“COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CONCRETE BY USING

STEEL FIBRE AND GLASS FIBRE”

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

Parmar Chiragkumar V. [150320106052]

Ladva Jigneshkumar D. [150320106035]

Parmar Dashrath M. [150320106053]

In fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
In

Department of Civil Engineering

L.J INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Ahmedabad

Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad

“April, 2019”

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 CERTIFICATE

Date:

This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “Comparative study of concrete by

using steel fibre and glass fibre” has been carried out by Parmar Chiragkumar

V., Ladva Jigneshkumar D. and Parmar Dashrath M. under my guidance in

fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering

(8th Semester) of Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad during the

academic year 2018-19.

Internal Guide HOD

Asst. Prof. Keval patel Asst. Prof. Zalak Bhavsar

Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering

L.J.I.E.T. L.J.I.E.T.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are deeply in debated & would like to express us gratitude to our thesis guide Mr. Keval
Patel (Asst. Professor, LJIET, Ahmedabad), for his great efforts and instructive comments in the
project work.

He has devoted a significant amount of his valuable time to plan and discuss the project work.
During the project, he provided us excellent guidance & support during a discussion about our
progress. he gave us a great deal of freedom to choose our research topic, focusing more on our
research interests and building skills that will allow us to be a successful in our life without his
experience and insights, it would have been very difficult to do qualitative work.

Parmar Chiragkumar V.
Ladva Jigneshkumar D.
Parmar Dashrath M.

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 ABSTRACT

The fibre reinforced concrete shows a different behaviour compared to

behaviour of plain cement concrete. It is observed from the literature that percentage
content of fibre and types of fibre are major factors influencing the behaviour of
concrete. Keeping this in view, the aim of this project was to study the behaviour of
concrete containing the percentage of fibre varying from 0.5% to 3.5% by weight of
cement.

In this report, the definition of fibres and different types of fibers used in
concrete are discussed. The physical and mechanical property of FRC, various test
performances on it and their results are also discussed. In this project, we have used
steel fibres and glass fibres as fibre material in concrete. We have cast a total number
of 33 cubes, 18 cylinders and 12 beams for 7, 14 and 28 days for M20 grade of
concrete. Compressive, tensile and flexural tests have been performed on all concrete
specimens.

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Table Description Page No.

3.1 Properties of Glass fibre 20
3.2 Properties of Steel fibre 21
3.3 Details of Quantity of Constituent Materials 23
3.4 Proportion of Steel Fibre and Glass Fibre 24
4.1 Compressive Strength Test Results 30
4.2 Tensile Strength Test Results 31
4.3 Flexural Strength Test Results 32

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Figure Description Page No.

1.1 Hooked end Steel Fibre 13
1.2 Crimped Steel Fibre 13
1.3 Chopped Glass Fibre 15
1.4 Glass Fibre Roving 15
3.1 Weighing of Materials on Digital Weighing Machine 25
3.2 Mixing of Materials before Addition of Fibres and After Addition of Fibres 25
3.3 Moulding of Concrete in Cubes 26
3.4 Curing of Concrete Cubes in Water Tank 27
3.5 Compressive Strength Test 28
3.6 Split Tensile Strength Test 28
3.7 Flexural Strength Test 29

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 Table of Content

Acknowledgement 3
Abstract 4

List of Table 5

List of Figures 6

Table of Content 7

1 INTRODUCTION 09 - 17
1.1 General 9
1.2 Conventional Reinforced concrete 9
1.3 Fibre Reinforced Concrete 10
1.4 Features and Benefits of Fibre Reinforced Concrete 10
1.5 Applications of Fibre Reinforced Concrete 11
1.6 Fibre 11
1.7 Types of Fibre 12
1.8 Steel Fibre 12
1.8.1 Advantages of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete 13
1.8.2 Uses of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete 14
1.9 Glass Fibre 15
1.9.1 Advantages of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete 16
1.9.2 Uses of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete 16

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 18 – 19

3 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME 20 – 27
3.1 Material Used 20
3.1.1 Cement 20
3.1.2 Fine Aggregates 20
3.1.3 Coarse Aggregates 20

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3.1.4 Water 20
3.1.5 Glass Fibre 20
3.1.6 Steel Fibre 20
3.2 Mix Design 21
3.3 Mix Proportions 23
3.4 Test Procedure 24
3.4.1 Batching 24
3.4.2 Mixing 25
3.4.3 Mouling 25
3.4.4 Curing 26
3.4.5 Testing of specimens 27
3.4.5.1 Compressive strength Test 27
3.4.5.2 Split Tensile Strength Test 28
3.4.5.3 Flexural Strength Test 29

