Durability of cementitious materials reinforced with various Kraft pulp fibers

Abstract

This study was completed to determine the strength, permeability, stability, and interfacial properties of cementitious materials reinforced with engineered Kraft pulp fibers namely, mechanically modified fiber and chemically treated fiber. These two engineered fibers, along with a commercially available unmodified fiber, were used in reinforcing cementitious materials. Test results showed an increase in the permeability characteristics for the reinforced concretes. Hence, these fibres reduced the compressive strength and durability of reinforced concretes as compare to the unreinforced concrete. However, the two engineered fibres performed better than the unmodified fibre in terms of compressive strength, chloride ion permeability and water sorptivity. Further, the drying shrinkage strain was reduced considerably when only 1% chemically treated fiber was added. The study concludes that these two engineered pulp fibers are better alternatives to commercially available unmodified cellulose fibers.