Fracture properties and impact resistance of self-compacting fiber reinforced concrete (SCFRC)

This study was aimed at investigating the impact strength and fracture properties of self-compacting concrete reinforced with basalt fiber (BF), glass fiber (GF) and polypropylene fiber (PPF). In the study, BF, GF and PPF, each at a time, were added to the concrete in volume fractions of 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25% and 0.30% for the purpose of determining their impact on the properties of fresh and hardened self-compacting fiber reinforced concrete (SCFRC). Experimental research consisted of a series of tests performed on cube, disk and notched prismatic samples. On fresh SCFRC, slump-flow, V-funnel and L-box tests were performed. Additionally, properties such as compressive and flexural strength, impact resistance, toughness and fracture energy were examined on the hardened samples. Results showed that addition of BF, GF and PPF all increased the flexural strength, impact resistance and fracture energy, whereas the no obvious change in compressive strength was observed. In contrast to the expectations, PPF mixtures exhibited higher impact resistance and fracture energy values than did the BF and GF ones.