Combined Effect of Glass Fiber and Polypropylene Fiber on Mechanical Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete

Self-compacting concrete is a state-of-the-art technology actively used all over the world in the construction field. This concrete, which has high performance, can be used for casting heavily reinforced sections, in places where vibrators have restricted access for compaction and when complex shapes of formwork are used. Otherwise it may be impossible to cast and the obtained surface is superior to the one achieved with the use of conventional concrete. On the other hand, using various types of fibers can enhance mechanical and dynamical characteristics of concrete as well as reduce cracking in concrete. In this study, we research both combined and individual effects of polypropylene and glass fiber on mechanical and rheological properties of self-compacting concrete. In order to do so, 10 specimens have been made including those containing (A) polypropylene fiber with volume fraction of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and glass fiber with volume fraction of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and (B) combined polypropylene and glass fiber. The results of these experiments have shown that combined polypropylene and glass fiber can enhance tensile and bending strengths. In addition, these additives dramatically increases toughness of concrete.