Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Concrete is a basic material for civil engineering construction. All basic ingredients of
concrete are natural. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative concrete that does not
require vibration for placing and compaction. It is able to flow under its own weight,
completely filling formwork and achieving full compaction, even in the presence of
congested reinforcement. The hardened concrete is dense, homogeneous and has the same
engineering properties and durability as traditional vibrated concrete. The elimination of
vibrating equipment improves the environment on and near construction and precast sites
where concrete is being placed, reducing the exposure of workers to noise and vibration. The
improved construction practice and performance, combined with the health and safety
benefits, make SCC a very attractive solution for both precast concrete and civil engineering
construction. The increase in fines content and usage of admixtures make SCC more sensitive
with reduced robustness when compared with normal concrete requiring more understanding
and greater quality control. But the properties of concrete can be change by adding some
plastic fibre. The concrete has many advantageous properties such as good compressive
strength, durability, specific gravity and fire resistance but tensile strength of the concrete is
very much low means it can be neglected. But tensile property of the SCC can be increase by
addition of plastic or flex fibre. The use of flex has increases substantially all over the world
it leads to create large quantities of plastic-based waste. Plastic waste is the one of the
challenge to dispose and manage as it is non-biodegradable material which is harmful to our
environment and to human health.

Landfill sites are becoming overcrowded and expensive for waste disposal, efforts are
made to minimize the quantities of materials that are delivered to landfills. The threat due to
leaching of non-biodegradable materials like waste plastics, scrap tyres, e-waste may
contaminate the soil and ground water. Hence arise the importance of utilization of waste
materials for the modification of other usable materials. Flex board is made up of PVC which
isn’t recyclable till now. National Green Tribunal banned the use of flex fibre all over the
India, yet 15000 to 20000 tons of flex boards are produced in Kerala day by day. After using
all these flex boards, they were merely thrown out to environment or burnt. Since it is a non-
biodegradable, it will remain in the environment and if we burn it, produces a toxic fumes

1
which causes serious health issues like cancer and infertility. Use of flex fibre in the
modification of construction materials helps in the effective disposal of flex board as well as
environmental hazards would be reduced. The relevance not only confined in an
environmental aspect but it has an advantage is structural aspect too. Modification of SCC
with flex fibre materials will increase its strength, durability and improves other properties as
well.

2
 Chapter 2

OBJECTIVES

1. To study the effect of addition of flex fibres on SCC, since the usage of flex fibres in the
construction field helps in the disposal of flex board after use.

2. We do slump test and V-funnel to determine the filling ability of SCC when flex fibre is
used.

3. We do L box test to determine the passing ability of SCC when flex fibre is added.

4. To study the effect of compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength.

5. To determine the percentage of flex fiber which gives more strength when compared to
ordinary concrete.

6. To encourage the use of SCC in general construction and to realize the potential
economic and environmental benefits of this technology.

7. To develop ductile durable cementitious composite.

8. To produce sustainable concrete

3
 Chapter 3

LITERATURE REVIEW

In this chapter, an elaborate discussion is made regarding works done so far in this
area as literature review. Fiber reinforced self compacting concrete and ordinary concrete
with different fibers and their behavior studies are discussed here.

 Sabry A Ahmed (2012) conducted a study on Properties and meso structural

characteristics of linen fiber reinforced SCC in slender columns. In that study, he
prepared 3 types of SCC mixes, one without fiber is prepared to cast a slender column
on which experiments were carried out. Results of the fresh concrete tests in terms of
slump flow diameter and time, J-ring test and V-funnel flow time are analysed. This
effect increased with increasing linen fiber content; at maximum content the slump
flow diameter was considerably reduced, but the concrete mix contained maximum
content of linen fibers was still within the range recommended for SCC. The results of
hardened concrete properties are: Unit weight was less indicating higher compaction.
In case of compressive and splitting tensile strength, fiber inclusion improved the
mechanical properties of SCC. The disadvantage include Moderate content of linen
fibers caused a slight negative effect on the workability and self compacting
characteristics of SCC

