Mechanical and Permeability Characteristics of Latex-Modified Fiber-Reinforced Roller-Compacted Rapid-Hardening-Cement Concrete for Pavement Repair

This study evaluated the effects of reinforcement fibers on the mechanical characteristics, chloride ion penetration properties and abrasion resistance of roller-compacted latex-modified fiber-reinforced rapid-hardening-cement concrete (RCLMFRRHCC) for use in the emergency repair of concrete pavements. The reinforcement fibers tested included macro synthetic fibers (a structural fiber) as well as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) and natural Jute fibers (non-structural fibers). In the experiment, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, chloride ion penetrating properties, abrasion resistance tests and impact resistance tests were performed. Test results were compared with traffic open standards of concrete for concrete pavement emergency repair. RCLMFRRHCC satisfied all traffic open standards for concrete emergency repair. Mixes with reinforcement fibers showed superior results to the mix without, in terms of compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, chloride ion penetration resistance, abrasion resistance and impact resistance. With regard to the reinforcement fibers, the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact resistance of the mix with macro synthetic fiber showed improved results as a structural fiber compared to mixes containing natural jute and PVA fibers, namely the non-structural fibers. However, using the reinforcement fiber type had little effect on chloride ion penetration resistance or abrasion resistance. Thus, the addition of reinforcement fibers was effective in improving the performance of RCLMFRRHCC. The use of macro synthetic fibers improved the mechanical characteristics of concrete.