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 30 - 32

4.1 Compressive Strength Test 30
4.2 Split Tensile Strength Test 31
4.3 Flexural Strength Test 31

5 CONCLUSION 33

6 REFERENCES 34 – 36

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL
Concrete is the most widely used construction material which has several desirable
properties like high compressive strength, stiffness and durability under normal usual environmental
factors. While at the same time concrete found to be brittle and weak in tension. The major
disadvantage is that the concrete develops micro cracks during curing. It is rapid propagation of these
micro cracks under applied stress that is responsible for the low tensile strength of material. Hence
fibres are added to concrete to overcome these disadvantages. The addition of fibres in the matrix has
many important effects. Most notable among the improved mechanical characteristics of Fibre
Reinforced Concrete are its superior tensile strength, toughness, impact resistance, flexural strength
and fatigue resistance. Improve in fatigue resistance is one of the primary reasons for the extensive
use of Fibre Reinforced Concrete in pavements, bridge decks, offshore structures and machine
foundation. The main reason for addition of steel fibres and glass fibres to concrete is to improve the
post cracking response of the concrete, to improve its energy absorption capacity and apparent
ductility. Also it helps to maintain structural integrity and cohesiveness in the material.

1.2 CONVENTIONAL REINFORCED CONCRETE

It is found that tensile strength of concrete is typically 8 % to 15 % of its compressive
strength. This weakness has been dealt with over many decades by using a system of reinforcing bars
to create reinforced concrete, so that concrete primarily resists compressive stresses and rebars resist
tensile and shear stresses. The longitudinal rebar in a beam resists flexural whereas the stirrups,
around the longitudinal bar, resist shear stresses. In a column, vertical bars resists compression and
buckling stresses while ties resist shear and provide confinement to vertical bars. Use of reinforced
concrete makes for a good composites material with extensive applications. Steel bars, however,
reinforce concrete against tension only locally. Cracks in reinforced concrete members extend freely
until encountering a rebar. Thus need for multidirectional and closely spaced steel reinforced arises.
That can’t be practically possible. Fibre reinforcement gives the solution for this problem.

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1.3 FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE
Fibre reinforced concrete is a concrete mix that contains short discrete fibres that are
uniformly distributed and randomly oriented. As a result of this different formulation, four categories
of fibre reinforcing have been created. These include steel fibres, glass fibres, synthetic fibres and
natural fibres. Within these different fibres that character of fibres reinforced concrete changes with
varying concrete’s, fibre materials, geometries, distribution, orientation and densities.
The amount of fibre added to a concrete mix is measured as a percentage of the total
volume of the composite termed volume fraction. Typically ranges from 0.1 to 3 %. Aspect ratio is
calculated by dividing fibre length by its diameter. Fibre with a non circular cross section used an
equivalent diameter for the calculation of aspect ratio. If the modulus of elasticity of the fibre is
higher than the matrix, they help to carry the load by increasing the tensile strength of the material.
Increase in the aspect ratio of the fibre usually segments the flexural strength and toughness of the
matrix.

1.4 FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

1. Elimination of manufacturing, handling, storage and positioning of reinforcement cages.
2. Reduction in production time resulting in increased productivity.
3. Control cracking due to plastic and drying shrinkage.
4. Improve impact resistance.
5. The fibres give resistance to tensile stresses at any point in the shotcrete layer.
6. High energy absorption capacity.
7. Reduce the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water.
8. Enhanced durability.
9. Increase structural integrity.
10. Reinforce against the effect of shattering forces.
11. Reinforce against material loss from abrading forces.

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1.5 APPLICATIONS OF FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE
1. Basement and retaining walls.
2. Industrial flooring, road pavements and airport runways.
3. Water retaining structures like water tank and dams.
4. Precast manhole covers and frames.
5. Machine foundation.
6. Construction of pipes and railway sleepers.
7. Flooring and roofing components
8. Support of openings in tunnels and mines.
9. Construction of channel lining.
10. Precast interlocking blocks for haul roads.

1.6 FIBRE
Fibre is a natural or synthetic substance that is significantly longer than it is wide. A
convenient numerical parameter describing a fiber is its aspect ratio, defined as the fiber length
divided by an equivalent fiber diameter. Typical aspect ratios ranges from about 30 to 150 for length
up to 80 mm are generally used as a fibre reinforced concrete.
Among the many fibres available, their properties vary and contribute differently to
concrete. Depending on the fibre, it is better to have longer strands and more strands because the
length of the fibres tend to perform differently with specific tests. Working with longer fibres in a
flexural test is ideal because the long fibers are able to link together creating a stronger bond that can
ultimately prevent any additional bending. Along with different sizes, it is also common to have
different shapes of fibres. Many fibres are straight in shape, but it is common to see metals fibers that
have hooks at the ends, forming a staple shape, because it helps them lock into the concrete.
The use of fibres within a concrete mix provides many benefits, including increasing
ductility and reducing crack width. In terms of reducing crack width, the incorporation of fibres in
concrete allows the fibres to carry some of the tensile forces that would normally only be carried by
steel reinforcing bars. This results in a reduction of the steel stress in the reinforcing bars and results
in a smaller crack width.
The material properties of a fibre are important to consider when designing a mix. For
example, most natural fibres are not ideal because they break down in concrete due to the alkalinity.
The most common reinforcing fibers used today are polymer, steel, and glass.

