form various types of fibrillated fibers. The fibrillated
fibers have a net-like physical structure. The tensile strength of the fibers is developed by the
molecular orientation obtained during the extrusion process. The draw ratio (final length/initial
length), a measure of the extension applied to the fiber during fabrication, of polypropylene fibers
is generally about eight. Polypropylene has a melting point of 165 degrees C and can withstand
temperatures of over 100 degrees C for short periods of time before softening'. It is chemically
inert and any chemical that can harm these fibers will probably be much more detrimental to the
concrete matrix'. The fiber is susceptible to degradation by UV radiation (sunlight) and oxygen;
however, in the concrete matrix this problem is eliminated'. Monofilament fibers were the first
type of polypropylene fiber introduced as an additive in PFRC. Monofilament fibers are available
in lengths of 1/2, 3/4, and 1-1/2 inches .The monofilament fibers have also been produced with
end buttons or in twisted form to provide for greater mechanical anchorage and better
performance. The majority of fiber manufacturers recommend the fibrillated type of fiber for use
in paving applications. The exact chemical composition and method of manufacture may vary
slightly among producers. The main types or geometry of fibers currently available from most
producers are monofilament and fibrillated. The fibrillated fibers are usually manufactured in
bundles or collated together and come in lengths of 1/2, 3/4, 1-1/2, or 2 inches. One manufacturer
is producing a twisted collated fibrillated fiber and another is producing a blended collated
fibrillated fiber consisting of fibrillated fibers blended together in various lengths from 3/4 to 2
inches. The monofilament fibers are described by length in inches and also either by miles(1/1000
inch) or by denier's (unit of fineness equal to the fineness of a 9,000-meter fiber that weighs one
gram) in diameter'. The term denier comes from the textile industry. The term fibrillated (screen)
fiber derives from the manufacturing method used. The term collated means that the fibrillated
fibers are bundled together, usually with some type of water soluble glue which will break up or
dissolve in the fluid concrete mixture. Another method of packaging the fibers used by one
manufacturer was in twisted collated fibrillated fibers, for a claimed better 3-dimensional
distribution throughout

13
 Fig3:(a) Polypropylene Fibres

Fig3(b) Polypropylene Fibres

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Fig3(c) Polypropylene Fibres

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Mix Design
The process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their relative amounts
with the objective of producing a concrete of the required, strength, durability, and workability as
economically as possible, is termed the concrete mix design. The proportioning of ingredient of
concrete is governed by the required performance of concrete in 2 states, namely the plastic and
the hardened states. If the plastic concrete is not workable, it cannot be properly placed and
compacted. The property of workability, therefore, becomes of vital importance. The compressive
strength of hardened concrete which is generally considered to be an index of its other properties,
depends upon many factors, e.g. quality and quantity of cement, water and aggregates; batching
and mixing; placing, compaction and curing. The cost of concrete is made up of the cost of
materials, plant and
labour. The variations in the cost of materials arise from the fact that the cement is several times
costly than the aggregate, thus the aim is to produce as lean a mix as possible. From technical
point of view the rich mixes may lead to high shrinkage and cracking in the structural concrete,
and to evolution of high heat of hydration in mass concrete which may cause cracking.
The actual cost of concrete is related to the cost of materials required
for producing a minimum mean strength called characteristic strength that is specified by the
designer of the structure. This depends on the quality control measures, but there is no doubt that
the quality control adds to the cost of concrete. The extent of quality control is often an economic
compromise, and depends on the size and type of job. The cost of labour depends on the
workability of mix, e.g., a concrete mix of inadequate workability may result in a high cost of
labour to obtain a degree of compaction with available equipment.

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 4. Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Fiber Reinforced Concrete can be defined as a composite material consisting of mixtures of
cement, mortar or concrete and discontinuous, discrete, uniformly dispersed suitable fibers. Fiber
reinforced concrete are of different types and properties with many advantages. Continuous
meshes, woven fabrics and long wires or rods are not considered to be discrete fibers

Fiber is a small piece of reinforcing material possessing certain characteristics properties. They
can be circular or flat. The fiber is often described by a convenient parameter called “aspect ratio”.
The aspect ratio of the fiber is the ratio of its length to its diameter. Typical aspect ratio ranges
from 30 to 150.

Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is concrete containing fibrous material which increases its
structural integrity. It contains short discrete fibers that are uniformly distributed and randomly
oriented. Fibers include steel fibers, glass fibers, synthetic fibers and natural fibers. Within these
different fibers that character of fiber reinforced concrete changes with varying concretes, fiber
materials, geometries, distribution, orientation and densities.

Fibre-reinforcement is mainly used in shotcrete, but can also be used in normal concrete. Fibre-
reinforced normal concrete are mostly used for on-ground floors and pavements, but can be
considered for a wide range of construction parts (beams, pliers, foundations etc) either alone or
with hand-tied rebars

Concrete reinforced with fibres (which are usually steel, glass or “plastic” fibres) is less expensive
than hand-tied rebar, while still increasing the tensile strength many times. Shape, dimension and
length of fibre is important. A thin and short fibre, for example short hair-shaped glass fibre, will
only be effective the first hours after pouring the concrete (reduces cracking while the concrete is
stiffening)

Fibre-reinforcement is mainly used in shotcrete, but can also be used in normal concrete. Fibre-
reinforced normal concrete are mostly used for on-ground floors and pavements, but can be
considered for a wide range of construction parts (beams, pliers, foundations etc) either alone or
with hand-tied rebars

Concrete reinforced with fibres (which are usually steel, glass or “plastic” fibres) is less expensive
than hand-tied rebar, while still increasing the tensile strength many times. Shape, dimension and
length of fibre is important. A thin and short fibre, for example short hair-shaped glass fibre, will
only be effective the first hours after pouring the concrete (reduces cracking while the concrete is
stiffening) but will not increase the concrete tensile strength.Fibre-reinforcement is mainly used in
shotcrete, but can also be used in normal concrete. Fibre-reinforced normal concrete are mostly
used for on-ground floors and pavements, but can be considered for a wide range of construction
parts (beams, pliers, foundations etc) either alone or with hand-tied rebars

