FLEXURAL PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE CONTAINING FLY ASH FOR NORMAL CONCRETE PAVEMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the applicability and efficiency of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PPFRC) mixed with fly ash for new concrete pavements. In the field of concrete pavements, many researchers focused on steel fiber reinforced concrete pavements to improve the mechanical properties. Polypropylene fibers can also improve the flexural toughness and the residual flexural strength. However, in the construction sector, a large amount of CO2 is emitted during the production of cement. The reduction of CO2 emissions is an urgent task in the world. The CO2 emissions can be reduced by replacing a part of such cement with fly ash as one alternative material. In this study, four-point flexural tests were carried out on PPFRC with 1.0 vol.% and 1.3 vol.% of polypropylene fiber. Furthermore, the pavement thickness and the reduction of CO2 emissions were calculated based on the test results to examine the effect of added fiber and fly ash replacement. Consequently, the PPFRC pavement reduces the thickness by about 18% and reduces the CO2 emissions by about 30% in comparison with normal concrete pavements.