Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Research Articles

Compressive and flexural behavior of glass fiber-reinforced concrete

Utilizing fibre-reinforced concrete is still a difficulty for present engineers. Generally, it is acknowledged that the mechanical, cracking and fracture qualities of fibre-reinforced concrete are much better than those of conventional concrete. The addition of fibres to the concrete matrix mitigates its fragility. Typically, short fibres are utilised in concrete to prevent cracks caused by drying and autogenous shrinkage. Currently, there is a substantial increase in the use of short alkali-resistant glass fibres. This experiment was conducted to examine the influence of glass fibre reinforcement on the compressive and flexural behaviour of concrete. This research investigates the characteristics of glass fibres reinforced concrete (GFRC) after 7 and 28 days of curing, such that GFRC may be employed in construction. Concrete containing short alkali-resistant glass fibres of 36 mm in length and 1% volume fraction (VF) was developed for this purpose. The testing findings revealed that the average compressive strength of GFRC after 28 days of curing was 72.06 MPa. The flexural properties of GFRC are determined, and the 7-day and 28-day average bending strengths of GFRC concrete samples are 6.46 MPa and 7.94 MPa, respectively, indicating that GFRC responds well under loading conditions.

The effect of glass fiber reinforcement on properties high strength concrete mix using local materials

The usage of high strength glass fiber reinforced concrete (HSGFRC) in the construction applications has been increasing worldwide. Especially in plain concrete due to it is less ductility and high brittle behavior. Use of fiber in plain concrete treating shrinkage cracking as well improve tensile behavior. On the other hand, glass fiber material has some advantage like alkali resistance and light weight compared to steel. Due to these advantages researchers prepared glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) to improve concrete properties. GFRC is composed of fine sand, cement, water, admixtures and alkali-resistant glass fibers (AR-GF). The main objective of this research is to study the effect of addition of alkali resistant glass fiber reinforced polymer (AR-GFRP) in concrete properties. Six different mixes were prepared using different percentage of glass fiber 0.0, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 by weight of cement the target compressive strength was calculated to be 55.2 MPa. Available materials in the local market were used. Results showed that it is possible to produce HSGFRC in Sudan using locally available materials if they are carefully selected. Based on the experimental results, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and density of HSC was found to be increase as fiber percentage increases for both ages of 7 and 28 days. The maximum 28 days compressive strength of HSC was found to be 63.81 MPa recorded in M50 F4 with 1.5 glass fiber reinforcement. The density of HSC is found to increase slightly as fiber percentage increases, density value ranged from 2.415 to 2.442 kg/m3. The maximum 28 day’s splitting tensile strength of HSC was found to be 6.45 MPa recorded in M50 F4 with 1.5 glass fiber reinforcement. It can be concluded that the use of chopped glass fiber in concrete improve the mechanical properties and ductility.

Production and Characterization of GRC-SWCNT Composites for Shell Elements

Nano-sized defects in Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) shell elements can cause damage over time, leading to mechanical and durability problems. Therefore, in this study an experimental program was conducted to investigate the application of single-walled carbon nanotube as a nano-additive material in GRC. Since there is no study on GRC-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites in the literature, the behavior of CNTs on conventional concretes was discussed. Five different GRC-SWCNT composite mixtures containing 0, 0.007, 0.010, 0.015 and 0.020 wt.% single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) were obtained. Calcined kaolin and acrylic polymer were used as pozzolanic and chemical modification materials in the mixtures, respectively. Workability, density, capillarity, pressure, flexural, tensile, impact, Leeb hardness and FE-SEM tests of the produced samples were carried out. According to the results obtained, the optimum SWCNT ratio in GRC mixtures was found to be 0.015 %. It was observed that there was a linear relationship between the mechanical results. FE-SEM images confirmed that SWCNTs act as bridges for micro-cracks and reinforce the microstructure.

