Strain capacity and flexural strength behavior of bendable concrete produced with different polymeric fibers

Abstract

composite concrete of three grades of strengths, 30, 45, and 60 MPa, were produced. Results revealed that mixes of 60 MPa with 2% PVA fibers recorded the highes t strain capacity, which reached (17.6%) com pared to mixes of 60 MPa with 2% PP fibers. The maximum enhancement in the flexural strength was (4.3%),(6%), and (23%) for mixes of 30 MPa, 45 MPa and 60 MPa. This enhancement may open the horizon for using high-strength engineered cementitious composite concrete reinforced with PVA fibers in structural applications exposed to flexural strength, providing a lighter weight due to the exclusion of bar reinforcement. Also, its high strain capacity reduces the tendency for microcracks formation. The standard deviation error bars for the average flexural strengths of bendable concrete mixes with different fiber contents and types show no differences when comparing the same strength and fiber types. For example, mixes of 60 MPa with PVA fibers give less than 2 MPa standard deviation when compared for different fiber volume fractions.