Impact resistance and mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced concrete using string and fibrillated polypropylene fibers in a hybrid form

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the macro‐synthetic polypropylene fibers Forta and Barchip are used. The fibers are added at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of cement. Additionally, various fiber combinations with varying percentages are employed to create the concrete. Cubic specimens, bending beams, and impact specimens are all prepared on a percentage basis of fiber. The findings indicated that utilizing 1.5% fibrillated Forta fibers raised the compressive strength of the concrete by 18% and the flexural strength of the concrete by 58%. By increasing the usage of Barchip single‐strand fibers by 1.5%, the compressive strength increased by 36%, and the flexural strength increased by 89%. The highest ductility rate refers to the specimen containing 1.5% Forta fiber, with an energy capacity of 672 J. All the hybrid samples also possess a high ductility ratio. Forta fibrillated fibers are more effective in ductility, while Barchip monofilament fiber types can impressively increase the flexural strength of concrete. The hybrid usage of fibers improved compressive strength by 32% and flexural strength by 85%. Additionally, by combining fibers in hybrid form, energy absorption, ductility, impact resistance, and residual flexural strength are increased by 22, 2.3, 3.6, and 5.6 times, respectively, over the control sample.