Digital fabrication of ribbed concrete shells using automated robotic concrete spraying

Doubly-curved ribbed concrete shells are a materially efficient means of spanning large areas such as roofs and floors. However, the fabrication of such structures poses challenges in terms of formwork manufacturing as well as material deposition. This has led to their decline compared to more prismatic shapes such as flat slabs which can be manufactured more economically. This paper presents a novel fabrication process called Automated Robotic Concrete Spraying (ARCS) by which glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) is sprayed onto a curved formwork to create thin shell components of variable thickness. The trajectory planning and generation algorithm developed and implemented in ARCS to create such components is presented. Two sets of prototype shells were fabricated: one which forms the segments of a larger structural floor demonstrator and another consisting of a single component with deep ribs on a thin shell. The sequencing used to generate the spray paths for each component is outlined, with each prototype using two different strategies to add ribs onto the fabricated shells. While the fabrication process has been used in conjunction with a pin-bed mould actuating flexible formwork to create the spraying surface, the trajectory planning approach is adaptable enough such that any formwork can be utilised. Combined with the output speed of material deposition, ARCS offers the potential to enable mass production and customisation of doubly-curved ribbed structural concrete shells of variable thickness as an industrial process at an architectural scale. • A new fabrication process to create curved concrete shells with ribs is presented. • A robotic trajectory planning algorithm leveraging isolines of geodesics was formulated. • Two sets of ribbed concrete shell prototypes were fabricated using the process developed. • The high throughput of the fabrication process lends itself to offsite mass production.

Beton ultravisoke čvrstoće pojačan staklenim vlaknima sa silicijskom prašinom

Conventional glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) has wide applications in high-rise buildings, bridges, and renovation works. In this study, ultra-high-strength glass fiber reinforced concrete (UHS-GFRC) mixtures were developed to minimize the size of the structural members. The percentage of glass fiber was varied as 0%, 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.09%, and 0.12%. In this investigation, ten beams were cast and tested, with two span-to-effective-depth (a/d) ratios of 1.6 and 2. All the tested specimens attained their respective strengths; however, the strength values varied. Specifically, the specimens reinforced with 0.09% and 0.06% of glass fiber exhibited the highest flexural and shear strengths, respectively. The results obtained in this study can be utilized to select optimum mixtures of UHS-GFRC under satisfying service conditions.

A comparative analysis of the corrosion characteristics of electro-galvanized steel coated with epoxy zinc-free and zinc-rich coatings in 5% NaCl

Anchor elements and pad hooks are used to attach large or small parts made of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels to the main structure of a building. The protection of these metallic parts is important to avoid corrosion. This work aims to compare the protection ability of normal epoxy and zinc-rich coatings (96% Zn) against chloride-induced corrosion of GFRC electrogalvanized pad hooks. The ASTM B117 salt spray test methods supported by SEM and EDAX surface analysis were adopted. The influence of surface treatment on coating thickness and performance was also considered. The results obtained show that the normal epoxy coatings are unsuitable for the studied pad hooks. Corrosion progressed under the coatings. Surface pre-treatment has a significant effect on the thickness of coatings. The average thickness of a two-coats untreated, sandblasted, and wire brushed pad hook zinc-rich coated layer is 39.27 µm, 117.8 µm, and 228.2 µm. The sandblasted pad hooks coated with zinc-rich coatings exhibit high corrosion resistance after the salt spray test. The EDAX results reveal that the surface products on the sandblasted zinc-rich coatings were devoid of the main substrate components, namely Fe, Si, and Mn but consisted of 2.43 wt.% O, 0.53 wt.% Cl, and 96.49 wt.% Zn. The absence of these elements implies no corrosion and effective corrosion prevention by zinc-rich coatings. Visual observation and SEM images corroborate the EDAX results. However, the thickness of the sand-blasted zinc-rich coated surface increased from 117.8 µm to 306.2 µm due to the formation of ZnO. Zinc-rich coatings are recommended for the protection of GFRC electrogalvanized hooks and elements.

