Investigation of brucite-fiber-reinforced concrete

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were made on the brucite-fiber-reinforced concrete composites. Effects of brucite fiber grades and the dosage on flexural strength, compressive strength, impact strength, sulfate corrosion resistance and the slump, cohesiveness, as well as the water retentiveness were also investigated. Different water reducers were tested. The particle-size characteristics of brucite fibers, the densities of the concrete, and the viscosities of the fiber/water-reducer suspensions were also measured. Results show that proper addition of brucite fibers in concrete can improve the mechanical properties, especially the flexural strength. In the test, the optimum quantity was about 0.5 wt.% of concrete. With the dosage increase of brucite fibers in concrete, the fluidity and the density of the concrete decrease. The performance of the concrete strengths is the collective interactions of the fiber reinforcement and the density reduction. The aspect ratio and the surface area of brucite fibers are the important affecting factors to the workability and the mechanical properties of the fiber concrete. Larger aspect ratios and smaller surface areas benefit the reinforcement. Water reducers with lower fiber suspension viscosities are favorable in improving the workability and strengths of the brucite fiber concrete.