STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF HYBRID FIBER

REINFORCED SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE SUBJECTED TO
SUSTAINED ELEVATED TEMPERATURE

K Ravi*, K.L. Society’s Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum, India

K B Prakash, K.L.E. Society’s College of Engineering & Technology, Belgaum, India

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 33rd Conference on OUR WORLD IN CONCRETE & STRUCTURES: 25 – 27 August 2008, Singapore

STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF HYBRID FIBER

REINFORCED SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE SUBJECTED TO
SUSTAINED ELEVATED TEMPERATURE

K Ravi*, K.L. Society’s Gogte Institute of Technology, Belgaum, India

K B Prakash, K.L.E. Society’s College of Engineering & Technology, Belgaum, India

Abstract

Concrete structures are occasionally subjected to high temperatures in reaction

vessels, fire, coal gasification vessels etc. In most of the cases such elevated
temperatures result in considerable damage to concrete structures. Fibers have
been extensively used to improve strength, ductility and durability properties of
concrete. Recently it is found that of fibers can also improve the residual strength
properties of concrete after exposed to sustained elevated temperature.

Hybrid fibers used in plain concrete are found to be beneficial in improving the
microstructure which results in better durability. In hybrid fiber technology, two or
more different types of fibers are rationally combined to produce a composite that
derives benefits from each of individual fibers and exhibits a synergistic response
and proves to be effective in resisting thermal shocks. Self compacting concrete over
comes several problems associated with fiber reinforced concrete or hybrid fiber
reinforced concrete.

In the present investigation mechanical properties of hybrid fiber reinforced self

compacting concrete and mono fiber reinforced self compacting concrete which are
subjected to sustained elevated temperature are studied. Different fibers considered
are steel fibers (SF), polypropylene fibers (PPF), galvanized iron fibers (GIF), and
waste plastic fibers (WPF). Hybrid fiber combinations used in the experimentation
are (SF +PPF), (SF+GIF) and (SF+WPF). It is found that the resistance of hybrid
fiber reinforced self compacting concrete to elevated temperature is better than that
of mono fiber reinforced self compacting concrete.

Key words: Mono fibers, hybrid fibers, self compacting concrete, elevated temperatures, strength.
1 Introduction.

The fire resistance capacity of concrete is very complicated because not only is concrete a composite
material with components having different thermal characteristics , it also has properties that depend
on moisture and porosity [1].The application of high strength concrete is increasing since it offers
various benefits derived from its higher strength and stiffness.. At the same time the risk of high
strength concrete exposing to elevated temperatures is also ever increasing [2]. The high strength
concrete has such disadvantages as poor fire resistance, being more prone to explosive spalling due
to their low permeability and high brittleness [3][ 4]. The spalling of concrete is highly related to build
up of pore pressure in consequence of vaporization of physically and chemically bound water.
[5].Thermal cracking induced by thermal mismatch has been one of the problems in a cement based
composite material under elevated temperatures.[6].To prevent such problems, different fibers were
induced to enhance temperature resistance of high strength concrete. Earlier investigations on
cement mortar revealed that fiber type affects both heat and mass transfer as well as the extent of
spalling of mortar at elevated temperatures [7][8].

The current practice involves the use of mono fibers. Clearly, a given type of fiber can be effective
only in a limited range of crack openings and deflections [9]. There has been much enthusiasm
recently in the field of fiber reinforced concrete for the development of hybrid fiber system where two
or more types of fibers are combined. This is done with the intent of confirming the best performance
characteristic of each of the constituents’ fiber types to the composite material [10].

A common problem associated with the use of fibres in concrete is the resulting reduction in
workability, especially at high fibre contents. In case of self compacting concrete (SCC), the coarse
aggregate content is usually reduced compared with that in ordinary concrete. Reducing it further and
increasing mortar content to enhance workability can be costly. Therefore carefully designed hybrid
fibre combinations in SCC can allow striking a balance between workability and mechanical
performance of fiber reinforced self compacting concretes (FRSCC) [11]

In the present investigation, mechanical properties of hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concrete
and mono fiber reinforced self compacting concrete, which are subjected to sustained elevated
temperature of 500 0C for 4 hours are studied. Different fibers considered are steel fibers (SF),
polypropylene fibers (PPF), galvanized iron fibers (GIF), and waste plastic fibers (WPF). The hybrid
fiber combinations used in the experimentation are (SF +PPF), (SF+GIF) and (SF+WPF).Different
strength tests conducted are compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and impact
strength. These tests are conducted on the specimens before and after subjecting to elevated
temperature.