Glass Fibers Reinforced Concrete: Overview on Mechanical, Durability and Microstructure Analysis

Prior studies in the literature show promising results regarding the improvements in strength and durability of concrete upon incorporation of glass fibers into concrete formulations. However, the knowledge regarding glass fiber usage in concrete is scattered. Moreover, this makes it challenging to understand the behavior of glass fiber-reinforced concrete. Therefore, a detailed review is required on glass fiber-reinforced concrete. This paper provides a compressive analysis of glass fiber-reinforced composites. All-important properties of concrete such as flowability, compressive, flexural, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were presented in this review article. Furthermore, durability aspects such as chloride ion penetration, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and acid resistance were also considered. Finally, the bond strength of the fiber and cement paste was examined via scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that glass fibers improved concrete’s strength and durability but decreased the concrete’s flowability. Higher glass fiber doses slightly decreased the mechanical performance of concrete due to lack of workability. The typical optimum dose is recommended at 2.0%. However, a higher dose of plasticizer was recommended for a higher dose of glass fiber (beyond 2.0%). The review also identifies research gaps that should be addressed in future studies.

Analysis of the Self-Cleaning Potential of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) with TiO2 Nanoparticles

The materials used in civil construction are undergoing significant advances to achieve reduced maintenance and increased durability. This study analyzed the self-cleaning potential of Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in contents of 3, 5, and 7% with respect to the mass of cement. We evaluated the self-cleaning GRC plates and the compressive and flexural strength of cylindrical and prismatic specimens. Prepared GRC sample plates were stained with dye solution (rhodamine B and methylene blue) and exposed to the four cardinal solar orientations of a building façade (north, south, east, and west) at different inclination angles (0°, 45°, and 90°) with respect to ground level. Results showed that the samples that presented the greatest performance were plates positioned in a north orientation and inclined at 0° in relation to ground level. The inclusion of TiO2 positively affected the consistency of the mixtures and improved the properties of the GRC in the hardened state. Measured rupture stresses were greater than 100 MPa in compressive strength and 20 MPa in flexure. The results of this study showed that the introduction of TiO2 in concrete with high strengths did have great relevance for the self-cleaning of white concrete.

Theoretical and Experimental Substantiation of the Efficiency of Combined-Reinforced Glass Fiber Polymer Composite Concrete Elements in Bending.

An essential problem of current construction engineering is the search for ways to obtain lightweight building structures with improved characteristics. The relevant way is the use of polymer composite reinforcement and concrete with high classes and prime characteristics. The purpose of this work is the theoretical and experimental substantiation of the effectiveness of combined-reinforced glass fiber polymer composite concrete (GFPCC) bending elements, and new recipe, technological and design solutions. We theoretically and experimentally substantiated the effectiveness of GFPCC bending elements from the point of view of three aspects: prescription, technological and constructive. An improvement in the structure and characteristics of glass fiber-reinforced concrete and GFPCC bending elements of a new type has been proven: the compressive strength of glass fiber-reinforced concrete has been increased up to 20%, and the efficiency of GFPCC bending elements is comparable to the concrete bending elements with steel reinforcement of class A1000 and higher. An improvement in the performance of the design due to the synergistic effect of fiber reinforcement of bending elements in combination with polymer composite reinforcement with rods was revealed. The synergistic effect with optimal recipe and technological parameters is due to the combined effect of dispersed fiber, which strengthens concrete at the micro level, and polymer composite reinforcement, which significantly increases the bearing capacity of the element at the macro level. Analytical dependences of the type of functions of the characteristics of bent concrete structures on the arguments—the parameters of the combined reinforcement with fiber and polymer composite reinforcement—are proposed. The synergistic effect of such a development is described, a new controlled significant coefficient of synergistic efficiency of combined reinforcement is proposed. From an economic point of view, the cost of the developed elements has been reduced and is economically more profitable (up to 300%).