Concrete reinforced with fibres (which are usually steel, glass or “plastic” fibres) is less expensive
than hand-tied rebar, while still increasing the tensile strength many times. Shape, dimension and
length of fibre is important. A thin and short fibre, for example short hair-shaped glass fibre, will

17
only be effective the first hours after pouring the concrete (reduces cracking while the concrete is
stiffening) but will not increase the concrete tensile strength

Fig: 4 fibre reinforced concrete

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Effect of Fibers in Concrete

Fibres are usually used in concrete to control plastic shrinkage cracking and drying shrinkage
cracking. They also lower the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water. Some
types of fibres produce greater impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete. Generally fibres
do not increase the flexural strength of concrete, so it can not replace moment resisting or
structural steel reinforcement. Some fibres reduce the strength of concrete.

The amount of fibres added to a concrete mix is measured as a percentage of the total volume of
the composite (concrete and fibres) termed volume fraction (V f). Vf typically ranges from 0.1 to
3%. Aspect ratio (l/d) is calculated by dividing fibre length (l) by its diameter (d). Fibres with a
non-circular cross section use an equivalent diameter for the calculation of aspect ratio.
If the modulus of elasticity of the fibre is higher than the matrix (concrete or mortar binder), they
help to carry the load by increasing the tensile strength of the material. Increase in the aspect ratio
of the fibre usually segments the flexural strength and toughness of the matrix. However, fibres
which are too long tend to “ball” in the mix and create workability problems.

Some recent research indicated that using fibres in concrete has limited effect on the impact
resistance of concrete materials.This finding is very important since traditionally people think the
ductility increases when concrete reinforced with fibres. The results also pointed out that the micro
fibres is better in impact resistance compared with the longer fibres.

Factors Affecting Properties of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber reinforced concrete is the composite material containing fibers in the cement matrix in an
orderly manner or randomly distributed manner. Its properties would obviously, depends upon the
efficient transfer of stress between matrix and the fibers. The factors are briefly discussed below:

1. Relative Fiber Matrix Stiffness

The modulus of elasticity of matrix must be much lower than that of fiber for efficient stress
transfer. Low modulus of fiber such as nylons and polypropylene are, therefore, unlikely to give
strength improvement, but the help in the absorption of large energy and therefore, impart greater
degree of toughness and resistance to impart. High modulus fibers such as steel, glass and carbon
impart strength and stiffness to the composite.

19
Interfacial bond between the matrix and the fiber also determine the effectiveness of stress
transfer, from the matrix to the fiber. A good bond is essential for improving tensile strength of the
composite.

2. Volume of Fibers
The strength of the composite largely depends on the quantity of fibers used in it. Fig 1 and 2
show the effect of volume on the toughness and strength. It can see from Fig 1 that the increase in
the volume of fibers, increase approximately linearly, the tensile strength and toughness of the
composite. Use of higher percentage of fiber is likely to cause segregation and harshness of
concrete and mortar.

Fig.5: Effect of volume of fibers in flexure

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 Fig.6: Effect of volume of fibers in tension

3. Aspect Ratio of the Fiber

Another important factor which influences the properties and behavior of the composite is the
aspect ratio of the fiber. It has been reported that up to aspect ratio of 75, increase on the aspect
ratio increases the ultimate concrete linearly. Beyond 75, relative strength and toughness is
reduced. Table-1 shows the effect of aspect ratio on strength and toughness.

Table-1: Aspect ratio of the fiber

Type of concrete Aspect ratio Relative strength Relative toughness

Plain concrete 0 1 1
With 25 1.5 2.0
Randomly 50 1.6 8.0
Dispersed fibers 75 1.7 10.5

4. Orientation of Fibers
One of the differences between conventional reinforcement and fiber reinforcement is that in
conventional reinforcement, bars are oriented in the direction desired while fibers are randomly
oriented. To see the effect of randomness, mortar specimens reinforced with 0.5% volume of
fibers were tested. In one set specimens, fibers were aligned in the direction of the load, in another
in the direction perpendicular to that of the load, and in the third randomly distributed.

21
5. Workability and Compaction of Concrete
Incorporation of steel fiber decreases the workability considerably. This situation adversely affects
the consolidation of fresh mix. Even prolonged external vibration fails to compact the concrete.
The fiber volume at which this situation is reached depends on the length and diameter of the
fiber.Another consequence of poor workability is non-uniform distribution of the fibers.
Generally, the workability and compaction standard of the mix is improved through increased
water/ cement ratio or by the use of some kind of water reducing admixtures.

6. Size of Coarse Aggregate

Maximum size of the coarse aggregate should be restricted to 10mm, to avoid appreciable
reduction in strength of the composite. Fibers also in effect, act as aggregate. Although they have a
simple geometry, their influence on the properties of fresh concrete is complex. The inter-particle
friction between fibers and between fibers and aggregates controls the orientation and distribution
of the fibers and consequently the properties of the composite. Friction reducing admixtures and
admixtures that improve the cohesiveness of the mix can significantly improve the mix.

7. Mixing
Mixing of fiber reinforced concrete needs careful conditions to avoid balling of fibers, segregation
and in general the difficulty of mixing the materials uniformly. Increase in the aspect ratio, volume
percentage and size and quantity of coarse aggregate intensify the difficulties and balling
tendency. Steel fiber content in excess of 2% by volume and aspect ratio of more than 100 are
difficult to mix. It is important that the fibers are dispersed uniformly throughout the mix; this can
be done by the addition of the fibers before the water is added. When mixing in a laboratory
mixer, introducing the fibers through a wire mesh basket will help even distribution of fibers. For
field use, other suitable methods must be adopted.It is important that the fibers are dispersed
uniformly throughout the mix; this can be done by the addition of the fibers before the water is
added.