 Rakesh Kumar D (2015) conducted another study on SCC mix design and its
comparison with conventional concrete- M 40. In the study SCC and normal concrete
of same mix ratio were prepared and tested to find their properties and were
compared. Hardened properties were improved significantly. Even though SCC have
improved it’s properties, it is not economical.
 Rathina Kala T, Jenifer J (2016) conducted study on Strength properties of SCC using
recron fibre. In the study, Workabtility of every concrete Slump flow, V-Funnel and
L-box values were measured and recorded. The workability was maximum at the
addition of 0.75% Recron Fiber with 25% replacement of Fly Ash. The workability
was decreased beyond the 0.75% addition of Recron Fiber. It isconcluded that the
Recron fiber reinforced concrete values are higher than the nominal mix. By
analysing compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength, it was

4
 observed that 0.75% is the optimum value of amount of fibre to be added. At some
point, negative impact on properties when the addition of recorn fibre exceeds 0.25%.
 Mahmoud B. A. Alhasanat, Arabi N. S. Al Qadi, Madhar Haddad, Ayah Al-Eas and
Amani Yaseen (2016) had done a critical review on The addition of plastic waste in
SCC. Different studies on SCC were compared and concluded. After all results, the
use of plastic waste as a fiber by between 1.5% and 3% improved the compressive
strength of concrete by up to 15.7%, while the addition of 5% did not show any
enhancement on concrete. It’s shortcomings include reduction of compressive
strength of concrete containing in between 10-20% of plastic waste by 10–24%
respectively and for cubes casted without using superplasticizer, compressive and
flexural strength reduces by increase in plastic waste ratio.
 Sheelan M Hama ,Nahla N (2017) conducted a study on Fresh properties of SCC
with plastic waste as partial replacement of sand. The mixes were prepared with fine
aggregates been replaced by plastic wastes of 0 , 2.5 , 5 , 7.5 , 10 and 12.5 by volume.
Slump flow diameters of this modified concrete ranging from 675 and 710 mm were
obtained for the self-compacting plastic waste concretes. Using plastic waste as partial
replacement of fine aggregate increased both T50 slump flow and V-funnel flow
times. The strength results indicated that the utilization of plastic waste in self-
compacting concrete manufacturing resulted in systematical decreasing of the
compressive strength. The coarse plastic waste utilization decreased the compressive
strength of self-compacting concrete more than the using of fine plastic waste.
 Muhamad Afif Iman , Noridah Mohamad, Abdul Aziz Abdul Samad (2017) conducted
a study on PSCC with added coir fibre. The mixes were prepared by adding coir, flax
hemp, jute, ramie and sisal fibres and the properties were analysed. They studied
about precast sandwich panel subjected under flexural load. After series of testing,
researchers found that the ultimate flexural load was influenced by the compressive
strength and thickness of the panel. The cracking of the panel was started at the
midspan later spread towards left and right zone of panel. But the treatment of coir
fibre often decreases the tensile strength of the fibre.
 Balte Sanjaykumar, S N Danul (2017) has conducted study on Use of plastic fibre in
the concrete. In the study, they Evaluated the possibility of using full bottle and
granulated plastic (PET) as partial substitute for fine aggregate and checked various
properties of SCC. Introduction of PET bottle fibers in concrete leads to enhanced

5
 tensile strength a maximum, compressive strength of concrete increased by 5%, split
tensile strength by 8% and flexural strength by 59%. But the Properties of concrete
started to diminish above the inclusion of 1.5% PET fibre volume.
 Pratyush Kumar, Rahul Roy (2017) had conducted a study on flow and flexural
properties of natural fibre reinforced SCC . In this study the mix contain materials like
Sisal & abaca fibres were prepared and tested. The experimental results indicate that
the natural fibers have a good capability of using it as a reinforcement material along
with steel for concrete mix. Both the natural fibers prove be a good workability
imparting quality but abaca fibers prove to be more efficient than sisal because of
their cellulose component which has a microfibrils formation with high tensile
strength and also due to the presence of lignin and pectin organic compounds that
helps to bind the concrete mix without segregation. But volume of fibre greater than
0.8% hybrid mixes did not satisfy the workability criteria.
 A F Angelin, R C Cecche Lintz, L A G Barbosa (2018) had conducted a study on
Fresh and hardened properties of SCC modified with light weight recycled concrete.
In this study, the concrete mixtures were prepared incorporating 0%,5% and 10% of
rubber residue replacing the small aggregate as per ACI 211.2-98(80) and cylinders
were casted. The tests of fluidity, viscosity and passing ability were performed. it was
observed that the use of the expanded clay as a large aggregate causes a greater rolling
effect in the concrete, guaranteeing the desired fluidity. it can be observed that there is
a decrease in the concrete mass of the concretes as the quantity increases of rubber in
the mixtures, this occurs due to the low density and the formation of a film of air
around the rubber. But the amount of expanded clay and rubber used in this research
did not contribute to the production of light parts
 Hisham Qasrawi (2018) had conducted a study on Effect of recycled slag coarse
aggregate on the fresh properties of SCC. The tests were conducted on different
mixes formed by varying the SSA to natural aggregate ratios ( 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%,
100%). They observed that under the same conditions, up to 50% of the normal coarse
aggregate can be replaced by SSA without adverse effects on the stability or -
flowability of SCC. Higher replacement ratios (above 50%) can also be used but
would result in increase in the costs of the mixes. e use of SSA in concrete increases
air content in fresh mixes and it’s fresh density. However, this increase is small for

