Characterization and mixing sequence to enhance glass fiber performance in cement mixture

Abstract

A straightforward mixing approach that involves incorporating glass fiber into cement-based materials is frequently carried out at construction sites. This practice can have adverse effects on both the fresh and hardened properties of cement mixtures. The lack of quality control measures often leads to the production of fiber-reinforced cement mixtures that do not perform as intended. Additionally, the inherent variations in commercially available glass fibers of the same type add complexity to mixing, making it difficult to consistently reproduce desired effects for in situ casting. Therefore, this research aims to accomplish three main objectives. Firstly, characterizing E-glass and AR-glass fibers to enable a practical replication of performance using these specific variants. Secondly, assessing the impact of five different mixing methods on water absorption, flowability, setting time, compressive, and flexural strength in cement mixtures embedded with these glass fibers. Lastly, evaluating the fiber-matrix interaction within the hardened samples for each mixing method. The results revealed that various mixing methods yielded distinct advantages in the fresh and hardened properties. This highlights the variability in mixing approaches, indicating that the choice of method should be tailored to meet the specific construction requirements of engineers. In essence, the study underscores the importance of selecting an appropriate mixing technique based on the desired outcomes for both the fresh and hardened states of cement mixtures.