Study on the Effect of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete and Concrete Tiles Reinforced Concrete

Abstract: The objective of this research is to explore the compressive strength, split-tensile strength and flexural strength properties of concrete reinforced with short discrete fibers. The study will be carried out on M-20 grade concrete and the size of glass fibers will be used 30mm and variation of fibre will be 0% to 0.3% of the total weight of concrete. also the effect of glass fiber on cement and concrete tiles will be studied whose fibre content will be varied from 0% to 0.7% of the total weight of concrete. Keywords: GFRC, Concrete tiles, Cement Matrix, MORTH

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, and Fiber Degradation of Naturally Aged Glass Fiber and Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.

The main objective of this study is to better understand the performance changes of naturally aged glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PPFRC), especially the degradation of fibers, which is of great significance for evaluating the durability of structures using these two types of composite materials. The mechanical properties, water absorption, and microstructures of GFRC and PPFRC at a curing age of three years, including their compressive strength, full curves of water absorption, fiber-matrix interaction, and fiber degradation, were systematically studied, and the related properties were compared with those at the curing age of 28 days. The degradation of fibers after freeze-thaw cycles was also studied. The results revealed the following. The water/binder ratio (w/b) affects the rate of increase of the long-term compressive strength of naturally aged concrete. In general, the water absorption of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) at the curing age of three years was found to be significantly reduced, but with the increases of w/b and the fiber content to the maximum values, the water absorption of the specimens cured for three years was higher than that of the specimens cured for 28 days. Moreover, with the increase of the curing age, the optimal glass fiber (GF) contents for reducing the water absorption decreased from 1.35% to 0.90% (w/b = 0.30), and from 0.90% to 0.45% (w/b = 0.35), respectively. The GF surface was degraded into continuous pits with diameters of about 200 to 600 nm, and the surface of the pits was attached with spherical granular C-S-H gel products with diameters of about 30 to 44 nm. The freeze-thaw cycles were found to have no significant effect on the pits on the GF surface and the granular C-S-H gel products attached to the pits, but caused a portion of the cement matrix covering the GF to fall off. The interfacial bonding between the polypropylene fiber (PPF) and the cement matrix exhibited almost no change in the PPFRC after three years of curing as compared with that after 28 days of curing. Furthermore, the cement hydration gel on the PPF surface was not significantly damaged by 150 freeze-thaw cycles.

Research Progress in Environmental Response of Fiber Concrete and Its Functional Mechanisms

Smart fiber reinforced concretes (FRC) are good in intelligent environmental response. With the smart FRC being used in buildings such as bridges and tunnels, the real-time online distributed monitoring of concrete state can be realized. It provides an excellent solution to reduce the emergencies caused by the accumulation of damages, resistance attenuation, etc. This paper analyzes smart FRC’s self-sensing and self-healing response characteristics under different environmental response fields. Furthermore, the intelligent response mechanism of smart carbon fiber reinforced concrete (CFRC), optical fiber reinforced concrete (OFRC), glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), and nanofiber reinforced concrete (NFRC) would be summarized. The response fields include the stress field, temperature field, electromagnetic field, chemical field, and humidity field, among which the field response mechanism of smart NFRC is classified and summarized. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages, the intelligent response parameters, and the applications of smart FRC under different environmental fields are compared.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete as a Durable and Enhanced Material for Structural and Architectural Elements in Smart City-A Review.

