Hybrid steel/glass fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concrete considering packing factor: Mechanical and durability characteristics

This study intends to determine the effect of fiber type and aggregate content on hardened and durability properties of self-consolidating concrete. Steel, glass, and steel/glass hybrid fibers are tested in the present experimental program. Additionally, the effect of aggregate content is considered by using different packing factors and sand-to-all aggregate ratios. Moreover, normal and high strength concrete grades are prepared. Compressive, splitting tensile, flexural, and impact tests are conducted for measuring hardened properties of concrete mixtures. Absorption, desorption, acid attack, resistivity, potential, and chloride diffusion are also durability tests carried out in the present study. Results show that 1.0% and 0.05% are the optimal dosage of steel and glass fibers respectively. Results show that packing factor plays a major role in mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced self-consolidating concretes so that an optimal value of 1.12 and 1.14 is obtained for mechanical properties. Also, experimental results reveal that for 1.12 packing factor, the sand-to-all aggregate ratio needs to be equal to the value of 0.50, while 0.57 is achieved as an optimum value for packing factor of 1.14. Overall, results show that hybrid-reinforced self-consolidating concrete is promising for mechanical and durability performance as compared to other mixtures.