22
 Fig:7 Fibre mixed in concrete

Application Of Fibre Reinforced Concrete

 Steel fiber reinforced concrete provides superior resistance to cracking and crack
propagation due to increased tensile strength in concrete structures.
 It is known that plain cement concrete does not have good tensile properties to resist
flexure in structural members. In case of concrete reinforcement steel, cracks still appear
on the tension face due to bending.

So, to prevent cracking of concrete, especially in the case of water retaining

structures, or water transporting structures, it is advisable to design structural concrete as
uncracked section. This results in heavy structural design with resulting in high cost.

 Steel fibre reinforced concrete is a low cost solution for uncracked section design of
concrete members. Use of steel fiber reinforcement in concrete enhances the ability of
structural members to carry significant stresses. The use of fibers increases the toughness
of concrete under any type of loads. Fibers in concrete has the ability absorb more energy.

 As recommended by ACI Committee 544, steel fiber reinforced concrete is used as

supplimentary material to prevent cracking, to improve resistance to impact or dynamic
loading and to prevent material disintegration.
 As recommended by ACI Committee 544, steel fiber reinforced concrete is used as
supplimentary material to prevent cracking, to improve resistance to impact or dynamic
loading and to prevent material disintegration.

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 The applications of Steel Fiber reinforced concrete are for so varied and so widespread,
that it is difficult to categories them. Following are the common applications of steel fiber
reinforced concrete constructions:
 Tunnel linings
 Manholes,
 Risers,
 Burial Vaults,
 Septic Tanks,
 Curbs,
 Pipes,
 Covers,
 Sleepers & etc.

Fig:8 fibre reinforced tunnel

24
Application of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete in other Structures:

1.Highway And Airfield Pavements:

 Repair of existing pavement.

 Reduction in pavement thickness.
 Increase in resistance to impact.
 Increase in transverse and longitudinal joint spacing
 Smooth riding surface.

2. Hydraulic Structures:

 Resistance to cavitations or erosion damage.

 Repair of spilling basin.

3.Fiber Shotcrete (FRS):

The inclusion of steel fibers in shotcrete improves many of the mechanical properties of the basic
material viz the toughness, impact resistance, shear strength, flexural strength, and ductility
factor.FRS has been used for

 Rock stabilization, tunnels, dams, mines.

 Bridges arches, dome structures, power-house
 Stabilization of slopes to prevent landslides repair of deteriorated concrete surface, water
channel etc.

25
 5. Compression Test

A compression test is any test in which a material experiences opposing forces that push inward
upon the specimen from opposite sides or is otherwise compressed, “squashed”, crushed, or
flattened. The test sample is generally placed in between two plates that distribute the applied load
across the entire surface area of two opposite faces of the test sample and then the plates are
pushed together by a universal test machine causing the sample to flatten. A compressed sample is
usually shortened in the direction of the applied forces and expands in the direction perpendicular
to the force. A compression test is essentially the opposite of the more common tension test.

Fig:9 Compression testing machine

Fig:10 stress vs strain curve

26
Purpose of Compression Tests
The goal of a compression test is to determine the behavior or response of a material while it
experiences a compressive load by measuring fundamental variables, such as, strain, stress, and
deformation. By testing a material in compression the compressive strength, yield strength,
ultimate strength, elastic limit, and the elastic modulus among other parameters may all be
determined. With the understanding of these different parameters and the values associated with a
specific material it may be determined whether or not the material is suited for specific
applications or if it will fail under the specified stresses.

Types of Compression Tests

In general a compression test for a material involves at least two opposing forces directed towards
each other applied to opposite face of the test sample so that the sample is compressed. However,
there are many different variations to this basic test setup that involve any combination of different
variables. The more common compression tests involve forces applied to more than one axis of the
specimen as well as the testing of the sample at elevated and lowered temperatures. Uniaxial,
biaxial, triaxial, cold temperature, elevated temperature, fatigue and creep are all examples of
different compression tests that may be performed upon a material.

Procedure: Compressive Strength Test of Concrete Cubes

For cube test two types of specimens either cubes of 15cm X 15cm X 15cm or 10cm X 10cm x
10cm depending upon the size of aggregate are used. For most of the works cubical moulds of size
15cm x 15cm x 15cm are commonly used.

Fig:11 cubical mould

This concrete is poured in the mould and tempered properly so as not to have any voids. After 24
hours these moulds are removed and test specimens are put in water for curing. The top surface of
these specimen should be made even and smooth. This is done by putting cement paste and
spreading smoothly on whole area of specimen.

27
These specimens are tested by compression testing machine after 7 days curing or 28 days curing.
Load should be applied gradually at the rate of 140 kg/cm2 per minute till the Specimens fails.
Load at the failure divided by area of specimen gives the compressive strength of concrete.

Apparatus for Concrete Cube Test

Compression testing machine

Preparation of Concrete Cube Specimen

The proportion and material for making these test specimens are from the same concrete used in
the field.

Specimen

6 cubes of 15 cm size Mix. M15 or above

Mixing of Concrete for Cube Test

Mix the concrete either by hand or in a laboratory batch mixer

Hand Mixing

(i)Mix the cement and fine aggregate on a water tight none-absorbent platform until the mixture is
thoroughly blended and is of uniform color

(ii)Add the coarse aggregate and mix with cement and fine aggregate until the coarse aggregate is
uniformly distributed throughout the batch

(iii)Add water and mix it until the concrete appears to be homogeneous and of the desired
consistency

Sampling of Cubes for Test

(i) Clean the mounds and apply oil

(ii) Fill the concrete in the molds in layers approximately 5cm thick

(iii) Compact each layer with not less than 35strokes per layer using a tamping rod (steel bar
16mm diameter and 60cm long, bullet pointed at lower end)

(iv) Level the top surface and smoothen it with a trowel

Curing of Cubes
The test specimens are stored in moist air for 24 hours and after this period the specimens are
marked and removed from the molds and kept submerged in clear fresh water until taken out prior
to test.

28
Precautions for Tests
The water for curing should be tested every 7 days and the temperature of water must be at 27+-
2oC.