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1.7 TYPES OF FIBRE

 According to modulus of elasticity:

1. Fibre having Higher modulus of elasticity than concrete:-

(Steel, Carbon, Glass etc.)
2. Fibre having lower modulus of elasticity than concrete:-
(Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Natural fibre etc.)

 According to origin of fibre:

1. Metalic fibre:-
(Steel, Carbon, Stainless Steel)
2. Mineral fibre:-
(Asbestos and Glass fibre)
3. Organic fibre:-
1 > Natural fibre:
(Jute, Sisal, Hair, Coconut, Bamboo etc.)
2 > Manmade fibre:
(Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyethylene etc.)

1.8 STEEL FIBRE

Steel fibers are produced in many different forms ranging in length from 10 mm to 100mm
and in diameter from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. These include straight and a variety of fibers with
deformations including hooked end, irregular, crimped, stranded, twisted, and paddled. In
commercial use, about 67% of fibers used are hook-end fibers.
This can be attributed to the fact that deformations help improve the bond between the
matrix and the fiber. In the case of straight fibers, the lack of deformations creates a strain softening
behavior, which is similar to the response of concrete with no fibers. These fibers have a modulus of
elasticity about ten times that of concrete. They also have a reasonable good bond, high elongation
at fracture and are easier to mix.

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 Significant improvement in the crack flexural strength and ultimate flexural strength are
obtained through use of short and small diameter of steel fibers. However, property improvement
can only be obtained by ensuring uniform distribution of fibers and consolidation of matrix materials
around the fibers. In a conventional reinforced concrete beam, stirrups are placed to counter cracks
that occur when the tensile strength of the concrete is exceeded. Steel fibers are able to hold these
cracks together before the cracks become bigger and cause failure. When the stirrups are replaced
with steel fibers they led to a lower ultimate load capacity but partially replacement of stirrups with
steel fibers it provide a higher load capacity to the concrete.

1.8.1 ADVANTAGES OF STEEL FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

1. Increase in flexural strength:

Modulus of elasticity of steel fibre is very high compared to normal concrete, so it can
improve in flexural strength of concrete.

2. High Toughness:
For steel fibre reinforced concrete, toughness is about 10 to 40 times that of plain concrete.

3. Fatigue Strength:
The addition steel fibre increases fatigue strength of about 90 percent of normal concrete.

4. Impact Resistance:

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 The impact strength of steel fibre reinforced concrete is generally 5 to 10 times that of plain
Cement concrete.

5. Corrosion of Steel Fibers:

An exposure of steel fibrous mortar to outdoor weathering in an industrial atmosphere
showed no adverse effect on the strength properties of concrete. Corrosion was found to be confined
only to fibers actually exposed on the surface.

6. Increase in Structural Behavior:

The use of fibers in concrete increase ductility, tensile strength, moment capacity and
stiffness of concrete. The fibers also improve structural integrity of members.

7. Increase in Shear strength:

Addition of steel fiber increases shear capacity of reinforced concrete structure up to 100
percent. Addition of randomly distributed fibers increases shear-friction strength, the first crack
strength and ultimate strength.

8. Cracking and Deflection:

Fiber reinforcement effectively controls cracking and deflection, in addition to strength
improvement. In conventionally reinforced concrete structure, fiber addition increases stiffness, and
reduces deflection.

1.8.2 USES OF STEEL FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

1. Rock slope stabilization and support of excavated foundations, often in conjunction with rock
and soil anchor systems.
2. Industrial flooring, road pavement, warehouses, foundation slabs.
3. Channel lining, protect bridge abutment.
4. Rehabilitation of deteriorated marine structures such as light station, bulkheads, piers, sea walls
and dry docks.
5. Rehabilitation of reinforced concrete in structures such as bridges, chemical processing and
handling plants.
6. Support of underground openings in tunnels and mines.