The article highlights that glass fiber reinforced concretes (GFRC) can meet the requirements of Smart City better than ordinary concretes. The comprehensive discussion on GFRC composition is presented together with the review of glass fibers’ influence on various concrete properties. First of all, because of their bridging abilities, they can limit the width, length, and total area of cracks. Additionally, GFRC are characterized by enhanced tensile, flexural, and splitting strength; impact, abrasion, spalling, fire, and freeze-thaw resistance as well as ductility, toughness, and permeability. All of this positively influences the mechanical behavior, durability, and corrosion resistance of concrete elements. Moreover, decreased thermal conductivity allows for better energy performance from the building’s point of view. This results in cheaper structures both in manufacturing and maintaining even though GFRC are more expensive materials. However, mechanical properties enhance as long as sufficient workability and uniform fiber distribution are assured. From the environmental point of view, GFRC are eco-friendlier materials than ordinary concretes since their application can decrease the emission of CO2 by 17%. The article also describes the GFRC application fields and emphasizes the possibility of the creation of not only structural elements mainly intended for load transferring but also elements accompanying the building process, as well as elements of small architecture that make public spaces more attractive, durable, and safer. Owing to greater design and shaping freedom, GFRC can also better fulfill the needs of habitants of Smart City.

Experimental Investigation on the Behavior of Hollow-Core Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Columns with GFRP Bars

Experimental Investigation on the Behavior of Hollow-Core Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Columns with GFRP Bars

Effects of basalt and glass fiber composites usage for strengthening on the cyclic behavior of brick infill walls

In the current study, the effects of 10 mm bilaterally applied basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BRC) and glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) plasters with different fiber content (1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0%) on the behavior of the brick infill walls were investigated. For this purpose, strengthened brick infill walls placed in a hinged steel frame on all four corners were examined comparatively with their non-plastered and ordinary cement plastered conditions under cyclic loading. The load carrying capacities, displacement ductility, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacities of infill walls were determined using obtained results. The test results showed that brick walls with 1.0% glass fiber and 2.0% basalt fiber content showed the best performance in terms of load carrying and energy dissipation capacity. Also brick wall with 1.0% glass fiber content has the lowest stiffness degradation decrease at the ultimate drift ratio. In addition to all these, it has been observed that the mechanical behavior of the walls strengthened with plasters containing different percentages of fiber has improved considerably compered to non-plastered and ordinary cement plastered brick walls. This situation reveals that basalt and glass fiber plasters can be used to strengthen the walls. It is recommended that this method can be used quickly and effectively in the reinforcement of masonry structures, which have a large amount in the existing building stock.

Development of a maturity method for GFRC shell concretes with different fiber ratios

The use of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) in the construction industry is increasing due to its mechanical and physical properties. Waiting time of concrete in the mold and the removal of the mold at the right time are important in terms of strength. In conventional concretes, maturity models are widely used as a non-destructive method for early strength estimate. In this study, it is aimed to develop an estimate model of flexural and compressive strength in GFRCs using the maturity index method. In this context, glass fiber reinforced concretes were produced at the rates of 0%, 1%, 2% and 3%. Calcined kaolin and acrylic polymer were used as modification materials in the mixtures. Properties such as compressive, flexural, hardness, and shrinkage of specimens were investigated at different ages. The maturity-strength relationships of mixtures at different ages were examined by weighted maturity and Nurse-Saul methods. At the end of the study, two new models were developed to estimate the compressive and flexural strengths of GFRCs, taking into account all the data. The suggested models have been confirmed by examining them on all mix-age groups and comparing them with the literature.

Comparison Between Scheffe’s Second Degree (5,2) And Third Degree (5,3) Polynomial Models In The Optimization Of Compressive Strength Of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)