Procedure for Cube Test

(I) Remove the specimen from water after specified curing time and wipe out excess water from
the surface.

(II) Take the dimension of the specimen to the nearest 0.2m

(III) Clean the bearing surface of the testing machine

(IV) Place the specimen in the machine in such a manner that the load shall be applied to the
opposite sides of the cube cast.

(V) Align the specimen centrally on the base plate of the machine.

(VI) Rotate the movable portion gently by hand so that it touches the top surface of the specimen.

(VII) Apply the load gradually without shock and continuously at the rate of 140 kg/cm 2/minute
till the specimen fails
(VIII) Record the maximum load and note any unusual features in the type of failure.

Compressive Strength of Concrete at Various Ages

The strength of concrete increases with age. Table shows the strength of concrete at different ages
in comparison with the strength at 28 days after casting.

Age Strength per cent

1 day 16%

3 days 40%

7 days 65%

14 days 90%

28 days 99%

29
.

Compressive Strength of Different Grades of Concrete at 7 and 28 Days

Grade of Minimum compressive Specified characteristic compressive

2
Concrete strength N/mm at 7 days strength (N/mm2) at 28 days

M15 10 15

M20 13.5 20

M25 17 25

M30 20 30

M35 23.5 35

M40 27 40

M45 30 45

30
 6. Concrete slump test
The concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets. It is performed
to check the workability of freshly made concrete, and therefore the ease with which concrete
flows. It can also be used as an indicator of an improperly mixed batch. The test is popular due to
the simplicity of apparatus used and simple procedure. The slump test is used to ensure uniformity
for different loads of concrete under field conditions.
A separate test, known as the flow table, or slump-flow, test, is used for concrete that is too fluid
(workable) to be measured using the standard slump test, because the concrete will not retain its
shape when the cone is removed.Concrete slump test is to determine the workability or
consistency of concrete mix prepared at the laboratory or the construction site during the progress
of the work. Concrete slump test is carried out from batch to batch to check the uniform quality of
concrete during construction.The test is carried out using a metal mould in the shape of a conical
frustum known as a slump cone or abrams cone, that is open at both ends and has attached
handles. The tool typically has an internal diameter of 100 millimetres (3.9 in) at the top and of
200 millimetres (7.9 in) at the bottom with a height of 305 millimetres (12.0 in).The cone is placed
on a hard non-absorbent surface. This cone is filled with fresh concrete in three stages. Each time,
each layer is tamped 25 times with a 2 ft (600 mm)-long bullet-nosed metal rod measuring 5/8 in
(16 mm) in diameter. At the end of the third stage, the concrete is struck off flush with the top of
the mould. The mould is carefully lifted vertically upwards, so as not to disturb the concrete
cone.The concrete then slumps (subsides). The slump of the concrete is measured by measuring
the distance from the top of the slumped concrete to the level of the top of the slump cone .The
slumped concrete takes various shapes and according to the profile of slumped concrete, the slump
is termed as true slump, shear slump or collapse slump. If a shear or collapse slump is achieved, a
fresh sample should be taken and the test repeated. A collapse slump is an indication that the mix
is too wet. Only a true slump is of any use in the test. A collapse slump will generally mean that
the mix is too wet or that it is a high workability mix, for which the slump test is not appropriate.
[1][3] Very dry mixes having slump 0 – 25 mm are typically used in road making, low workability
mixes having slump 10 – 40 mm are typically used for foundations with light reinforcement,
medium workability mixes with slump 50 – 90 mm, are typically used for normal reinforced
concrete placed with vibration, high workability concrete with slump > 100 mm is typically used
where reinforcing has tight spacing, and/or the concrete has to flow a great distance.

Fig:12 stages of slump

31
 Collapse Shear True

In a collapse slump the In a shear slump the top In a true slump the concrete
concrete collapses portion of the concrete shears simply subsides, keeping
completely. off and slips sideways. more or less to shape.

Factors which influence the concrete slump test:

1. Material properties like chemistry, fineness, particle size distribution, moisture

content and temperature of cementitious materials. Size, texture, combined grading, cleanliness and
moisture content of the aggregates,
2. Chemical admixtures dosage, type, combination, interaction, sequence of addition and its
effectiveness,
3. Air content of concrete,
4. Concrete batching, mixing and transporting methods and equipment,
5. Temperature of the concrete,
6. Sampling of concrete, slump-testing technique and the condition of test equipment,
7. The amount of free water in the concrete, and
8. Time since mixing of concrete at the time of testing.

Equipments Required for Concrete Slump Test:

Mould for slump test, non porous base plate, measuring scale, temping rod. The mould for the test
is in the form of the frustum of a cone having height 30 cm, bottom diameter 20 cm and top
diameter 10 cm. The tamping rod is of steel 16 mm diameter and 60cm long and rounded at one
end.

Sampling of Materials for Slump Test:

A concrete mix (M15 or other) by weight with suitable water/ cement ratio is prepaid in the
laboratory similar to that explained in 5.9 and required for casting 6 cubes after conducting Slump
test.

32
 Fig:13 Measuring Slump of Concrete

Procedure for Concrete Slump Test:

1. Clean the internal surface of the mould and apply oil.
2. Place the mould on a smooth horizontal non- porous base plate.
3. Fill the mould with the prepared concrete mix in 4 approximately equal layers.
4. Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod in a uniform manner over
the cross section of the mould. For the subsequent layers, the tamping should penetrate into the
underlying layer.
5. Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
6. Clean away the mortar or water leaked out between the mould and the base plate.
7. Raise the mould from the concrete immediately and slowly in vertical direction.
8. Measure the slump as the difference between the height of the mould and that of height point of the
specimen being tested.