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1.9 Glass Fibre
Commercially, glass fiber is produced in three basic forms, namely: strand, roving and
woven or chopped strand. A glass fiber strand consists of 200 to 400 single filaments of 10µm
diameter each and a roving consists of 20 to 60 such strands. Strands are subsequently bonded
together with a binder to form a roving. As the efficient working of a composite material depends
upon the stress transfer from fiber to fiber via the matrix-fiber bond, a compatible coating on the
glass fiber are selected, which are water soluble and could form a good bond with the cement-matrix.
The E- grade glass could not resist the high alkalinity within the matrix, which resulted in
the degradation of the glass fibers. Fiberglass has a high silica content that reacts with the sodium
and potassium hydroxides in the mortar, which causes reduction of strength and deterioration of the
concrete as a whole. A new type of glass contains addition of Zirconia called Alkali resistance glass
produced better results in concrete.
In addition to increasing concrete in ductility and reducing crack widths, glass fibers
specifically have very high tensile strength, are considerably economical, and very lightweight. A
single glass fiber that is used in concrete can have anywhere from 50 to 200 strands, which means
the cementitious bonds are not attached to every strand of glass which results in the ductility
drastically increasing. As the outer strands of the glass fiber are pulled, the inner strands may stay
put creating a greater ability to deform. Peak compressive strength of glass fiber reinforced concrete
is higher compared to normal concrete. Glass fibers are also more resistant to corrosion when
compared to materials like steel because the iron in the steel corrodes when exposed to water and
oxygen and glass does not.

Fig 1.3

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1.9.1 ADVANTAGES OF GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

1. Lightweight Products:
Products made from GFRC are many times lighter as compared to those made from plain
cement concrete. In fact many GFRC products can be lifted and carried by hand and an important
consideration with strict manual handling regulations is now being introduced in many countries.

2. Corrosion and Rot Proof:

GFRC products do not contain mild steel reinforcement and the problems associated with
corrosion of reinforcement do not apply. GFRC is unaffected by external exposure and will not rot. It
is completely unaffected by exposure to UV light as well.

3. Control cracking:
It helps in controlling micro shrinking cracks in plastic stage.

4. Maintenance:
There is no special maintenance required with the use of glass fibre.

5. Cost Effective:
GFRC products have been shown to provide economic solutions to many applications.
Although the manufacturing costs may be higher than say concrete, but when the reduced handling,
transport and fixing costs are considered there can be an overall saving.

6. Environmental:
Glass fibre is environment friendly. There are no side effects with the use of glass fibres in
concrete

1.9.2 USES OF GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE

 Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete is used to manufacture a vast range of precast products for the
building and civil engineering industries.

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 GFRC can be formed into thin sectioned lightweight elements and provides designers, architects
and engineers with substantial advantages when compared to other traditional concrete
materials.
 Easily molded to reproduce shapes, details and textures.
 High strength results in thin sections, which are lightweight and easy to handle.
 Can be coloured with pigments, paints and natural exposed stone facings.
 Can replace non-structural precast concrete elements where weight and shape are problematic.
 Can be used in conjunction with reinforced concrete.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW

V.S.Parmeshwaran, T. S. Krishnamoorthy and K. Balasubramanian in their investigation

found that FRC's potential is now well known in the country, but its application has not yet caught up
with its repute. Fiber reinforced concrete has many potential areas of applications, such as mass
concrete structures, pavements, bridge decks, airport runways, tunnel linings, defense installations,
and precast products. The technology of FRC is well understood in India, but the problem remains
that metal fibers are not being manufactured in India on a commercial scale. Commercial production
of steel fibers is expected to begin within the next couple of years, which may boost the use of FRC
composites for a variety of structures. Natural fibers have also proved effective and useful in making
low-cost roofing sheets and tiles; their use in housing construction projects is increasing. Several
applications of FRC using either steel or natural fibers have been reported, and the performance of
structures and products built with FRC has been laudable.
Prasad M.C. in their studies found that the concrete mixed with dual fiber would also have
much more life in comparison with the conventional concrete. The fibrous concrete is found to have
maximum ultimate load carrying capacity as conventional concrete. The fibrous concrete is stiffer
than the conventional concrete in appreciable way. For the nominal M25 mix with a water cement
ratio of 0.5 used in investigation, the workability of concrete is only marginally affected even with a
total fiber content of 1.0 percent by volume. The compressive strength of dual fiber concrete is found
to be maximum at 1.0% total fiber content of steel at 28 days compared to plain concrete. There is
substantial increase in the compressive strength for mixed fiber combination. As the percentage of
steel fiber is reduced and glass fiber is increased, the compressive strength is getting reduced
compared to that of 100% steel fiber in the matrix. Steel fiber of 1 mm diameter and length of 50 mm
having an aspect ratio of 50 can be satisfactorily mixed along with glass fiber having an aspect ratio
of nearly 800 to increase the strength and other characteristics. The split tensile strength of dual fiber
concrete is found to be maximum at 1.0 % total steel fiber content at 28 days compared to plain
cement concrete.
Patil T.R. and Burile A.N. in their studies concluded that the addition of steel fibers at 0.5
% by volume of concrete reduces the cracks under different loading conditions. The brittleness of
concrete can also be improved by addition steel fibers than glass fibers. Since concrete is very weak
in tension, the steel fibers are beneficial in axial-tension to increase tensile strength. Also, the ratio of
compressive strength of cylinders to the compressive strength of cube was found to be nearly 3:4.
Workability of concrete is affected by addition of fibers. Addition of Steel fiber reduces workability

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of concrete in comparison to other fibers for different volume fraction. It was found that while using
glass fiber in Split Tensile test the crack width goes on reducing with increasing of fiber dose.

