Effect of Polypropylene Short Fibers on Energy Absorption Capacity and Durability of Concrete

Abstract

Abstract This article presents an experiment-based study on the effect of low contents (1–2 kg/m3) of polypropylene short fibers of 6 and 12-mm length on energy absorption capacity and durability of concrete. The area under the stress–strain curve up to strain at maximum load and the water permeability obtained from stress–strain curves and the water penetration test, respectively, were considered to represent energy absorption capacity and durability of concrete, respectively. The results revealed that the addition of both 6 and 12-mm fibers enhances the behavior of concrete significantly. The mixes containing 2 kg/m3 polypropylene fibers showed the best performance. It was also concluded that 6-mm fibers have a better effect on energy absorption (an increase of 69 %) over 12-mm fibers, which showed a better effect on water permeability (a decrease of 53 %). Scanning electron microscope analysis was used to determine the failure mode of fibers and also verify well distribution of fibers in concrete.