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Abstract

The inclusion of fibres can improve the brittle fracture characteristics of concrete. Recently polypropylene fibres (PPFs) have been widely used in civil applications. Due to steel fibre's (SFs) exposure to corrosion and natural fibre durability issues. The construction industry is demanding sustainable materials to meet the relevant SDGs. Thus, this work aims to assess polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete (PPFRC) based not only on mechanical properties but also on environmental impact and cost. The assessment integrates steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) as a benchmark material for comparison. Also, hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC) is considered to fill the gap in the literature.
The fibre dosage considered was 0.2% and 0.5% to investigate the effect of different fibres on workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, residual flexural strength, and flexural toughness. The test results revealed that SFRC dosage of 0.5% overall performed well on the different mechanical properties compared to PPFRC. For instance, the flexural strength improved by 28.2%. However, through the sustainable assessment, it was found for a dosage of 0.5%. SFs increase carbon emission and cost, by 450% and 151% respectively when compared to PPFs. On the other hand, HFRC exhibited similar mechanical performance, especially in the post-cracking region, produced significantly less carbon emission and was more cost-effective than SFRC for a dosage of 0.5%. This study reveals the benefits of partial substitution of PPF with SF to achieve FRC solution that exhibits high strength and is sustainable.

Course: Civil Engineering - BEng (Hons) - C0177

Date Deposited: 2023-07-13

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14153.html