Mechanical Properties of Fiber Reinforced Self Curing Concrete Incorporating Polyethylene Glycol-600

Abstract

As described by the American Concrete Institute (2010), self-curing concrete functions by dispersing water throughout a freshly poured cementitious mixture. This is achieved through reservoirs that readily release water to support hydration or replace moisture lost through evaporation or self-desiccation. Because self-curing concrete has an innate weakness in withstanding tensile pressures, it is prone to breaking under modest amounts of tension. Concrete's overall mechanical performance can be improved by combining fibers in the right way, creating performance synergy. The key elements influencing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete are the fibers' geometric size and modulus. This study investigates how adding polyethylene glycol-600 (PEG-600) as a self-curing agent enhances the characteristics of fiber-reinforced self-curing concrete. The strength properties of concrete reinforced with steel fibers and having a self-curing agent were examined in this experimental investigation and contrasted with those of a typical nominal mix. The mix design was done using the IS approach. Compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity were among the characteristics evaluated in the study. The ideal percentage of fiber addition was determined by the results.