Fresh behaviours of glass fibre reinforced mortar: experimental study and modeling based on average water film thickness and fibre/cement ratio

Abstract

Using glass fibres to fibre-reinforced cement-based materials has great effects on their fresh behaviours. Besides, the impact of water, particularly the average water film thickness (AWFT), cannot be ignored. However, the combined effects of glass fibre content and AWFT on the fresh characteristics are not satisfactorily understood. In this study, mortar mixtures with varying series of fibre/cement (F/C) ratios and water/cement ratios were prepared to undergo mini V-funnel tests, mini slump flow tests, stone rod adhesion tests, sieve segregation tests and wet packing tests, while the AWFTs of the mortar mixes were determined. Experimental results indicated that the F/C ratio (fibre content) has noticeable influences on fresh properties, packing density and AWFT. Modelling analysis demonstrated strong correlations of the workability, flowability, adhesiveness and cohesiveness with the F/C ratio and AWFT. This affirms that both the AWFT and fibre content collectively serve as governing factors influencing the fresh behaviours of glass fibre-reinforced mortar.