Polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete and its application in creating architectural forms of public spaces

Abstract

Fiber reinforced concrete is a cementitious composite material with a dispersed reinforcement in a form of fibers. Polypropylene fibers can be divided into microfibers and macrofibers depending on their length and the function that they perform in the concrete. An overview of selected polypropylene fibers available on the market was presented. Moreover, the influence of polypropylene fibers on physical and mechanical properties of concrete such as workability; elasticity modulus; compressive, flexural, and tensile strength; toughness; impact, spalling, freeze-thaw, abrasion resistance; water absorption; porosity; permeability; durability, and eco-friendly and economic properties were discussed. Additionally, certain restrictions while designing fiber reinforced concrete mixture were mentioned. The article proved that public spaces are a promising field of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete application. Since they are subjected to e.g. unfavorable environmental conditions, impact damages, surface abrasion, and vandalism, the use of concrete with enhanced propertied will be undeniably beneficial.