6
SSA ratios not exceeding 50%. Also, the addition of SSA reduced the slump flow,
hence the workability.

7
 Chapter 4

METHODOLOGY

The methodology adopted in this investigation involves the development of flex

induced scc with an intensive experimental program which involves casting and testing of
specimens to evaluate the engineering properties. The behaviors of specimens under
compressive and tensile conditions were investigated.

4.1 General

Since the scope of the present investigation is to study the strength and behavior of SCC large
scale structural elements, an attempt has been made to develop Self Compacting Concrete
(SCC) with locally available materials to start with.

4.2 Materials

The materials used in the study includes ordinary Portland cement, fine aggregate, coarse
aggregate, superplaticizer, water and flex materials.

4.2.1 Cement

Ordinary Portland cement of 53 Grade, conforming to IS: 12269-1987 was used in this study.
Test were conducted to determine the initial setting time, specific gravity, standard
consistency and fineness.

a) Specific gravity : specific gravity defines that the substance is how much heavier
than water or reference substance of the same volume. The specific gravity of cement
ranging from 3.1 to 3.16 g/cc. As per Le Chatelier’s Principle specific gravity of
cement is determined by Le Chateliers’s Flask method. IS code for specific gravity
test is IS 2720- Part 3.
b) Fineness of cement: Fineness is the measure of total surface area of the content. The
fineness of cement is measured by sieving it on standard sieves. The proportion of
cement of which the grain sizes are larger than the specified mesh size is thus
determined.

8
 c) Initial and final setting time of cement : As per IS: 4031 (Part 5 )-1988 , initial and
final setting time of cement is calculated using VICAT apparatus conforming to
IS:5513-1976. The time period elapsed between the moment water is added to the
cement and the time, the needle fails to penetrate the mould of 5mm when measured
from the bottom of the mould, is the initial setting time of the cement. The time period
between the moment wate is added to the cement and the tie at which the needle
makes an impression on the surface of the mould, while the attachment fails to do so,
is the final setting time of the cement.
d) Standard consistency : The standard consistency of cement paste is defined as that
consistency which will permit the vicat plunger to penetrate to a point 5 to 7 mm from
the bottom of the vicat mould.

Table 4.1 Properties of cement

Properties Value

Fineness -

Specific gravity 3.15

Bulk density 1450

Water absorption -

Initial setting time 30 minutes

Final setting time 360 minutes

Standard consistency 32.33 %

4.2.2 Fly ash

Fly ash is also known as pulverized fuel ash, is a coal combustion product that is composed
of the particulates that are driven out of coal fired boilers together with the flue gases.
Depending upon the source and composition of the coal being burned, the components of fly
ash very considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide,
aluminum oxide an calcium oxide, the main mineral compounds in coal bearing rock strata.
Class F fly ash as per ASTM C618 was used.

9
 Table 4.2 Properties of flyash

PARTICULARS SPECIFIC BULK WATER FINENESS

GRAVITY DENSITY ABSORPTION MODULUS
(Kg/m3)
(%)

Fly ash 2.2 909.76 - -

4.2.3 Fine aggregate

Crushed stone sand with size 150 microns and 4.75mm is used as fine aggregate. Test were
conducted on the fine aggregate as per IS 383- Part 3 1970. Zone II fine aggregates were
used.