K. I. Ibrahim in his investigation found that, with 0.1 % addition of glass fiber, the increase
in the compressive strength was about 7.5%, the increase in flexural strength was about 11.8 % and
the increase in split tensile strength was about 27.1% over conventional concrete. With 0.3%
addition of glass fiber, the increase in the compressive strength was about 17%, the increase in
flexural strength was about 41.2% and the increase in tensile strength was about 71.8. With 0.5%
addition of glass fiber, the increase in the compressive strength was about 22.3%, the increase in
flexural strength was about 58.8% and the increase in tensile strength was about 94.8%.

J. D. Chaitanya kumar, G.V.S. Abhilash, P. Khasim Khan, G. Manikanta sai and V. Taraka
in their investigation found that the increase in compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile
strength for M-20 grade of concrete at 7 and 28 days are to be more at 1%. It has been observed that
there is a gradual increase in compressive strength compare to the normal concrete. Workability of
concrete is decreases from 1% due to the addition of fibres. The compressive strength is very high at
1% having for 7 days is 20.76N/mm2 and for 28 days is 28.46N/mm2.The tensile strength is very
high at 1% having for 7 days is1.47N /mm2 and for 28 days is 2.94N /mm2. The flexural strength is
very high at 1% having for 7 days are 2.83 N /mm2 and for 28 days is 3.92N /mm2.

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3. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

3.1 MATERIAL USED

3.1.1 Cement:
In this project ordinary Portland cement of 53 grade of Ultratech brand was used for all
concrete mixes. The specific gravity of cement was 3.10.
3.1.2 Fine Aggregates:
Locally available river sand conforming to grading zone 1 of IS: 383-1970 was used. Sand
passing through IS 4.75 mm sieve and having specific gravity of 2.56 was used for all the specimens.
3.1.3 Coarse aggregates:
Locally available coarse aggregate passing through 20 mm sieve and retaining on 12.5 mm
sieve was used in the present work. The specific gravity of coarse aggregate is 2.70.
3.1.4 Water:
Fresh potable water was used for curing and casting of all specimens.

3.1.5 Glass fibre:

An alkali resistance glass fibre manufactured by Owens Corning Corporation having
following properties was used.

Properties Values
Diameter 14 micron
Length 12 mm
Specific Gravity 2.7
Tensile Strength 1700 Mpa
Modulus of Elasticity 72 Gpa

Table 3.1 Properties of Glass Fibre

3.1.6 Steel fibre:

Hooked end steel fibres made up from stainless steel and manufactured by FibreZone
Corporation having following properties was used.

Properties Values
Diameter 0.75 mm
Length 50 mm
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Tensile Strength 1050 Mpa

Modulus of Elasticity 210 Gpa
 Table 3.2 Properties of Steel Fibre

3.2 MIX DESIGN:

Design specification: -
1. Grade of concrete = M20
2. Type of cement = OPC 53 grade
3. Minimum nominal size of aggregate = 20 mm
4. Workability = 75 – 100 mm (slump)
5. Exposure condition = mild
6. Method of concrete placing = normal
7. Degree of supervision = good
8. Specific gravity of cement = 3.10
9. Specific gravity of coarse aggregate = 2.70
10. Specific gravity of fine aggregate = 2.56
11. Sieve analysis = zone 1 (IS 383-1970)
Design:
Step 1: Target mean strength
f’ck = fck + 1.65s From Table 1 of IS 10262-2009
= 20 + 1.65x 4 standard deviation, s = 4
f’ck = 26.6 N/m2

Step 2: Selection of water cement ratio

From Table 5 of IS 456 - 2000
For M20 concrete, maximum w/c ratio = 0.55
Based on experience adopt water cement ratio = 0.50

Step 3: Selection of water content

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 From Table 2, of IS 10262-2009
Maximum water content for 20 mm aggregate = 186 kg/m3
(For 25 to 50 mm slump)
Increase 3% of water content for every 25 mm slump range.
To attain max of 100mm slump range = 6% increase in water content
Estimated water content for 100 mm slump = 186 + (6/100) (186)
=197.16 kg/m3

Step 4: Calculation of cement content

Water cement ratio = 0.50
Cement content = 197.16/0.5
=394.32 kg/m3
From Table 5, of IS 456-2000
Minimum Cement Content for ‘mild’ exposure condition = 300 kg/m3
Above calculated cement content value is great than 300 kg/m3
Hence ok.

