Complete Experimental Investigation for Short Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Cement Mortars

Abstract:

In this study we investigate the addition of short polypropylene (PP) fibers in cement mortars for a wide volume percentage range. These fibers are dispersed easily in fresh mortar and create a dense network, whereas have as result the cracking reduction during dry shrinkage and the improvement of post peak response. A modified superplasticizer by lignosulfonate polymers basis was used, that keeps at low level the water to cement ratio and thus resulting to an improved mortar’s workability. Compressive strength, three-point flexural strength, drying shrinkage of hardened mortar, flow table test and air content of fresh mortar were studied in a range of volume percentages. The experimental response according to volume percentage was approximated by suitably attached theoretical models. The comparison of the obtained experimental values was done with unreinforced specimens as reference samples. From results elaboration it is concluded that the addition of PP fibers in cementitious mortars improves mortars post-peak response but weaken their compressive and flexural strengths and worsen their workability.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 902)
• Pages: 161-168
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.902.161
• Online since: October 2021
• Authors: Nikolaos D. Nikoloutsopoulos, Zacharias G. Pandermarakis*, Aikaterini Papadioti, Panagiotis Douvis
• Keywords: Cement Mortar, Compressive Strength, Dry Shrinkage, Elastic Modulus, Flexural Strength, Mori – Tanaka, Polypropylene Short Fiber Composite, Porosity, Shear-Lag Model, Ultrasonic Test

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