Assessment of synergetic effect on microscopic and mechanical properties of steel-polypropylene hybrid fiber reinforced concrete

Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is presently being replaced with plain concrete for its superior performance. In most cases, FRC contains just a single kind of fiber. The utilization of at least two kinds of fibers in an appropriate mix can possibly improve the mechanical properties of concrete and result in performance synergy. This paper explores the effect of using steel fiber and polypropylene fiber for reinforcing the concrete to quantify the mechanical properties of the concrete composite. The purpose of this research was to analyze the flexural strength, tensile strength, sorptivity and elasticity modulus of steel, and polypropylene hybrid fiber composite. Crimped steel fibers in conjunction with polypropylene fiber at different volume fractions were utilized. A nondestructive methodology in light of ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements was utilized to evaluate the dynamic elastic modulus. The scanning electron microscope was used to assess the properties of the concrete mixtures, the interfacial bond between fiber and the concrete matrix. The results were analyzed to evaluate fiber synergy if any associated with different volume fractions of fiber. The paper identifies the volume fraction of hybrid fiber that demonstrates maximum synergy under the essential mechanical properties of steel-polypropylene hybrid fiber reinforced concrete.