Effect of Glass Fibers on the Mechanical Behavior as Well as Energy Absorption Capacity and Toughness Indices of Concrete Bridge Decks

Zhang Pu,Izhar Ahmad,Kashif Ali Khan,Ahmad Jan,Irshad Khan

doi:10.1007/s12633-021-01026-2

Abstract

In this study, the incorporation of glass fibers in concrete bridge decks has been studied for improving its mechanical properties as well as energy absorption capacity and toughness indices. The mix proportion of 1:3:2 (cement:sand:aggregate) was selected having water-cement ratio of 0.71. For the manufacturing of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), the glass fibers (2-inch) were incorporated at a percentage level of 1 %, 2 %, 3 % and 4 % by weight of cement in concrete mixes. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural strength of GFRC increases at all the percentage levels, however, the compressive strength of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Besides, the energy absorption and toughness indices are also studied for different types of loadings (i.e. compressive, splitting-tensile and flexural loadings) up to a percentage level of 4 %. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural energy absorption was increased with the increase in the dosage of glass fibers in comparison with the conventional concrete mixes, however, the compressive energy absorption of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Whereas, the toughness indices for compressive, spilt-tensile and flexure was increased while increasing the percentage of glass fibers as compared to the conventional concrete. Among the different percentages of glass fibers, its 4 % addition gives better results as compared to 1 %, 2 % and 3 %. Hence, the 4 % of GF can be suggested to be the optimum percentage of the fibers for the selected mix-design in controlling the resistance of concrete in the bridge decks. Although, the energy absorption of GFRC is lesser in comparison with the toughness indices, GFRC are appropriate for enhancing ductility and resistance against loadings in concrete bridge decks.

Highlights

Concrete is a commonly utilized material for buildings, it is facing numerous deficiencies in the industry of engineering
The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural strength of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) increases at all the percentage levels, the compressive strength of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete
The findings reveal that the splittensile and flexural energy absorption was increased with the increase in the dosage of glass fibers in comparison with the conventional concrete mixes, the compressive energy absorption of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete

Summary

Introduction

Concrete is a commonly utilized material for buildings, it is facing numerous deficiencies in the industry of engineering. These deficiencies are higher brittle behavior, low ductility, insufficient impact toughness and lower tensile strain and tensile strength [1,2,3,4,5]. Employing the principle of reinforcing bars at micro level, i.e. addition of different non-continuous fragmented fibers in concrete, such intrinsic shortcomings of concrete might be significantly avoided [6]. Glass fiber (GF) is predominant micro-reinforcing material that is prevalently employed for the purpose of enhancing the concrete performance. Predicting the characteristics of concrete reinforced with fibers is a crucial parameter for the secure and reliable construction

Methods

Results

Conclusion