Comparative study of hybrid fiber cementitious composites

Abstract

Different types of fibers impart specific characteristics to concrete, including crack bridging, early age crack resistance, ductility, toughness, strength, and loss of workability. It seems that if these fibers are combined, then specific characteristics of each fiber may be imparted to concrete and the desired characteristics of the concrete composite may be achieved. Thus, this investigation has been conducted to study the properties of concrete composites composed of four different types of fibers used singly or in hybrid form. The effectiveness of hybrid fibers in cementitious composites to achieve better characteristics; strengths, toughness, workability, and cost, was investigated and compared. Composites made of carbon fiber, plain steel fiber, polypropylene fiber, and glass fiber and their hybrid combinations (2, 3 and 4 fibers mixed), at constant volume of fiber 1.25%, along 4% styrene-butadiene rubber latex and 1.5% superplasticizer, are prepared and tested. The composites are compared and investigated for their feasibility in terms of their properties and cost. The comparison showed the suitability of some bi-hybrid composites, and incompatibility of tri-hybrid and tetra-hybrid composites in terms of effectiveness and feasibility.