Strength and fracture energy characteristics of self-consolidating concrete incorporating polyvinyl alcohol, steel and hybrid fibres

Fibre-reinforced self-consolidating concrete (FRSCC) combines the advantages of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) and fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC). In this study, 18 concrete mixtures were developed by incorporating different volumes of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and metallic fibres to a maximum of 0.3% by volume. Fresh, mechanical and durability (in terms of chloride penetration resistance) properties of all FRSCC mixtures were evaluated. The influence of fibre type/size/dosage and combination (used in hybrid mixes) on fresh properties (slump flow, L-box passing ability, V-funnel flow time and segregation index) and hardened properties (fracture energy and compressive/flexural/splitting tensile strength) were critically analyzed to study the performance of the FRSCC mixtures. The fibres metallic ones in particular were more effective in increasing the fracture energy of FRSCC than in increasing its compressive/splitting tensile/flexural strength. A substantial fracture energy gain of about 507% was observed compared to a 10% increase in compressive strength, a 39% gain in splitting tensile strength and a 124% increase in flexural strength. The improved strength and fracture energy of such FRSCC mixtures can significantly reduce the amount of tensile reinforcement required and substantially increase the energy-absorbing capacity of concrete structures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.