Lightweight self consolidating fiber reinforced concrete

The object of this research was to determine the effects steel and polypropylene fibers have on the fresh and mechanical properties of a lightweight self consolidating concrete (LWSCC). Secondary objectives were to determine which of the two chosen fibers yield superior results, and to determine approximate optimal fiber content by volume. A LWSCC mix was developed for the control mix using a design procedure based on the volumetric method. Two fibers, steel and polypropylene, were chosen for this research. Each fiber type had two different densities by volume creating a total of five mixes including the control. All mixes were tested for workability, passing ability, density, compressive strength, elastic modulus, splitting tension, and flexural strength. All tests were performed in accordance with the appropriate ASTM specification. Overall, fiber specimens performed better than the control in splitting tension, compression, and flexural strength testing since they could hold a residual load. Effect on modulus of elasticity and workability was minimal. Fibers did increase the density of the samples; however the equilibrium density of all mixes fell into acceptable ranges. Passing ability was greatly affected by the addition of fibers; however simple adjustments in mix proportion could easily resolve this issue. The steel samples outperformed the polypropylene samples. More specifically the Steel30 samples produced the best results.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Johanna Paulette Doukaki