Strength and Durability Studies on Hybrid Fiber Reinforced High-Performance Concrete for Silica Fume Based Mineral Admixture

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the strength and durability studies on Hybrid fibers reinforced High-Performance Concrete for Silica fume (SF) based mineral admixture. A constant proportion of 0.25% for polypropylene fibers (PF) and varying proportions of 0%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% for crimped steel fibers (CF) making a total fiber volume fractions of 0%, 0.75%, 1.0% and 1.25% were used to develop hybrid fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete (HFRHPC). Four replacement levels for hybrid fibers by volume of the binders and four partial replacement levels for Silica fume (0%, 10%, 20% & 30%) by weight of cement have been considered for three different water binder ratios (0.275, 0.325 & 0.375). An aggregate binder ratio of 1.75 was kept constant. The test results reveal a maximum increase of 35.18%, 40.35%, and 71.54% in compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, respectively, for a curing period of 28 days. Acid attack tests have been conducted to measure the durability of HFRHPC. Cubes of 100x100x00mm have been cast, cured, and then kept immersed in 5% concentrated solutions of Hydrochloric acid (HCL), Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), and Sulphuric acid ( H2SO4) for 30,60 and 90 days and then tested to record the residual compressive strength of HFRHPC produced with the Silica fume mineral admixtures. The results have been analyzed, and valid conclusions have been drawn. The results indicate that a combination of 1.25% hybrid fibers and 10% Silica fume mineral admixture gains all the water-binder ratios’ highest strength.