Table 4.3 Properties of fine aggregate

PARTICULARS SPECIFIC BULK WATER FINENESS

GRAVITY DENSITY ABSORPTION MODULUS
(Kg/m3)
(%)

Fine aggregate 2.85 1156 3.51 2.4

Table 4.4 Grading of fine aggregate

Sieve weight retained % retained % passing

(cumulative)
in kg

4.75mm 0.047 4.7 95.3

2.36mm 0.237 23.7 76.3

1.18mm 0.434 43.4 56.6

600 micron 0.583 58.3 41.7

10
 300 micron 0.877 87.77 12.3

150 micron 0.982 98.2 1.8

PAN 1000 100 0

416

Fig 4.1 Grading of fine aggregate

4.2.4 Coarse aggregate

Crushed stone with a particle size less than 12.5 mm were used for the present investigation.
Samples were tested as per IS: 2386-1997 and IS: 383-1970 (Reaffirmed 2002).

11
 Table 4.5 Properties of coarse aggregate

PARTICULARS SPECIFIC BULK WATER FINENESS

GRAVITY DENSITY ABSORPTION MODULUS
(Kg/ m3)
(%)

Coarse aggregate 2.7 1596 0.6 6.2

Table 4.6 Grading of coarse aggregate

Sieve (mm) weight retained % retained % passing

(cumulative) in kg

12.5 0.325 16.25 83.75

10 1.237 61.85 38.15

6.3 1.985 99.25 0.75

4.75 1.995 99.75 0.25

PAN 2000 100 0

377.1

Fig 4.2 Grading of coarse aggregate

12
4.2.5 Water

Water suitable for drinking was used for conducting experiments.

4.2.6 Flex

Flex once used for its actual purpose was cleaned and cut into a fibre form , with length
2.5cm and width 0.1cm. the flex material has a relatively higher composition of Poly – Vinyl
Chloride. The flex when in SCC shows properties similar to that of a fibre. The flex is added
in the SCC in an increasing percentage of dosage, varying as 0% , 0.5% , 0.25%, 0.75% and
1%.

Table 4.7 Properties of flex fibre

PROPERTIES VALUES

LENGTH 2.5cm

DIAMETER 0.1cm

ASPECT RATIO 25

4.2.7 Superplasricizer

The role of the super plasticisers is similar to that of an air-entraining and high-range
waterreducing admixture and imparts better deformability to the mix. Naphthalene based
superplasticiser auromix 500 was used to obtain the required workability for the mix.

4.3Mix proportions

The mix was proportioned for M50 grade. The process of selecting suitable ingredients of
concrete and determining their relative amounts with the objective of producing a concrete of
the required strength , durability , and workability as economically as possible is termed the
concrete mix design.

 Calculate target mean strength of SCC.

 Selection of water cement ratio

13
  Selection of water content
 Calculation of cement content
 Proportion of volume of fine and coarse aggregate.
 Mix calculations
 Mix proportions

4.3.1Design calculation for M50 SCC

Target strength

f’ck = fck + 1.65S

= 60+1.65S

= 68.25N/mm2

Cement

Assume 550kg/mm3 of cement and 18% is replaced by PFA for getting the flow.

Fly ash = 100 kg

OPC = 450 kg

Total powder = 550 kg

Water

From IS 10262 , table 4

We are using 10 mm aggregate for the SCC.

So water = 220kg

Calculation for fine aggregate

V = {Water + ( cement/ specific gravity ) + ( flyash/ specific gravity) +

(1/P + (FA/ specific gravity)) }/100

1 = {220 + (450/3.15) + (100/2.2) + ((1/.51) x (FA/2.79))}/100

1000 = 220 + 142.857 + 45.4545

14
1000 = 408.3115 + 0.7025 FA

FA = (1000 – 408.3115) / 0.7025

= 842.261 kg

Calculation for coarse aggregate

V = {Water + (cement/ specific gravity ) + ( flyash/ specific gravity) +

(1/P + (CA/ specific gravity)) }/100

1000 = 220 + 142.85 + 45.4545 ((1/ 0.49) x (CA/2.73))

CA = (1000 -408.3117)/0.7475

= 792 kg

Plasticizer

We take Auromix 500 admixture, 0.65 % by weight of total cement content.

