Examining SIFCON’s Mechanical Behaviors According to Different Fiber and Matrix Phase

Abstract

Slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) is a cement-based composite material produced from various fibers. SIFCON contains fiber at a ratio of 5–30% by volume. Thanks to the high fiber ratio of it, SIFCON shows high performance with respect to mechanical features like compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength and toughness. This new generation special concrete is recommended to be used in explosion-proof military buildings, industrial floors and bridge piers, especially due to its features of high toughness and flexural strength. SIFCON consists of three different phases: slurry phase, fiber phase and interface. In the present study, 10% of steel and woolen polypropylene fiber by volume to observe effect of the change of fiber phase on SIFCON’s mechanical properties. Furthermore, silica fume, equal to 5, 10 and 15% of cement by weight, and fly ash, which is equal to 20, 40 and 60% of cement by weight, were added to examine how mineral additives, which were added into the slurry phase, influence SIFCON’s mechanical features. According to the results of compressive, flexural and toughness tests performed, steel fiber SIFCON specimens were observed to have better mechanical properties than woolen polypropylene fiber samples. On the other hand, the results showed that 15% silica fume added samples and 20% fly ash added samples gave better results.