Step 5: Volume of coarse aggregate and fine aggregate content

From table 3 of IS 10262 - 2009, volume of coarse aggregate corresponding
To 20 mm size aggregate and fine aggregate (Zone 1) for w/c ratio of 0.50 is 0.56.
Volume of fine aggregate content= 1 – 0.56 = 0.44 m3

Step 6: Mix calculations

Mix calculations percent volume of concrete shall as follows,
(a) Volume of concrete = 1 m3
(b) Volume of Cement = (mass of cement/sp. gravity of cement x 1000)
= (394.32/3.10 x 1000)
=0.127 m3
(c) Volume of water = (mass of water/sp. gravity of water x 1000)
= (197.16/1 x 1000)
=0.197 m3
(d)Volume of all in aggregate = (a – (b + c))
= 1 – (0.127 + 0.197)

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 = 0.676 m3
(e) Mass of coarse aggregate = (d x volume of C.A x sp. gravity of C.A. x 1000)
= 0.676 x 0.56 x 2.7 x 1000
= 1022.112 kg
(f)Mass of fine aggregate = (d x volume of F.A x sp. gravity of F.A. x 1000)
= 0.676 x 0.44 x 2.56 x 1000
= 761.44 kg
Step: 7 corrections of water absorption and surface moisture
Absorption of water by fine aggregate = (1.5 x 761.44 / 100)
=11.42 kg
Absorption of water by coarse aggregate = (0.5 x 1022.11 / 100)
=5.11 kg
Actual mass of coarse aggregate = 1022.11 - 5.11
=1017 kg
Actual mass of fine aggregate = 761.44-11.42
= 750.02 kg

3.3 MIX PROPORTIONS

Material Quantity Proportion

(kg/m3)
Cement 394.32 1
Fine Aggregate 750.02 1.90
Coarse Aggregate 1017 2.57
Water 197.16 0.50

Table 3.3 Details of Quantity of Constituent Materials

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 Specimen Steel fibre Glass fibre
(% by wt of cement) (% by wt of cement)
1 0 0

2 1.5 0.5

3 1.5 1

4 1.5 1.5

5 1.5 2

6 0.5 0.5
7 1 0.5

8 2 0.5

9 2.5 0.5

10 3 0.5

11 3.5 0.5
Fig 3.4
Proportion of Steel Fibre and Glass Fibre

3.4 TEST PROCESURE

3.4.1 Batching
There are two ways of batching of materials for concrete; by volume and by weight.
Batching by weight is more preferable to volume of batching, as it is more accurate and lead to more
uniform proportioning. In this project, for each mix, the required quantities of materials were batched
by weight. The materials were weighted accurately using a digital weighted instrument as shown
below.

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 Fig 3.1 Weighing of Materials on Digital Weighing Machine

3.4.2 Mixing
In this project we have done machine mixing for concrete. Before starting a mixer machine,
the mixer drum was fully washed and allowed for few minute to dry the drum. The coarse aggregate
and fine aggregate were first added to the mixer. After the coarse aggregate and fine aggregate were
thoroughly mixed, one third of water was added. The cement and reminder water were added to the
mixture after a minute. All ingredients were mixed together in the mixer for another minute before
the fibres were added. After the thoroughly mixing of material, the concrete was collected in pan and
fibres were added homogeneously with concrete.

Fig 3.2 Mixing of Materials before Addition of Fibres and After Addition of Fibres
3.4.3 Moulding
In this project we have used 150 x 150 x 150 mm cube, 150 mm diameter and 300 mm long
cylinder and 150 x 150 x 700 mm size beam. During assembling of the mould for use, the joints
between the sections of mould were thinly coated with crude oil and a similar coating of crude oil
was applied between the contact surfaces of the bottom of the mould and the base plate in order to
assure that no water escapes during the filling of concrete. The interior surfaces of the mould also

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were thinly coated with crude oil to prevent adhesion of the concrete. After that the concrete was
placed in to mould in three layers. Each layer was compacted with the help of temping rod of 60 cm
long and 16 mm diameter by giving 25 blows on each layer. Excess concrete was removed from the
top surface and finished by trowel. After casting the specimens, the moulds were left completely
undisturbed for 24 hours at room temperature.

Fig 3.3 Moulding of Concrete specimens

3.4.4 Curing
Concrete specimens were removed from moulds after 24 hours of casting. Immediately
after removing, specimens were placed in to a tank of clean water for curing. After 7, 14 and 28 days
of curing, they were allowed to become dry before testing. After 3 to 4 hours of drying, tests were
performed on it.

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 Fig 3.4 Curing of concrete specimens in water tank

3.4.5 Testing of specimens

In this project we have performed a compressive test, tensile test and flexural test on a
total number of 33 cubes, 18 cylinders and 12 beams respectively.