2 Research Significance.

Many times the concrete structures are subjected to fire and thermal shocks. In such cases strength
of the concrete will be greatly affected and it is associated with the spalling of concrete cover, which
causes further exposure. At present utility of hybrid fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete to
enhance residual strength and to increase the thermal resistance is not explored to a greater extent.
Therefore there is a need for research to study the synergistic response of hybrid fibers in self-
compacting concrete to resist the fire and thermal shocks

3 Materials and Methods.

In this experimentation work, 43 grade OPC was used along with locally available sand and coarse
aggregate. Sand used was of zone II and its specific gravity was 2.60. Coarse aggregates used in
experimentation were 12mm and down size and their specific gravity was found to be 2.7. Fibers used
in the study and their physical properties are presented in Table No 1. Mono fibers were added at the
rate of 1.0% (by volume fraction) and hybrid fibers were added at the rate of (0.5% + 0.5%) in the
study. Different hybrid fibers used in the study are (SF+PPF), (SF+GIF) and (SF+WPF). Chemical
composition of the fly ash which is used as filler in the self compacting concrete is indicated in Table
No 2
 .
Table1. Properties of fibers used

Fiber type Length in mm Thickness Aspect ratio Density N/m3

Steel fiber (SF) 25 1mm 25 78500
Polypropylene fiber
12 7.5 µm 1600 9100
(PPF)
Galvanized iron
40 1mm 40 8966
fiber(GIF)
Waste plastic
40 2mm 20 1210
fiber(WPF)

.
Table 2. Chemical composition of fly ash.

Mass
Oxides
percentage
SiO2 50.0
Al2O3 28.0
Fe2O3 9.0
CaO 3.0
MgO 1.0
SO3 1.0
Others 8.0

.
Mix proportions of the SCC for M20 is shown in Table No. 3.The flow characteristic tests for SCC like
slump flow test, Orimet test, V-funnel test, L-Box test, U-Box test were conducted. Concrete cubes of
size 150 mm were cast and tested for compression at the age of 28 days as per IS 516: 1959[12].For
split tensile strength, cylinders of 150mm diameter and 300 mm length were cast and tested as per I.S
5816:1999 [13]. For the flexural strength, the beam specimens of size 100 X 100 X 500mm were cast
and tested at the age of 28 days. Two points loading was adopted on an effective span of 400mm
while testing the beam specimens as per IS 516: 1959[12]. For impact strength, the cylindrical
specimens of size 150mm diameter and 60mm height were cast. Drop weight test as suggested by
Schruder was adopted for testing the specimen[14].After 28 days of curing specimens were kept in
high temperature oven where in they were subjected to sustained elevated temperature of 500 0C for
4 hours. The specimens were tested for their strength after they attained room temperature.

. Table 3. Mix proportion for self compacting concrete

Coarse Fine
Material Cement Fly ash Water SP VMA w/b
aggregate aggregate
Quantity
140 378 197 885 855 2.2 0.52 0.38
Kg/m3

4 Results and Discussion.

Table No.4 give the results of flow characteristics of reference mix, fiber reinforced self compacting
concretes (FRSCC) and hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concretes (HFRSCC). Table No.5,6,7
and 8 give the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of
FRSCC and HFRSCC before and after subjecting to sustained elevated temperature of 500 0C for 4
hours.

