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Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cellulose Fiber- and Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete

  • Technical Note-Civil Engineering
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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of cellulose fiber (CF) as a natural waste, glass fiber (GF), and polypropylene fiber (PPF) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of high-strength concrete (HSC). The analysis of the results focused on two main parameters: fiber type and fiber proportion. The study revealed that the proportion of the greatest improvement in compressive strength was 0.5% for GF, CF, and PPF, resulting in increases of 14.46%, 4.62%, and 3.43%, respectively. In terms of the splitting tensile strength, the proportion resulting in the greatest improvement was 1% for GF, while 0.5% for CF and PPF led to increases of 26.92%, 15.38%, and 11.54%, respectively. The proportion with the greatest improvement in flexural strength was 1% for GF and CF, showing increases of 29.41% and 9.8%, respectively. Additionally, a proportion of 0.5% PPF resulted in an 11.76% increase in flexural strength. For the density proportions of GF, CF, and PPF at 1%, the density was greater than 0.5%, leading to an inverse relationship with water absorption as density increased and water absorption decreased. SEM examination of the microstructure clearly revealed strong bonding between the GF and the cement matrix, while the CF displayed bonding and hydration products on its surface. PPF was observed to be cemented within the matrix, with microcracks identified in certain areas. These findings suggest that when utilized in appropriate proportions, all three types of fibers can serve as effective reinforcing materials, enhancing and refining the mechanical properties of HSC.

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Acknowledgements

The work was supported by the Faculty of Engineering Research Fund, Thammasat University and this research project was also supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fundamental Fund fiscal year 2024, Thammasat University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thammasat Research Unit in Structural and Foundation Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumtani, Thailand

    Panisa Sangkeaw, Chanachai Thongchom & Suraparb Keawsawasvong

  2. Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Lapyote Prasittisopin

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  1. Panisa Sangkeaw
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  2. Chanachai Thongchom
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  3. Suraparb Keawsawasvong
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Contributions

Conceptualization, S.P. and T.C.; methodology, S.P. and T.C.; validation, S.P., T.C. and K.S.; formal analysis, S.P.; investigation, K.S. and P.L.; writing—original draft preparation, S.P. and T.C.; writing—review and editing, K.S. and P.L.; supervision, T.C. and P.L.; project administration, T.C. and K.S.; funding acquisition, S.P., T.C., and K.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Chanachai Thongchom.

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Sangkeaw, P., Thongchom, C., Keawsawasvong, S. et al. Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Cellulose Fiber- and Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced High-Strength Concrete. Arab J Sci Eng (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-08982-y

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