Role of engineered fibers on fresh and mechanical properties of concrete prepared with GGBS and PVC waste powder – An experimental study

Abstract

This research reports the experimental investigation, capturing the effect of engineered fibers on fresh and mechanical properties of M50 grade concrete blended with poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) waste powder with one mineral admixture and one chemical admixture as superplasticizer. In this experimental investigation fourteen mixes (seven mixes with fibers and seven mixes without fibers) are prepared using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as mineral admixture and PVC waste powder. In these mixes PVC waste powder content is varied in 0% (treated as reference mix), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement whereas, 30% of GGBS is kept constant except reference mix. 0.6% of sulpho-naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) as superplasticizer, by weight of cement are kept constant in all the mixes. Similarly, to study the effect of fibers on fresh and mechanical properties of concrete, 0.5% of engineered fibers are used along with 0.6% of superplasticizer. So that a comparison between with and without fibers could be prepared. Fresh properties of concrete are studied by using slump and compaction factor test for all the mixes. Similarly, the prepared test specimens are tested for the mechanical properties like compressive, flexural and split tensile strength as per Indian standard IS:516-1959 at 7, 14, 28and 90-days curing period. Test results indicates that up to 20% PVC waste powder can be used as a partial replacement of cement along with 30% GGBS, 0.6% of SNF superplasticizer, and 0.5% fibers in M50 grade concrete without compromising strength properties. Use of engineered fibers along with GGBS and PVC waste powder not only helps in reducing the cement consumption, but also improves strength properties and facilitates in lowering the cost of construction.