The Effect of Partial Replacement of Cement with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and Polypropylene Fibers (PPF) on Fresh, Hardened, and Durability Properties of Concrete

This research aims to investigate the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete with diatomaceous earth (DE) and polypropylene fiber (PPF). The cement was partially replaced by DE in the concentration ranging from 5 to 20% by weight; whereas, PPF was incorporated in concrete mix as in range of 0.05-0.20% by cement weight. Totally, 25 different mix proportions were developed and their fresh properties were examined using slump, density and compacting factor tests. Besides, mechanical properties were evaluated by. Using compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength analysis at the ages of 7th, 14th and 28th days. Furthermore, concrete durability properties were evaluated using water penetration, chloride permeability as well as sorptivity tests, which have been performed at the age of 28th day. The result exhibits that the incorporation of D.E slightly affects the slump value meanwhile PPF decreases the fresh values. Furthermore, the combination of DE and PPF in concrete significantly enhances the mechanical properties compared to the control mix. The mix proportion of 15% DE and 0.15% of PPF exhibited a noticeable influence on mechanical properties as well as durability properties compare to control concrete.