Fiber glass strip laminates strengthened lightweight foamed concrete: Performance index, failure modes and microscopy analysis

Abstract

Lightweight foamed concrete which is produced with Portland cement is noble in compression but fragile in tension because it comprises various micro pores that tend to crack. The micro cracks start to transmit in the cement matrix when excessive load is transferred. Hence this research project explored the potential use of textile carbon grid laminates reinforced lightweight foamed concrete in terms of its mechanical properties. It should be pointed out that one of the major problems faced in reinforced lightweight concrete construction is the corrosion of reinforcing steel which ominously distresses the lifespan and robustness of concrete assemblies. Henceforth, fiber glass strip laminates as a replacement to welded wire mesh can commendably abolish the delinquent of decomposition as they are protected to corrosion. There are 3 densities of foamed concrete of 800kg/m3, 1100kg/m3 and 1400kg/m3 will be prepared will with inclusion of 3 different types of fiber glass strip laminates which are 130g, 145g and 160g (weight per square meter). The components that will be evaluated are failure modes, performance index, and microscopy study. When the basis weight of fiber glass strip laminates increases (from 130g to 160g), the greater the tensile bond strength of lightweight foamed concrete. As the load increases on the lightweight foamed concrete, a flew in the matrix may spread over the specimen cross-section. The mechanics of this spread depends on the size of the flaw, the properties of the fiber glass strip laminates reinforcement and matrix toughness. If lightweight foamed concrete is adequately reinforcing, the bridging fiber glass strip laminates will share the load and transfer it to the other parts of the specimen.