The flow characteristics measured by standard methods specified for SCC are presented in table
4.The results obtained in present study are closer to values suggested by EFNARC specifications
[15]. Moncef Nehdi[11] et al have also observed lower values of flow with synthetic fibers like
polymeric fibers. This was mainly attributed to the high aspect ratio and higher surface area of these
fibers, which are detrimental to flow. In this present investigation also synthetic fibers like
polypropylene (PPF) and waste plastic fibers (WPF) yielded lower flow values. Higher flow was
observed with metallic steel fiber with lower aspect ratio of 25 in comparison to G.I fibers with higher
aspect ratio of 40. Interestingly all the hybrid fibers in SCC indicated higher values of flow. However it
is possible to improve the flow values with alterations in VMA and superplasticizer dosages

From the various test results obtained for hardened self compacting concretes with different fibers, it
is observed that inclusion of fibers is feasible in self compacting concrete and indicated the good
strength retention when these concretes are exposed to sustained elevated temperature. It is
observed that mono fiber SCC with stiff and higher modulus metallic fibers like steel and G.I, yields
higher strength values in comparison to SCC with flexible fibers like PPF and WPF. This is due to the
fact that PPF and WPF fibers get melted at elevated temperatures and there will be no significant
strength contribution. However creation of additional voids due to melting of these fibers makes the
heat dissipation and prevents spalling of concrete and further deterioration. In the present study,
observations indicated no spalling of concrete. The synergistic response of fibers is clearly seen in all
hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concretes with strength enhancement. The hybrid blend of
metallic and non metallic fibers yielded higher strength values in comparison to respective mono fiber
concretes and also reduction in percentage loss of strength due to exposure to elevated temperatures
was observed. The hybrid blend of fibers in SCC is found to be beneficial for better placement,
strength retention after exposure to elevated temperature and also to prevent spalling of concrete.

In all the strength parameters the hybrid blend of both metallic fibers like steel and G.I, have yielded
higher strengths. Both the fibers have similar and higher modulii of elasticity and this may be the
reason for yielding higher strengths. Influence of fibers or hybrid fibers was found to be marginally
beneficial in case of compressive strengths. Remarkable enhancement was observed in case of
tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength which are desired.

5 Conclusions.

• Incorporation of fibers is feasible in self compacting concretes and flow characteristics can be
further increased with alteration in VMA or SP dosages.
• Synergistic response of fibers is observed in hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concretes.
• Metallic fibers like steel and G.I yielded higher strength values in comparison to non metallic
fibers like polypropylene and waste plastic fibers.
• No spalling of concrete was observed which is due to melting of polypropylene and waste
plastic fibers at elevated temperatures.
• Percentage strength loss due to exposure to elevated temperatures is found to be lower in case
of hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concretes in comparison to mono fiber reinforced self
compacting concretes, and
• Hybrid fiber reinforced self compacting concretes proves to be more beneficial for proper
placement in difficult situations, higher strength retention and to prevent spalling, for concrete
structures subjected to sustained elevated temperatures.
 Table 4. Flow characteristics of FRSCC and HFRSCC

Filling L-box test

height V-box
Slump Orimet Blocking
Description of SCC (H1-H2) flow time T20 T40
flow time (sec) ratio
(sec) (sec) (sec)
(mm) (mm) (H2/H1)
SCC without fibers
610 58.00 7 40.00 0.08 6 9
(ref. mix.)

SCC with SF 580 60.00 25 44.00 0.23 7 10

SCC with PPF 560 65.00 18 45.00 0.18 8 12

SCC with GIF 560 72.00 15 43.00 0.20 7 11

SCC with WPF 550 75.00 22 46.00 0.15 8 12

SCC with(SF+PPF) 595 59.00 10 42.00 0.17 7 11

SCC with (SF+GIF) 585 60.00 15 41.00 0.15 7 10

SCC with (SF+WPF) 590 63.00 14 43.00 0.10 7 11

Table 5. Compressive strength of FRSCC and HFRSCC before and after subjecting to
sustained elevated temperature

Compressive Compressive Percentage Percentage

strength before strength after increase in loss in
subjecting to subjecting to compressive compressive
elevated elevated strength w.r.t strength
Description of SCC temperature temperature ref. mix when
(MPa) (MPa) when subjected to
subjected to elevated
elevated temp.
temp.