Fig 14 Concrete Slump Test Procedure

33
 When the slump test is carried out, following are the shape of the concrete slump that can be
observed

Fig 15. Types of Concrete Slump Test Results

o True Slump – True slump is the only slump that can be measured in the test. The measurement is
taken between the top of the cone and the top of the concrete after the cone has been removed as
shown in figure-1.
o Zero Slump – Zero slump is the indication of very low water-cement ratio, which results in dry
mixes. These type of concrete is generally used for road construction.
o Collapsed Slump – This is an indication that the water-cement ratio is too high, i.e. concrete mix is
too wet or it is a high workability mix, for which a slump test is not appropriate.
o Shear Slump – The shear slump indicates that the result is incomplete, and concrete to be retested.

34
 7. Polypropylene Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Polypropylene is one of the cheapest & abundantly available polymers polypropylene fibers are
resistant to most chemical & it would be cementitious matrix which would deteriorate first under
aggressive chemical attack. Its melting point is high (about 165 degrees centigrade). So that a
working temp. As (100 degree centigrade) may be sustained for short periods without detriment to
fiber properties.

Polypropylene fibers being hydrophobic can be easily mixed as they do not need lengthy contact
during mixing and only need to be evenly distressed in the mix.

Polypropylene short fibers in small volume fractions between 0.5 to 15 commercially used in
concrete.In recent years, many studies have been conducted in the mechanical characteristics of
reinforced fiber concrete. Such concrete is also used in retrofitting and repairing the covering of
concrete structure, tunnels, etc. Polypropylene fibers (at relatively low volume fractions <0.3%)
are used for: secondary temperature shrinkage reinforcement, overlays and pavements, slabs,
flooring systems, crash barriers, precast pile shells and shotcrete for tunnel linings, canals and
reservoirs [1].. According to the researches, the increase of formability and bending strength are
the extra advantages of adding the fibers to the concrete. Two kinds of fiber that very often used in
the concrete are: steel fiber and polypropylene fiber [2]. The evaporation of concrete surface water
is a factor in creating the contract paste fracture in concrete which leads to the formation of
tension stress since the concrete starts to strengthen [3]. Zeiml et al. [4] mentioned that using
polypropylene fibers can improve spalling behavior of concrete. The paste fractures are formed
when the acceleration of water evaporation is more than the movement of concrete emulsion to the
surface. Here, the negative pressure is generated in the capillaries through which the concrete
paste flows and proportionately the tension stress is formed. Such stress is developed during the
concrete strengthening and the concrete is cracked where the stress is more than the concrete
strength. The cracks caused by paste contracting in the concrete are formed in the first hours after
pouring the concrete in the frames and before the concrete reaches its initial strength. Such cracks
create critical points in the concrete sensitivity for attaching harmful materials to internal parts of
concrete that finally can lead to corrosion and damaging the material in the concrete.
Consequently, the performance, servicing or profiting capability, duration, aestheticism and
strength of the concrete structures are reduced. Controlling the paste contract tracks in the concrete
is of great importance in more duration and resistibility of concrete in the shortest time of
structural utilization [4–5]. In ordinary concrete, where vibration is necessary, the best and most
acceptable method for preventing cracks formations caused by paste contract is by using fibers,
particularly thin artificial ones with the volume of less than 0.5% [6,7].Polypropylene fibers have
hydrophobic levels, which protect them against wetting with cement paste. The hydrophobic
nature of polypropylene has no effect on the amount of water needed for concrete . The
characteristics of different fibers are listed in Table 1 [8] In this study the influence of different
amount of polypropylene fibers content on concrete properties were investigated by measuring
compressive strength and splitting Tensile strength

35
Effect of polypropylene fiber in hardened
The effect of polypropylene fiber reinforcement (0.2 % by volume of concrete) on the workability,
plastic shrinkage, drying shrinkage and strength of concrete has been studied in a detailed test
program. Concrete specimens of different mix designs with and without polypropylene fibers have
been prepared, cured in laboratory conditions and hot weather environment of the Arabian Gulf,
and then tested at different ages for the determination of various properties. The results indicate
that the inclusion of polypropylene fibers eliminates the plastic shrinkage cracking of concrete,
and reduces the drying shrinkage to some extent. It also slightly improves the tensile and flexural
strength of concrete.

FR-LLSC.Polypropylene fibers did not influence the compressive strength and elastic modulus of LLSCC,
however applying these fibers at their maximum percentage volume determined through this study,
increased the tensile strength by 14.4% in the splitting tensile strength test, and 10.7% in the flexural
strength.This paper evaluates the LECA Lightweight Self-Compacting Concrete (LLSCC)
manufactured by Nan-Su, of which the Packing Factor (PF) of its design mixing method has been
modified and improved.The study analyzes the impact of polypropylene fibers on LLSCC
performance at its fresh condition as well as its mechanical properties at the hardened
condition.The evaluation of Fiber Reinforced LLSCC (FR-LLSCC) fluidity has been conducted
per the standard of second class rating of JSCE, by three categories of flowability, segregation
resistance ability and filling ability of fresh concrete.For the mechanical properties of LLSCC, the
study has been conducted as follows: compressive strength with elapsed age, splitting tensile
strength, elastic modulus and flexural strength, all of which were measured after the sample being
cured for 28 days.When self-compacting concretes were lightened to 75% of their normal weight,
their fresh properties are affected immensely.

Applying 0.3% volume fractions of polypropylene fiber to the LLSCC resulted in 40% reduction
in the slump flow (from 720 mm to 430 mm). In general, the rate of slump flow over Super
Plasticizer (SP) volume percentage reduced with the use of polypropylene fibers in the flexural
strength.