(0.65/100)x 550 = 3.575 kg

4.3.2 Final mix

Table 4.8 Final mix design

Materials Quantity

Cement 450kg/m3

coarse aggregate 792kg/ m3

Fine aggregate 843kg/ m3

Water 220kg/ m3

Super plasticizer 3.575 kg/ m3

Flyash 100 kg/ m3

Water cement ratio 0.34

15
4.4 Preparation of concrete

The mixing of concrete was done in a batch concrete mixer as per proportions. The
required amount of cement and coarse aggregate were mixed first. A small amount of water
was added to the mix. The process was continued till a uniform mix is obtained. Calculated
amount of flex and superplasticizer were added to the mix. Finally we obtain the required
SCC mix. Specimens of cube, cylinder and prism are obtained from the mix. The concrete
was filled in the standard specimens in 3 layers, followed by tamping on each layer using a
tamping rod. The prepared specimens were given in initial setting time of 24 hours. After this
period specimens are carefully removed from the moulds and then immersed in water to give
the required curing period.

`Fig 4.3 Concrete pan type mixer

16
 Fig 4.4 Dry mix of concrete

Fig 4.5 Concrete after the completion of mixing

17
4.5 Details of test specimen

Standard moulds were used for casting the specimens. The specimens prepared
included cubes of dimensions 150x150x150mm , cylinders of 300mm height and diameter
150mm and prisms of 500x100x100mm. A total number of 19 specimens were casted.

Table 4.9 Details of specimens

Specimens size(mm) Number

Cylinder 150x300 5

Cube 150x150x150 10

Prism 500x100x100 4

Total 19

Fig 4.6 Prism specimens

18
 Fig 4.7 Cube specimens

Fig 4.8 Cylinder specimens

4.6 Preparation of moulds

4.6.1Casting of specimens
In order to determine the basic properties of SCC specimens such as cubes, cylinders
and prisms were cast using the designed mix. For casting the specimens, required quantities
of the constituents were weighed and kept ready for mixing. For easy removal of the
specimens, oil was applied to the inner surfaces of the moulds. The amount of super
plasticiser to be used was measured and kept ready for mixing. Before mixing the super
plasticiser was mixed with half the quantity of water. At first, half of all the ingredients were
mixed well in dry condition in the concrete mixer. 50% of calculated amount of water was
added to the dry mix and thoroughly mixed to get a uniform mix in about two minutes. After
that, the remaining 50% ingredients were also added to the mix and the remaining 50% of
water was added after mixing with super plasticiser. All these were mixed in the mixer
thoroughly. At this stage, the self compactability tests were conducted. As the investigations
have been concentrated on hardened concrete, the air content of the fresh concrete was not
19
measured. All the mixing and testing has been carried out at room temperature of 280oC. The
concrete was then poured into the moulds and filled. After filling, the top layer was finished
to get a uniform surface.

Fig 4.9 Casting of specimens

4.6.2 Curing of specimens

The specimens were covered using wet gunny bags immediately after casting to
prevent the loss of moisture from the concrete. After 24 hours, the specimens were removed
from the mould and were water cured for 28 days by keeping them in a water tank. The water
used for curing was similar in standards with that used for casting. After 28 days, specimens
were taken out and kept ready for testing.

4.6 Tests for SCC

4.6.1Tests for fresh concrete properties

After calculation of the quantities of materials required, the self compactability

characteristics of the mix were tested. The mixes were accepted if they satisfied the
acceptance criteria as explained in the following sections.

4.6.1.1Slump flow

This test was first developed in Japan. Concrete is filled in the Abram’s slump cone without
rodding. After levelling, the slump cone is lifted in the vertical direction. After the concrete

20
stops flowing, the diameters in two right angle directions are measured. The average of the
two measured diameters is the value of the flow diameter of SCC.

Fig 4.10 Slump flow

Fig 4.11 Abram’s slump cone

21
4.6.1.2V-funnel and V-funnel at T5 minutes test

The test was proposed by EFNARC as well as Okamura and Ouchi. The equipment consists
of a V-funnel. This is used to determine the filling ability of concrete with a maximum
aggregate size of 20mm. The funnel is filled with about 12 litre of concrete and the time
taken for it to flow through the apparatus is measured. After this, the funnel is refilled with
concrete and left for 5 minutes to settle. If the concrete shows segregation, then the flow time
will increase significantly. This flow time is regarded as V-funnel at T5 minutes test.

Fig 4.12 V-funnel

4.6.1.3L-box test

This test has been developed by Peterson. The apparatus consists of a rectangular section box
in the shape of ‘L’, with a vertical and horizontal part, separated by a movable gate, in front
of which vertical lengths of reinforcing bars are fitted. The vertical section is filled with
concrete, and then the gate is lifted to let the concrete flow into the horizontal section. When
the flow has stopped, the height of concrete at the front end of the horizontal section (H2) is
expressed as a proportion of that remaining in the vertical section (H1). It indicates the slope
of the concrete when at rest. The L-box value is the ratio of H2/H1and indicates the passing
ability, or the degree to which the passing of concrete through the bars is restricted.

