Abstract
The current study aims at exploring the beneficial effect of silica fume (SF) and acrylic emulsion polymer (PR) on the enhanced properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) with the supplementary cementitious binder comprised of the Portland cement, slag, silica fume and fly ash. The compressive strength and impact-abrasion resistance were used for the estimation of engineering properties while the water absorption performance, surface electricity resistance, and rapid chloride penetration resistance were used for estimation of durability. Experimental results showed that a sole addition of SF increased the compressive strengths but decreased the abrasion-impact resistances of modified FRCs, which was just opposite to the influence of a sole addition of PR. A sole addition of either the SF or PR could moderately improve the durability of modified FRCs, respectively. However, due to the beneficial effect of the complementary interaction between SF and the optimal amount of PR, the mechanical properties and durability of modified FRCs seemed to become significantly improved.
Highlights
The current study aims at exploring the beneficial effect of silica fume (SF) and acrylic emulsion polymer (PR) on the enhanced properties of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) with the supplementary cementitious binder comprised of the Portland cement, slag, silica fume and fly ash
At the equivalent amount of PR, the compressive strengths of the modified FRC specimens were improved with the increase of SF Figure 4 showed that without using PR, the compressive strengths of modified FRC specimens with 10% SF were higher than those of the reference FRC specimens without SF addition at all ages of curing
The observed results were due to the SF having the pozzolanic property which contributed to the enhancement of pore refinement of binding system induced by the extra hydration products
Summary
The Type I ordinary Portland cement (OPC), ground granulated blast furnace slag (slag), low calcium Class F fly ash (FA), and commercial silica fume (SF) supplied by imported Elkem 940U were used for the preparation of supplementary cementitious binder. It had a cream color, a solid content (150 oC×15 mins) of 48 ± 1%, viscosity (Brookfield, LVF, No, 2, 60 rpm, 30oC) of less than 200 cps, a pH value between 8.0 and 9.0 and a minimum filming temperature (73% RH) of 14 to 16 oC Both polymer and fibers used in this study were available in Taiwan. Commercial Type G superplasticizer (SP) supplied by local dealer, Poplar Co. Ltd., Taiwan (same dealer of polypropylene fiber), was used for achieving the workable concrete. Mm Diameter, mm Specific gravity Tensile strength, MPa Elastic modulus, GPa Toughness, MPa Melting point, °C Appearance
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