Effects of different types of fibers and fiber mixes on fresh and hardened properties of ultra-high performance concrete
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The effect of different types of fibers and fiber mixes on fresh and hardened properties of commercial ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were investigated. Six types of metallic and non-metallic commercially available fibers, including ones commonly used in UHPC and ones not investigated in prior work, were evaluated. Eighteen mixtures with different fiber dosages and combinations are prepared and tested for flowability, compressive strength, flexural properties, and bulk resistivity. Generally, the fibers, with the exception of polyethylene fibers did not affect flowability. All fibers affected mechanical behavior significantly. Depending on fiber type and dosage, compressive strength was - 23 to + 19% of the value of the mixture without fibers. Polyethylene fibers and their blends with steel fibers showed excellent flexural properties. Compared to the control mixture, selected binary mixtures showed improved flexural and compressive strength and synergies. Selected binary mixtures showed improved flexural strength and a lower cost per flexural strength, but a somewhat reduced compressive strength. Clearly, there are complex cost, compressive strength, flexural strength, and flow tradeoffs that can be leveraged based on the required application.
Source: Materials and Structures
Authors: Jose Patiño, Luca Galli, Prannoy Suraneni
Institutions: Universidad EAFIT, University of Miami
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,390
Awards: G436564286, PURPOSE: THIS PROJECT WILL EVALUATE THE USE OF ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (UHPC) WITH GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP) UNDER ANTICIPATED WAVE EXPOSURE AND HURRICANES. ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: TRADITIONAL STEEL-REINFORCED CONCRETE SEAWALLS PERFORM POORLY UNDER HURRICANE LOADING DUE TO DETERIORATION OF THE REINFORCEMENT THROUGH CORROSION AND SEA/WAVE EXPOSURE. THE SCOPE INCLUDES (A) ANALYSIS AND TESTING OF DIFFERENT UHPC FORMULATIONS, EVALUATION OF THE DESIGN AGAINST CONVENTIONAL REINFORCED CONCRETE WALLS, (B) COMPARISON OF THEIR BEHAVIOR UNDER WAVE IMPACTS IN A WAVE-WIND TANK, (C) DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS, (D) REPAIR STRATEGIES FOR EXISTING SEAWALLS USING UHPC AND GFRP, AND (E) FIELD TESTING USING A COASTAL COMMUNITY AS A TEST SITE. EXPECTED OUTCOMES: IF SUCCESSFUL, THE PROJECT WILL LEAD TO MORE DURABLE AND RELIABLE STRUCTURES UNDER EVENTS SUCH AS HURRICANES. UHPC AND GFRP ARE ANTICIPATED TO EXHIBIT SUPERIOR REAL-WORLD PERFORMANCE COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL REINFORCED CONCRETE SEAWALLS BECAUSE OF THEIR HIGHER STRENGTH, RESISTANCE TO ABRASION AND IMPACT, AND POTENTIAL OF INCREASING THE LIFE SPAN OF THE STRUCTURE. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: CONSEQUENTLY, KNOWLEDGE FROM THIS STUDY CAN BE DIRECTLY APPLICABLE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE OF GREAT INTEREST TO GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND THE INDUSTRY AS WE PREPARE TO MANAGE SEA LEVEL RISE AND INTENSIFYING HURRICANES IN THE US. THIS PROPOSAL SUPPORTS THE WIND ENGINEERING AND NATIONAL WINDSTORM IMPACT REDUCTION PROGRAM GOALS OF REDUCING WINDSTORM LOSSES BY SHOWING THE IMPROVED EFFICACY OF INNOVATIVE SEAWALLS TO PROTECT COASTAL COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY STORM SURGE FROM HURRICANES. SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: THE RECIPIENT DOES NOT INTEND TO SUBAWARD FUNDS.
OpenAlex ID: W4416840084