3.4.5.1 Compressive Strength Test

For compressive strength test, a total number of 33 cube samples of size 150 x 150 x 150
mm were casted for M20 grade of concrete. The moulds were filled with concrete prepared with
different percentage variation of glass and steel fiber. Compaction was done by tamping rod, top
surface of sample were leveled and finished. After 7, 14 and 28 days of curing these cube samples
were tested on universal testing machine. The compressive strength of concrete of specimens was
calculated by the following formula:
p
F =
A
Where,
p = Failure load in compression, N
A = loaded area of cube, mm2
F = Compressive strength, N/mm2

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 Fig 3.5 Compressive Strength Test

3.4.5.2 Split tensile strength test

For split tensile strength test, a total number of 18 cylindrical specimen of size 150 mm
diameter and 300 mm length were casted. These specimens were left for curing and tested under
universal testing machine after 7, 14 and 28 days of age. The split tensile strength was calculated by
following formula:
Split Tensile Strength= 2P/π DL
Where,
P= Failure load, N
D= Diameter of cylinder, mm
L= Length of cylinder, mm

Fig 3.6 Split Tensile Strength Test

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3.4.5.3 Flexural strength test
For flexural strength test, a total number of 12 beams of size 150 x 150 x 700 mm were
casted. Beam specimens were demoulded after 24 hours and they were allowed to cure for 7 and 28
days. The beam specimens were tested under two point loading over an effective span of 600 mm on
universal testing machine. The flexural strength was calculated by following formula:
Flexural Strength = (P x L) / (b x d2)
Where,
P= Failure Load, N
L= Center to center distance between the support, mm
b= Width of specimen, mm
d= depth of specimen, mm

Fig 3.7 Flexural Strength Test

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4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Test performed on cubes, cylinders and beams at 7, 14 and 28 days by using different
percentages of steel fibre and glass fibre are shown in tables:

4.1 Compressive Strength Test

The test results of compressive test performed on cubes containing fibres and without
containing fibres are shown in table 3.5.

FIBRE
7 days 14 days 28 days
CONTENT
strength strength strength
(N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 )
GF(%) SF(%)

0 0 13.77 16 23.55

0.5 1.5 15.11 25.33 28.44

1 1.5 17.77 22.67 27.55

1.5 1.5 15.55 20 26.22

2 1.5 13.33 20 26.22

0.5 0.5 14.22 22.67 25.77

0.5 1 14.67 23.55 28.44

0.5 2 16 25.33 29.77

0.5 2.5 16.44 26.67 29.77

0.5 3 18.22 27.11 31.55

0.5 3.5 17.33 25.77 30.67

Table 4.1 Compressive Strength Test Results

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 As shown in table compressive strength of conventional concrete at 28 days is 23.55
N/mm2. Maximum compressive strength can be achieved by using 0.5 % of glass fibre and 3 % of
steel fibre at 28 days. It is shown that by using this percentage of glass fibre and steel fibre
compressive strength increases by 34 %. 0.5 and 3 is optimum percentages of fibre content after
which strength will be decreases.

4.2 Split Tensile Strength Test

The results of split tensile test performed on cylinders containing fibres and without
containing fibres are shown in table 3.6.

FIBRE
7 days 14 days 28 days
CONTENT
strength strength strength
(N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 )
GF(%) SF(%)

0 0 1.55 1.83 2.26

0.5 2.5 1.98 2.40 2.82

0.5 3 2.26 2.75 3.25

0.5 3.5 2.12 2.54 2.97

1 3 2.12 2.40 2.75

1 3.5 1.83 2.26 2.54

Table
4.2 Tensile
Strength Test Results

From table, it is shown that tensile strength of conventional concrete at 28 days is 2.26
N/mm2. Maximum tensile strength can be achieved by using 0.5 % glass fibre and 3 % steel fibre at
28 days. It is shown that by using this percentage of glass fibre and steel fibre tensile strength
increases by 44 %. Strength of concrete will decrease with increase in fibre content after a content of
0.5 % of glass fibre and 3% of steel fibre.

4.2 Flexural Strength Test

The results of flexural test performed on beams containing fibres and without containing
fibres are shown in table 3.5.

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 FIBRE
CONTENT 7 days strength 28 days strength
(N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 )
GF(%) SF(%)

0 0 2.48 3.55

0.5 2.5 3.55 5.33

0.5 3 4.08 5.86

0.5 3.5 3.73 5.69

1 3 3.73 5.33

1 3.5 3.37 4.97

Table 4.3 Flexural Strength Test Results

As shown in table flexural strength of conventional concrete at 28 days is 3.55 N/mm2. It

is found that steel fibres and glass fibres provide better flexural strength compared to conventional
concrete. Maximum flexural strength can be achieved by using 0.5 % glass fibre and 3 % steel fibre
at 28 days. It is shown that by using this percentage of glass fibre and steel fibre flexural strength
increases by 65 %. 0.5 And 3 is optimum percentages of fibre content after which strength will be
decreases.