22
 Fig 4.13 L box

Fig 4.14 Dimensions of L-box

Acceptance criteria for scc

Acceptance criteria for SCC as given by EFNARC are given in the table below. The
acceptance criteria suggested by EFNARC have been used by various researchers in the past
for checking the self compactability of plain SCC.
Table 4.10 EFNARC acceptance criteria for fresh concrete property tests
Method Typical range of values
Slump cone 650-800mm
V funnel 6-12 seconds
L box 0.8-1

23
4.6.2Tests for hardened properties

4.6.2.1Compressive strength of concrete

The compressive strength was determined to evaluate the behaviour of concrete elements in
compression. The preparation of specimens and testing were done as per IS 516:1959 [148].
Cube specimens of size 150 mm were cast with the required mix proportion and were cured
for7 day or 28 days respectively for 7 day and 28 day compressive strength. The 300t
(2943kN) Universal Testing Machine was used for the test. The loading was continued
gradually and maximum load applied on the specimen was noted. Compressive strength was
obtained by dividing the maximum load (P) by the area of cross section of the specimen
(A).The test setup is shown Fig.

Fig 4.15 Compressive strength test set up

Compressive strength in MPa = (P/A)

where, P is the failure load in Newton

A is the area of cross section of specimen in mm2

24
4.6.2.2 Split tensile strength of concrete

The behavior of concrete elements in direct tension is determined by the split tensile strength.
The test was conducted on cylinders of size 150φ x 300mm at the age of 28 days. The
specimen was mounted on the testing platform of the compression testing machine. Two
packing strips of 3 mm thick metal were placed at top and bottom. Load was applied
uniformly till breaking and the load was recorded. The test setup is shown in Fig.

Fig 4.16 Split tensile strength test setup

The split tensile strength was calculated as:

Split tensile strength = 2P/(πDL)

where, P is the load at failure

D is the diameter of the cylinder

L is the length of the cylinder

4.6.2.3Flexural strength of concrete

The flexural strength was conducted on prisms of size 100 x 100 x 500mm at the age of
28days to evaluate the behaviour of beams and other flexural members. The specimen was

25
mounted on the Universal Testing Machine and third-point loading was applied hydraulically
which was increased until failure.

Modulus of rupture (fr) was calculated as:

fr = Pl/bd2 , when a >133 mm

and

fr = 3Pa/bd2 , when 110mm <a < 133 mm

where, a is the distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support in mm

l is the length of the specimen between supports in mm

b is the width of the specimen in mm

d is the depth of the specimen in mm

P is the maximum load in kg applied to the specimen

Fig 4.17 Flexural strength setup

26
 Chapter-5

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Various tests explained in the previous chapter were conducted on conventional and
flex fibre added self compacting concrete.

5.1 Fresh concrete properties of SCC

Table shows variation of fresh concrete properties with increase in percentage addition of
flex fiber.

Table 5.1Fresh concrete properties of SCC

Tests Mix 1 (0% Mix 2 Mix 3 Mix 4 Mix 5 (1% Range (as
flex (0.25% flex (0.5% flex (0.75% flex flex per
addition) addition) addition) addition) addition) EFNARC)

Slump cone 680 678 675 660 650 650-800

test

(mm)

T50cm slump 4.01 3.88 4.3 5 5.08 2-5

flow

(sec)

L box test 0.89 0.89 0.88 0.85 0.8 0.8-1

V funnel 6 6.03 6.65 6.76 6.79 6-12

(sec)

V funnel at 2 2.09 2.54 2.8 3.01 0-3

T5minutes

27
From the above table, it may be noted that the increase in percentage of flex fiber content
caused a gradual reduction in the values of slump flow according to the addition of flex fibre .
The values of time taken for T50cm slump flow are within the EFNARC ranges which shows
the filling ability of the self compacting concrete.The L-box values recorded from the test
given in Table, indicates that the passing ability ratio increases with decreased with
increasing flex fibre content, irrespective of the compressive strength. The V-funnel test was
conducted to obtain a measure of the viscosity of SCC mixes. The time taken by the mixes to
flow out through the V-funnel slot is also given in the table. The V-funnel time indicated that
the time taken for concrete to empty the funnel increased with increase in the percentage flex
fiber addition. Since the V funnel at T5minutes values are within the range and lesser compared
to V funnel test values of their respective mixes indicates all mixes didn’t show any sign of
segregation.However, all the reported values were within the desirable limits and these mixes
can be taken for casting and further testing.

