Electrical properties of fibrous self-compacting concrete reinforced with different types of fibers

Abstract

Abstract Concrete is a heterogeneous multiple-phased material, and its microstructure contains many flaws. These flaws are microcracks, cavities, interconnected micropores. External current if applied on concrete which can be transferred through the migrating ions. Hence, the electrical resistivity measurement is a reliable facility for exploring the microstructure of concrete. The electrical resistivity of concrete is an essential factor describing the ability of a material to conduct current. The addition of discreet Fibers to reinforcing concrete is broadly used due to its advantageous mechanical properties. The rapid spread of concrete microcracks can be reduced or avoided due to the fibres' prepotent tensile strength. This paper investigates the effects of three types of steel fibres; these fibres are straight, hooked end, and micro steel fibres. Also, three types of carbon fibres were added to the SSC mixes, these fibres are; whiskers, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and single-walled carbon nanotubes fibre predetermine percentages. Electrical resistivity calculations were done at 200 V, 220 V, and 240 V. The mechanical properties include compressive strength, flexural strength, and static modulus of elasticity. The results show that the carbon nanotubes fibres improve the electrical resistivity by 400% and 423% for SWCNTs and MWCNTS. Moreover, the strengths and ultrasonic pulse velocity of self-compacted concrete (SCC) are increased compared to plain concrete (control mix).