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5. CONCLUSION

Conclusion:
 It can be concluded that the strength of fiber reinforced concrete significantly higher than the
normal concrete. The crack formation is also very small in fiber specimen compared to non-fiber
specimen.
 The result of tests conducted so far suggest that the fibre reinforced concrete provides better
results as compared to plain cement concrete, with an increase in compressive strength up to 34
%, tensile strength up to 44 % and flexural strength up to 65 %.
 The use of glass and steel fibre in concrete definitely increases the fundamental properties of
concrete but could only be done up to a certain percentage after which the concrete starts to lose
strength.
 Use of fibres reduce workability of concrete and hence could only be used in little amount.
 Improvement in the surface integrity and reduction in bleeding is observed in most of the cases
when using fibre reinforced concrete.
 The brittleness of concrete could be improved with addition steel fibres and not so much with
glass fibres
 It can be concluded that the benefits of the addition of fibers in concrete vary based on the type
of fiber and amount of fibres.
 Glass fibers can be used when a higher flexural strength is desired. For example, large slabs and
thin-shelled concrete are less resistant to bending because they can have a smaller thickness, so
fibers can help to increase the strength.
 The use of steel fibers in concrete has potential in many structural applications because of the
high yield strength of steel.
 Max compressive, tensile and flexural strength for M20 grade of concrete at 28 days was
obtained by addition of 0.5% of glass fibre and 3 % of steel fibre.
 Maximum compressive strength has been observed with an addition of fibres is 31.55 N/mm2.
 Maximum tensile strength has been observed with an addition of fibres is 3.25 N/mm2.
 Maximum flexural strength has been observed with an addition of fibres is 5.86 N/mm2

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6. REFERENCES

Books, Codes & Papers:

1. Book on “Concrete Technology”, by M.L. Gambhir, Tata McGraw-Hill.
2. Book on “Concrete Technology”, by M.S. Shetty, S. Chand Publications.
3. IS: 456 – 2000 “Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice”.
4. IS: 10262 – 2009 “Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design”.
5. M.C. Guru Prasad, K. Tanuja and N. Vasu Deva Naidu, “Experimental Study & Strength of
Concrete By Using Steel & Glass Fibers” International Research Journal of Engineering and
Technology (IRJET), Vol. 03, Issue 9, 2016
6. Tejas R. Patil and Ajay N. Burile, “Comparative Study of Steel And Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete Composites” International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), ISSN, 2319-7064, 2015
7. K. I. M. Ibrahim, “Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete” IOSR Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering, e-ISSN: 2278-1684, p-ISSN: 2320-334X, Volume 13, Issue 4
8. S. Ghouse Basha and P. Polu Raju, “Comparative Study on Effect of Steel and Glass Fibers on
Compressive and Flexural Strength of Concrete” International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology (IJCIET), Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2017
9. Nitin Verma, Hemant Kumar, Dr. A. K. Jain, “Effect of Steel Fiber and Glass Fiber on Mechanical
Properties of Concrete” International Journal of Science Technology & Engineering, Volume 3,
Issue 03, September 2016
10. Er. Lakshit Gupta, Er. Harpreet Singh, “Steel and Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete: A Review”
International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), e-ISSN: 2395-0056,
Volume: 05, Issue: 02, Feb-2018
11. S. Ragavendra, Paveen Raddy, Dr. Archanaa Dongre, “Fibre Reinforced Concrete- A Case
Study”
12. A. P. Modak, G. P. Deshmukh, “Comparative Study of Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete & Steel
Fibre Reinforced Concrete” International Journal of Novel Research and Development, Volume 2,
Issue 5, May 2017, ISSN: 2456-4184
13. Praveen Kumar, Praveen K.S, “Optimization of Percentages of Steel And Glass Fiber Reinforced
Concrete” International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, e-ISSN: 2319-1163, p-
ISSN: 2321-7308

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14. Preetha V, Belarmin Xavier, K P Narayanan, “Strength Properties of Steel Fibre And Glass Fibre
Composites” International Journal Of Civil Engineering And Technology (IJCIET), ISSN 0976-
6308, ISSN 0976-6316, Volume 5,Issue 12, December 2014.
15. Kavita S Kene, Vikrant S Vairagade and Satish Sathawane, “Experimental Study on Behavior of
Steel and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Composites” International Journal of Industrial
Engineering and Management Science, Vol. 2, No. 4, December 2012
16. Pshtiwan N. Shakor, Prof. S. S. Pimplikar, “Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete Use In
Construction” International Journal of Technology and Engineering System (IJTES), March 2011,
Vol. 2, No. 2.
17. Komal Chawla1, Bharti Tekwani, “Studies of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Composites”
International of Structural and Civil Engineering Research, ISSN 2319 – 6009 Vol. 2, No. 3, August
2013

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Websites:
1. http://www.fibretech.org
2. http://www.concretenetwork.com
3. http://www.grca.org.uk
4. http://www.concretecountertops.net
5. http://en.wikipedia.org

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