A Study on Partial Replacement of Cement by Aluminium Powder in Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

The fibers are well described by a combination of stiffness, strength, and temperature resistance. A lightweight polymer material with great strength, resistance to corrosion, and crack arresting properties is polypropylene fiber. The structure is lighter than ordinary concrete because of the reaction between the aluminium powder and the calcium hydroxide in the cement matrix, which results in the production of hydrogen gas. It is used to make concrete more durable and strong. Due to its reduced particle size distribution, they scatter among and separate the cement particles, changing the cement paste’s structure such that it contains more C-S-H and less Ca(OH)2. In this study, final mix proportions to attain M30 & M60 grades are computed and effects of adding polypropylene fibers varying from 0.5 to 2.0 percent are studied. 1.5 percent gave the better results dependent on mechanical properties of the concrete. A variable percent of aluminium powder is then substituted for the fiber optimization percent (1.5 percent) dependent on mechanical properties of the concrete. Slump test, compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength tests are used to evaluate the quality and 1.0 percent gave the better results dependent on the tests. The mixture that develops a practical, cost-effective, and strength criteria is sorted out and examined for durability by conducting sorptivity and acid attack tests. It is concluded that the addition of polypropylene fibers improved the strength of concrete relatively and the addition of aluminium powder improved the durability of the concrete.