Purpose: This research work aimed at formulating an optimization model based on Scheffe’s Third Degree Polynomial (5,3) that can be used to optimize the compressive strength of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), which is then compared to Scheffe’s Second Degree Polynomial (5,2) formulation developed by Nwachukwu and others (2017) .
 Methodology: Using Scheffe’s Simplex method, the compressive strength of GFRC was determined for different ratios. Control experiments were also carried out and the compressive strength determined. After the tests have been conducted, the adequacy of the model was tested using fisher’s f-test and the result of the test shows a good correlation between the model and control results. 
 Findings: Optimum compressive strength for the Scheffe’s (5,3) model was obtained as 21.82 N/mm2. This is slightly higher than the optimum compressive strength for Scheffe’s (5,2) model which was obtained as 20.71 N/mm2 by Nwachukwu and others (2017). Since structural concrete elements are generally made with concrete having a compressive strength of 20 to 35 MPa (or 20 to35 N/mm2 ), it then means that optimized GFRC based on both Scheffe’s models can produce the required compressive strength needed in major construction projects such as bridges and light-weight structures.
 Recommendations: Major stakeholders in the construction industry are therefore advised to use optimized GFRC as it is far cheaper and still possess the required strength needed for construction works.

A review of the implementations of glass fiber in concrete technology

Concrete Technology is the science and art of proportioning raw materials in order to produce concrete that satisfies specified mechanical, stiffness, and workability specifications. That is, evaluating the properties of concrete and its components under a variety of conditions and mixtures. Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is reinforced by the irregular, isolated, and evenly distributed fibres. FRC is available in a variety of forms and qualities, offers numerous benefits, and is a one-of-a-kind reinforcing material. Fibrous material strengthens the structure of FRC. It is composed of thousands of tiny discrete fibres that are randomly oriented and dispersed. Cement and alkali-resistant glass fibres are used to make glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC). The fibres are used to reinforce reinforced concrete in place of steel reinforcing bars, adding flexural, tensile, and impact strength. This enables the production of structural concrete products such as wall panels that are both strong and lightweight. GFRC can also be used to create beautiful concrete products such as façade wall panels and concrete work surfaces. Due to its adaptability, durability, and light weight, the majority of concrete experts use GFRC. The article's primary objective is to educate the public about new, practical, and cost-effective technology. The article's primary objective is to inform readers about emerging low-cost technologies. Additionally, the paper discusses current GFRC applications.

Production efficiency in handicrafts manufacturing on the example of decorative ceramics: the use of training for making craft products made of glass fiber reinforced concrete

This study aims to determine the benefits of training in making decorative pots with GFRC material to increase production time efficiency. The glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is a material technology in the manufacture of handicrafts using a mixture of cement, milk, and glass fiber. Training to make handicrafts from GFRC material is one alternative to increase the efficiency of ornamental pot products. This study used the descriptive qualitative method. The research was carried out in a special area of Yogyakarta by involving 20 members of the Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft Industry Association (ASMINDO) Yogyakarta. Data were obtained by direct observation of the training activities carried out. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, tabulation, data presentation, and concluding. The results showed that the training was carried out by considering the curriculum, training materials and methods, experimental processes, and production efficiency. Participants were able to make four new pot models according to the trend of craft product design. New models and manufacturing methods can be used as a reference to produce shapes and finishes. The participants felt the benefits and applied this technique in the craft production process. Therefore, the effectiveness of productivity and the economy and welfare can be increased in MSMEs in Yogyakarta.

Proposals for the revitalization of prefabricated building facades in terms of the principles of sustainable development and social participation

The article presents contemporary architectural context of the prefabricated in Large Panel System (LPS) housing estates and three aspects that should be complementary to each other during design revitalization processes: socio-economic, architectural and urban planning and sustainable development. Contemporary revitalization methods have been presented in widely considered examples. Two proprietary revitalization proposals have been developed through the developmental path of the stacked, prefabricated balcony system using Glassfiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) and the concept of a hybrid façade as an alternative to External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) - with the use of a textured layer of three-layer walls as a façade finish in a ventilated façade system. Possibilities of reducing heat losses by penetration and leveling of thermal bridges in the window joinery installation zone were indicated in the research, which is directly proportional to the reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. In the discussion section the possibility of promoting further research on the use of the greenhouse effect of winter gardens installed in the facade zone was emphasized. The summary presents a program of good practices and revitalization methods related to the research on the proposed ways of achieving them.