Fig 5.1 Slump flow

28
 Fig 5.2 L box and V funnel Values

5.2 Hardened concrete properties of SCC

5.2.1Compressive strength

Compared to the conventional SCC, flex fibre reinforced SCC showed improved compressive
strength. The test was conducted for conventional SCC as well the 4 other mixes of modified
SCC with flex fibre. The test was done on 7th and 28th days of curing. Based on the results,
the optimum fibre content found was Mix 2 (0.25% addition of flex fibre). The decrease in
compressive strength is observed when percentage of fibers increases beyond 0.25%. One of
the possible reasons for this compressive strength reduction may be the weak interface of the
flex fibre induced mortar and the conventional coarse aggregates. The increase in the
compressive strength is due to the increase in bonding effect of fiber with matrix. It is
concluded that flex fiber at 0.25 % has higher strength than the nominal mix. The results are
shown below for each mixes.

29
 Table 5.2 Compressive strength values of SCC

Compressive strength test @ Compressive strength test @

7th day (Mpa) 28th day (Mpa)

Mix 1 43.2 60
Mix 2 54 62.5
Mix 3 52.6 59.3
Mix 4 47.7 57
Mix 5 37 52

Fig 5.3 Plot of Compressive strength at 7th day V/s Percentage flex fibre addition

30
 Fig 5.4 Plot of Compressive strength at 28th day V/s Percentage flex fibre addition

5.2.2Split tensile strength

Split tensile strength test was carried out on cylindrical specimens placed horizontally
between the loading surfaces of the compression testing machine. The load was applied until
failure of the cylinder along the vertical diameter .The results of split tensile strength are
given in Fig . Although the variation of split tensile strength with increasing rubber content is
similar to that of the compressive strength, the rate of reduction in split tensile strength is
very much lower mainly due to the ease with which the cracks can propagate under tensile
loads. From 28th day Split Tensile Strength for the various percentage addition of Recron
fiber in SCC, the optimum value obtained at 0.75% is Recron fiber is higher than the nominal
concrete by 44.19%. This is due to the holding capacity of the fibers which helps in
preventing the splitting of concrete. However, after increasing the percentage of Recron fiber
beyond the optimum value (0.75%) improper mixing of fibers occurred.

Table 5.3 Split tensile strength values of SCC

Mixes Split Tensile Strength ( Mpa)

Mix 1 3.11

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 Mix 2 3.56

Mix 3 3.4

Mix 4 3.24

Mix 5 3.05

Fig 5.5 Plot of split tensile strength V/s Percentage flex fibre addition

5.2.3Flexural Strength

Modulus of rupture (extreme fibre stress in bending) was found out by testing prisms
under third-point loading. As the flex fibre content was increased, the flexural strength was
seen to increase upto 0.25% of addition and then it decreases due to improper mixing of
fibers. The variation in modulus of rupture of flex fibre induced SCC is almost similar to that
of its split tensile strength. Hence the optimum mix obtained from the results is Mix 2.

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 Table 5.4 Flexural strength values of SCC

Mixes Flexure Strength (Mpa)

Mix 1 9

Mix 2 13.5

Mix 3 9.75

Mix 4 9.75

Mix 5 8.25

Fig 5.6 Plot of flexural strength V/s Percentage flex fibre addition

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 Chapter 5

CONCLUSION

Based on the above studies the following conclusions are arrived at;

 The workability on SCC decreases with the incremental addition of flex fiber because
the slump values of the modified mixes were less than the conventional mixes
 All mixes satisfy the fresh concrete property tests as per EFNARC guideline
 It was observed that flex fibre can be used as a component of concrete without much
affecting it’s workability
 The Strength properties of the concrete improved on fibre addition upto 0.25% of
weight of total cement. Beyond that, the strengths were seemed to be decreasing.
 The concrete show its maximum strength on Mix 2
 Hence we can say 0.25% of flex fibre addition is the optimum
 The compressive strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength test have
shown a similar trend in graphs
 The strengths decreased after 0.25% of flex fibre is due to balling effect of flex fibre.

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