Abstract
Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) is used for 40 years to create world’s most stunning and complex architectural elements due to its high mechanical properties, particularly flexural strength. Yet it is very important to note that any type of glass fibers in the concrete matrix are undergoing complex ageing processes, resulting to significant decrease of initial mechanical characteristics of this composite material under natural weathering conditions. Aspects of GRC durability are mainly dependent from the properties of fibers and interaction between them and concrete matrix. In this article, long term strength retention of this composite material is discussed, existing experimental data of weathering tests presented, and main corrosion mechanisms explained. Lack of knowledge about freeze- thaw resistance of glass fiber reinforced concrete is addressed. Finally, latest attempts of GRC durability improvement are reviewed, such as adding micro fillers, polymers to the concrete matrix and enhancing surface of fibers in Nano scale.
Highlights
Glass fibre- reinforced concrete (GRC) is a composite material that consists of cementitious matrix in which short glass fibers are dispersed
This fact brings to conclusion, that ageing of GRC in terms of flexural capacity can be adequately measured by freeze- thaw instead of wet- dry cycling, which is less common in cold climate countries and generally takes considerably less time to produce same results
Even though alkali resistant AR-type glass fibers are used for GRC production, it still loses significant portion of initial flexural and tensile strength under natural wearing conditions
Summary
Glass fibre- reinforced concrete (GRC) is a composite material that consists of cementitious matrix in which short glass fibers are dispersed. In this form, both fibers and concrete matrix retain their physical and chemical identities, yet resulting in a combination of properties that cannot be achieved by these materials alone. Every construction material, used in modern society must contain information about its one of the most important characteristics, referred to as long- term strength retention. Due to many complex physical and chemical processes happening in natural weathering conditions, long- term structural characteristics are decreasing with time. The main goal of this article is to discuss general ageing process of glass fiber reinforced concrete.
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