36
Procedure
Materials and mix proportion. Cement: The cement used was locally available 53 Grade of Make
SUVARNA CEMENTS, Kodad, A.P . The cement has a specific gravity of 3.02 with initial and
final setting times 50 and 170 minutes respectively. The compressive strength measured in
standard mortar at 28 days was 54.0 MPa.The physical properties are confirming to IS: 12269-
1987. Aggregates: Coarse Aggregates are Crushed angular granite metal from a local source was
used . The Specific gravity was 2.70 , Bulk density of 1450 kg/m3 with void percentage 1.5 . The
River sand was used as fine Aggregate and conforming to Zone:III with specific gravity of 2.6,
Bulk density of 1680 kg/m3 . The physical properties are confirming to IS: 2368-1968. Water: To
mix the ingradients of concrete Tap water has been used. Polypropylene fibers (PP): The fibres
used were fine polypropylene monofilaments .The fibers were supplied by Reliance Industry by
name RECRON 3s .It is available in 3 different sizes i.e 6mm,12mm and 24 mm .In the present
investigation 12mm fiber length is used . Mix design:The Concrete mix design has been carried
out for various proportions as per and arrived at final mix proportion (cohesive ) and mentioned in
Table 2 was used for combining the initial materials., after mixing the initial materials in the
rotating mixer and adding the fibers. In this research the concrete samples were prepared with
fiber ratios of 0, 0.5 ,1.0, 1.5 and 2 % by volume. In order to have a proper mixture design as well
as the least penetration, the applied aggregates were graded according to the . The ratio of water
added to the cement was w/c = 0.50

The Raw materials used in the presented mixture design.

The cubes were cast in steel moulds of inner dimensions of 150x 150x 150mm and the cylinders
with 150x 300mm height. Compression test and split tensile tests were performed on cube and
cylinder respectively at uniform rate using the 2000 kN Compression Testing machine.

37
 Physical characteristics of. Polypropylene fibers

Specimen Reading
It is observed form the fig 1 that the cube compressive strength increased upto 1.5 % fiber content
there after strength is decreased at 2.0% of fiber content. The cube compressive strength observed
as 40.9 N/mm2 for 0.5% of fibers , 44.12 N/mm2 1% of fibers and 45.25 MPa for 1.5% fiber
content in the concrete at 28 days. The compressive strength was decreased to 40.50 N/mm2 for
2% fiber content . There is a reduction in slump with increase in fiber content, especially beyond
1.5% dosage. However, The compressive strength for controlled mix at 28 days was observed as
33.70 N/mm2. It is observed from fig.2 that the Split tensile strength was increased upto 1.5 %
fiber content there after strength is decreased at 2.0% of fiber content.The split tensile strength at
28 days observed as 3.22 N/mm2 for 0.5% of fibers , 3.4 N/mm2 1% of fibers and 3.52 N/mm2
for 1.5% fiber content in the concrete. However ,The split strength for controlled mix at 28 days
was observed as 2.52 N/mm2. From the Experimental investigation carried out, it was observed
that when fibers are used in concrete it enhances both the compressive and split tensile strength of
concrete. This trend is observed with all percentages of fiber content 0.5-1.5% at all ages. the
reduction of slump with increase in fiber observed and the mix becomes fibrous so a dosage rate
of 1.5% would yield economical result.

38
Fig 16.Variation of Compressive strength with Fiber content

39
40
 8. To Find Optimum Polypropylene Fibre Content
This section focuses on the experimental results obtained from each test and analysis of the test
results.The experimental tests were carried out to obtain the mechanical properties and behavior of
polymer fibre reinforced concrete. The comparisons of mechanical properties and behavior include
the workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength. Effect of increase in
polymer fibre percentage by volume of cement and at same time reducing the same quantity of
cement in the polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete (PFRC) was studied. Observation for 7, 14 &
28 days curing as well as exposure period were recorded and presented in the form of tables and
graph. While the flexural strength and tensile strength graph were measured and plotted only for 28
days in curing & exposure conditions. We have defined the specimens which were exposed to
surrounding environment as irregular curing.

3.1 Cube crushing strength results

1. For normal mix M30 and M40 subjected to control curing and Irregular curing conditions
(Exposed). From the above fig. 3.1 ,it can be seen the initial strength of mixes(M30 & M40) have
found to be satisfying the nominal criteria that 7 days strength shall be 1/3rd of the mix
proportion(65% of grade of concrete), which is been satisfying for both curing & exposed
conditions of concrete. As the days of curing advances a slight drop in strength is observed for both
the mixes (M30 & M40). But as the curing reaches to 28 days, the gain in strength is observed
which satisfied the target strength. Also it has been observed that M30 mix under regulated curing
conditions shows linear increased in strength as in comparison to other mixes.

Figure17 : For normal mix M15grade

41
 Fig.18.For 0.5 % fibre mix M15 grade

From the above graph , it can be seen that the compressive strength of mixes M15 are satisfying the
nominal criteria that 7 days strength shall be 1/3rd of the mix proportion (65% of concrete grade),
which is been satisfying for both curing & irregular curing conditions of concrete. As the days of
curing advances to 14 days a continuous increase in strength was observed for both the mixes
(M15). But as the curing reaches to 28 days, the gain in strength was observed to satisfy the target
strength. Also it has been observed that M15 mix under regulated curing conditions shows linear
increase in strength as in comparison to other mixes. From the above figure 3.3, it can be seen
clearly that linear variation in strength gain was observed in M15 mix for both curing and irregular
curing conditions. The strength built up walks hand in hand till the end of the curing period.
Whereas M15 complement each other in the pace of strength built up starting from 7, 14 and ends
at 28 days. The compressive strength of mixes (M15) was not found to be satisfying the nominal
criteria of 7 days strength for both curing & irregular curing of concrete. As the days of curing &
irregular curing conditions advances to 14 days a slight increase in strength was observed for M20
mix. But for M15 mix it nearly coincide with each other for curing conditions and irregular curing
condition. Also it was observed that M15 mix under curing conditions and irregular curing
condition shows simultaneous linear increase in strength as in comparison to other mixes. But as
the curing reaches to 28 days, the target mean strength was not achieved by the mixes. From the
figure 3.4, graph plotted for 1.5% mix proportion for both mixes it can be seen clearly that 7
days strength calculated has come out to be lesser as per the 1/3rd mix proportion criteria . A slight
increase in strength was observed after 14 days curing. But as the period of curing advances a
sudden drop in strength was observed throughout. The compressive strength of M30 mix for
irregular curing condition was notice to be satisfying the nominal criteria for 7 days strength which
is 1/3rd of the mix proportion (65% of concrete grade) but the curing condition of M30 mixes give
abnormal strength. For M40 mix, the 7days strength for curing condition is less than irregular
42
curing condition. As the days of curing & exposure conditions advances to 14 days a slight increase
in strength is observed for M40,but it is found to be little more than irregular curing condition for
M30 grade. But as the curing reaches to 28 days, the gain in strength is observed which satisfies
the target strength. Also it has been observed that M40 mix under regulated curing conditions
shows linear increased in strength as in comparison to other mixes.
From the above figure 3.5, graph plotted for 2% fibre content, it is observed
that the initial strength for 7 days was found to be unsatisfactory for some of the mixes (M30),
whereas in case of M40 initial strength has just fulfilled the criteria. For total period of curing the
strength gain does not shows a linear variation in both the mixes (M30 and M40). As the days of
curing & irregular curing condition advances to 14 days a slight increase in strength was observed
for irregular curing while curing conditions shows linear increase in strength. In M40, the curing
and irregular curing condition the compressive strength was near be 28 days.

