Experimental research on steel-polymeric hybrid fiber concrete composites

ABSTRACT

The impact of combining two distinct fibers in concrete composites, focusing on the mechanical and fresh properties of the material. The concrete grade used is M40, and the composite is composed of steel and polymeric fibers in two different volume fractions. Steel fibers with an aspect ratio of 80, alongside fibrillated polymeric fibers, are incorporated into the mix. A slump test was conducted on the fresh concrete to assess the influence of both single and dual fiber additions on workability. The study further examines the mechanical characteristics of hybrid fiber-reinforced composites, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength. These results are compared to those of single-fiber composites to evaluate performance differences. A numerical approach is also employed to predict and analyze the behavior of the hybrid system. The synergy mechanism created by the combination of steel and polymeric fibers enhances the mechanical properties, while also contributing to a reduction in the self-weight of the concrete. The failure mode of the hybrid composite was found to be ductile, indicating improved energy absorption and flexibility in comparison to more brittle, single-fiber systems.

Keywords:
Fiber reinforced concrete; Hybrid Fiber reinforced Concrete (HYFRC); Impact strength; Stress strain behaviour