SCC without fibers (ref. mix.) 20.73 15.43 ---- 25.56

SCC with SF 23.13 18.29 18.53 20.92
SCC with PPF 22.11 16.87 9.33 23.69
SCC with GIF 23.80 18.87 22.29 20.71
SCC with WPF 20.97 15.97 3.45 23.84
SCC with (SF + PPF) 23.87 18.66 20.93 21.82
SCC with (SF +GIF) 24.88 19.62 27.15 21.14
SCC with (SF + WPF) 23.22 18.42 19.73 20.67
Table 6. Tensile strength of FRSCC and HFRSCC before and after subjecting to sustained
elevated temperature

Tensile Tensile Percentage Percentage

strength strength after increase in loss in tensile
before subjecting to tensile strength
subjecting to elevated strength w.r.t when
Description of SCC
elevated temperature ref. mix subjected to
temperature when elevated
(MPa)
subjected to temp.
(MPa)
elevated
temp.

SCC without fibers (ref.mix.) 2.22 1.05 ---- 52.70

SCC with SF 2.84 1.65 57.14 41.90

SCC with PPF 2.57 1.37 30.47 38.91
SCC with GIF 2.89 1.75 66.66 39.44
SCC with WPF 2.37 1.28 21.90 45.99
SCC with (SF + PPF) 3.05 2.12 101.90 30.49
SCC with (SF +GIF) 3.16 2.32 120.9 26.58
SCC with (SF + WPF) 3.09 2.12 101.90 31.39

Table 7. Flexural strength of FRSCC and HFRSCC before and after subjecting to sustained
elevated temperature.

Flexural Flexural Percentage Percentage

strength strength after increase in loss in
before subjecting to flexural flexural
subjecting to elevated strength strength
elevated temperature w.r.t ref. when
Description of SCC temperature (MPa) mix when subjected to
(MPa) subjected to elevated
elevated temp.
temp
SCC without fibers (ref.mix.) 3.10 1.82 ---------- 41.29
SCC with SF 3.30 2.29 25.82 30.60
SCC with PPF 3.27 2.10 15.38 35.77
SCC with GIF 4.04 2.78 52.74 31.18
SCC with WPF 3.20 2.02 10.92 36.87
SCC with (SF + PPF) 3.35 2.49 36.81 25.67
SCC with (SF +GIF) 4.28 3.32 82.41 22.42
SCC with (SF + WPF) 3.37 2.43 33.35 27.89
 Table 8. Impact energy of FRSCC and HFRSCC before and after subjecting to sustained
elevated temperature.

Percentage Percentage loss

Impact energy
Impact energy increase in in impact
before subjecting
after subjecting to impact energy energy
to elevated
elevated temperature w.r.t ref. mix when subjected
Description of temperature
(N-m) when subjected to elevated
SCC (N-m)
to elevated temp temp
final
first final first final first final
first crack failure
crack failure crack failure crack failure

SCC without
526.25 1021.3 192.2 576.8 ---- ---- 63.47 43.52
fibers (ref.mix.)

SCC with SF 648.67 1290.4 364.13 790.10 89.53 36.97 43.86 38.77

SCC with PPF 624.96 1283.5 295.42 783.23 53.70 35.78 52.76 38.97

SCC with GIF 841.89 1766.5 398.48 803.85 107.25 39.96 52.52 54.49

SCC with WPF 579.66 1111.0 218.85 611.47 13.86 6.01 62.24 44.96

SCC with
869.5 1642.3 371 920.61 93.02 59.60 57.33 43.37
(SF + PPF)

SCC with
1007.50 1834.5 577.12 941.25 200.27 63.18 42.71 48.69
(SF +GIF)

SCC with
676.27 1469.8 371 851.94 93.30 47.70 45.13 42.03
(SF + WPF)
Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their sincere thanks to Shri. S.M Kulkarni Chairman, Karnatak Law
Society Belgaum, Shri. S.G Punekar, Chairman, Governing council G.I.T, Dr.D.H.Rao, Principal,
G.I.T, Belgaum,India and Dr.S.C. Pilli, Principal, K.L.E.S. College of Engineering and Technology,
Belgaum and all the management authorities of both the colleges who constantly boosted the morale
by giving all the help required. Our sincere thanks to Dr. H.P. Kincha, Hon. Vice-Chancellor and
Dr. K.V.A. Balaji, Registrar of Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, India for the moral
support. Thanks are also due to authorities of FOSROC Chemicals (India) Pvt Ltd. and Grasim
Industries Cement Division Bangalore for the material support and Shri. M.N Acharya, Abhishek
Alloys Belgaum for providing experimental facilities.

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