Flexural strength for normal, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% fibre mix (M15) subjected to control
curing and irregular curing conditions for 28 days.

43
From above graph plotted for variation flexural strength of both mixed proportion (M15) with
respect to varying fibres content (0%, 0.5, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) shows continuous drop of strength after
0.5% fibre content. Flexural strength has come out to be more only for 0.5% fibre content in both
mixes and as the fibres content are increased the continuous drop was observed for increase fibre
content. Hence we may conclude that the optimum value of fibre content is 0.5% for tensile
strength in both mixes. Also the flexural strength of both mixes (M15) has found to be satisfying
the maximum strength criteria i.e. 0.7√fck for 28 days curing and irregular condition

44
 9. Effects of Curing
For analysing effect of curing Mix M15 used.

Compressive strength for normal, 0.5%, 1, %, fibre mixM15

From the above figure 4.1, it can be seen clearly that initial strength i.e. 7 days strength for both
grade of concrete for curing condition was observed less than irregular curing condition. But at 14
days the strength for curing condition was observed more than irregular condition. Finally it was
seen that i.e. 28 at the maximum strength was obtained for curing condition. So from this it was
concluded that initially for irregular condition the strength may get more than curing condition but
after the 28 days most strength was obtained for curing condition,

45
from the above figure 4.2, it can be clearly seen that for 7 days & 14 days strength for both grade of
concrete for curing condition as well as irregular curing condition there is a linear variation in
strength. Finally it was seen that for 28 days the maximum strength was obtained for curing
condition for M30 grade of concrete and also for this volume contain of fiber (0.5%) the greatest
compressive strength is obtained.
From the above figure 4.3, it has been seen that the compressive strength for
M30 (1%fibre) grade of concrete at 7, 14 & 28 days for curing condition as well as for irregular
46
curing condition was observed nearly same. For M40 grade of concrete compressive strength at 28
days for curing condition was more as compare to the irregular curing condition.
From the above figure 4.4, it has been seen that the compressive strength for
M30 (1.5%fibre) grade of concrete at the 28 days for curing condition is getting more as compared
to the irregular curing condition and also for M40 grade of concrete the compressive strength of
curing condition is more than the strength of irregular curing condition.

From the above figure , plotted for 2% fibre content, it is observed that the initial strength for 7
days was found to be unsatisfactory for some of the mixes (M30), whereas in case of M40 initial
strength has just fulfilled the criteria. As the days of curing & irregular curing condition advances
to 14 days a slight increase in strength was observed for irregular curing while curing conditions
shows linear increase in strength. In M40, the curing and irregular curing condition the compressive
strength was nearly satisfactory for 28 days.

47
Tensile strength for normal, 0.5%, 1, %, 1.5%, fibre mixM15

From above bar graph plotted for variation tensile strength of both mixed proportion (M30 & M40)
with respect to varying fibres content (0%, 0.5, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) shows continuous drop of strength
after 0.5% fibre content. Tensile strength has come out to be more only for 0.5% fibre content in
both mixes and as the fibres content are increased the continuous drop was observed for increase
fibre content. Hence we may conclude that the optimum value of fibre content is 0.5% for tensile
strength in both mixes. 4.3 Flexural strength for normal, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2 % fibre mix M30 &
M40

48
From above bar graph plotted for variation flexural strength of both mixed proportion (M30 &
M40) with respect to varying fibres content (0%, 0.5, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) shows continuous drop of
strength after 0.5% fibre content. Flexural strength has come out to be more only for 0.5% fibre
content in both mixes and as the fibres content are increased the continuous drop was observed for
increase fibre content. Hence we may conclude that the optimum value of fibre content is 0.5% for
tensile strength in both mixes. From the above figure 4.1, it can be seen clearly that initial strength
i.e. 7 days strength for both grade of concrete for curing condition was observed less than irregular
curing condition. But at 14 days the strength for curing condition was observed more than irregular
condition. Finally it was seen that i.e. 28 at the maximum strength was obtained for curing
condition. So from this it was concluded that initially for irregular condition the strength may get
more than curing condition but after the 28 days most strength was obtained for curing condition.
From the above figure 4.2, it can be clearly seen that for 7 days & 14 days strength for both grade
of concrete for curing condition as well as irregular curing condition there is a linear variation in
strength. Finally it was seen that for 28 days the maximum strength was obtained for curing
condition for M30 grade of concrete and also for this volume contain of fiber (0.5%) the greatest
compressive strength is obtained. From the above figure 4.3, it has been seen that the compressive
strength for M30 (1%fibre) grade of concrete at 7, 14 & 28 days for curing condition as well as for
irregular curing condition was observed nearly same. For M40 grade of concrete compressive
strength at 28 days for curing condition was more as compare to the irregular curing condition.
From the above figure 4.4, it has been seen that the compressive strength for M30 (1.5%fibre)
grade of concrete at the 28 days for curing condition is getting more as compared to the irregular
curing condition and also for M40 grade of concrete the compressive strength of curing condition is
more than the strength of irregular curing condition. From the above figure 4.5, plotted for 2% fibre
content, it is observed that the initial strength for 7 days

49
 10. EXPERIMENT

AIM :- To Understand The Effect Of Polypropylene Fiber In The Hardened State Of

Concrete .

Material Specification –
CEMENT
Type: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)

COARSE AGGREGATE
Size- 10mm , Specific Gravity – 2.79 , Water Absorbtion – 1.19 %

. MATERIAL USED :-

 Grade Of Concrete Used Is M15 ie 1:2:4

 Total Weight = 14kg
 Cement = 2kg
 Sand = 4kg
 Aggregate = 8 kg
 Sieve = 1.7 mm ( for sand uses only )

PROCEDURE :-
 Concrete Mix Is Made By Adding Sufficient Amount Of Polypropylene fiber In The
Concrete .
 For Effective Performance , The Dosage Should Rate Of Polypropylene Fiber is 0.9 kg/m3
ie 0.1%
 Polypropylene Fiber Used In Concrete Should Be Poured In Cast Iron Mould .
 Compacted Properly By Tamping Rod Of Standard Size .
 Concrete Should Be Stored At Room Tempreture And Humidity Of 90% Should Be
Maintained .
 Demoulded After 24 hrs And Should Be Kept In Water For Curing .
 After 7 & 28 Days Specimens i.e Normal Concrete Cube And Polypropylene Fiber used
Concrete Should Be Tested In Compression Testing Machine
 Comparison Is To Be Done .

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SPECIMEN READING :-
Observation Result (Lab Report) for 7 days
Normal cube = 258 KN
Polypropylene Fiber Mixed Concrete Cube=227 KN

Normal Samples
Details
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3

Compressive
Load 375 KN 425 KN 435 KN
(KN)
Compressive (375000/225) / (425000/225) / (435000/225) /
Strength 9.81 9.81 9.81
(Kg/Cm2) = 170 kg/cm2 = 192.5 kg/cm2 = 197.0 kg/cm2
Average
= (170+192.5+197)/3
Compressive
Strength = 186.5 Kg/cm2
Observation Result (Lab Report) for 28 days

Observation Result (Lab Report) for 28 days

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11. With Fibre Samples
Details
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3

Compressive Load 377 KN 432 KN 435 KN

(KN)
(432000/225) (435000/225) /
(377000/225) /
Compressive Strength / 9.81 9.81
9.81
(Kg/Cm2) = 193.5 = 197.0
= 172 kg/cm2
kg/cm2 kg/cm2
Average Compressive = (172+193.5+197)/3
Strength
= 188.5 Kg/cm2
Conclusions
From the tests that I have performed I came to the following conclusions:
1. We have done different test on concrete for different conditions like control curing & irregular
condition, from this it has been seen that for the irregular condition initially have more compressive
strength than control curing condition but as the days advances it loses its strength or do not give
satisfactory strength as compare to curing condition . Hence for a better strength we may conclude
that the curing is an essential parameter.
2. The polypropylene fibers (PPF) reduce early age shrinkage and moisture loss of the concrete mix
even when low volume fractions of PPF are used.
3. From the result of this research, it was found that the use of fiber in the concrete decreases the
workability of the fresh concrete Evidence of low workability was shown through the results of
workability test obtained in standard slump test. It was concluded that the increasing percentage
volume of fiber added into the concrete would lead the workability decreased. High volume dosage
rate above 1.0% showed that the concrete was significantly stiff and difficult to compact. However
it also reduced the bleeding and segregation in the concrete mixture.
4. It was also seen that the loss in weight and loss/gain in compressive strength of the cube
specimens improved with age. Compressive strength of concrete increases with increase in fiber
dosage up to 0.5%, then it starts decreasing. So the optimum percentage fiber found from research
is found out to be 0.5%.
5. In splitting tensile strength test, it was found that tensile strength was significantly improved only
for 0.5% of fiber dosage and as the percentage of fiber volume dosage increases a continues drop of
strength was observed.
6. In flexure strength the improvement in the behavior due to the addition of the PPF is the similar
to that in tensile strength. Hence we may conclude that the optimum value of fibre content is 0.5%
for both tensile strength and flexural strength.
7. As per the current demand of construction industry new types of concrete are to be invented,
which will satisfy the problems observed in traditional concrete. In this approach PPFRC will be a
good substitute to meet the present demand of construction industry.

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 12. References
1.Guided By - Prof. Raghvendra Bajpai, Department of Civil Engineering.
2. Prof. Lokesh Malvi, HOD of Civil Department, Mandideep
3.Balaguru P.N. and Shah S.P., 1992, Fiber-Reinforced Cement Composites, McGraw- Hill Inc.,
New York, United State of America
4. Bentur A. and Mindess S., 1990, Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites, Elsevier Science
Publishing Ltd., New York, United
State of America.
5. James J. Beaudoin, 1990, Handbook of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Principles, Properties,
Development and Applications, Noyes
Publications, New Jersey, United State of America.
6. Riley, V.R. and Reddaway, J.L., 1968, Tensile strength and failure mechanics of Fibre
composites, J. Materials Science.
7. Alhozaimy, A. M., Soroushian, P., & Mirza, F. (1996). Mechanical properties of polypropylene
fiber reinforced concrete and the
effects of pozzolanic materials. Cement and Concrete Composites, 18(2), 85-92.
7. Banthia N. and Dubey A., 2000, Measurement of flexural Toughness of Fibre-Reinforced
Concrete Using Technique – Part 2:
Performance of various Composites,
8. Nanni A., and ACSE, 1992, Properties of Aramid-Fiber Reinforced Concrete and SIFCON,
Journal of Materials in Civil
Engineering, Volume 4, Number 1, February 1992, p.1-13.
9 Fibremesh, 1989, Fibremesh Micro-Reinforcement System, Synthetic Industries, Fibremesh
Division, TN, United State of America
10.Fiber Reinforded Concrete, Wikipedia

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