Effect of matrix modification on durability of glass fiber reinforced cement composites

The primary concern for glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is the long-term durability of glass fibers in alkaline environment of cement. The objectives of the present,work were to study the effectiveness of dimension-stabilizing admixture (NSR) and blast furnace slag with and without acrylic polymer on the mechanical properties of GFRC panels determined by flexural and tensile tests with aging. Control GFRC specimens without NSR and slag were also examined for comparison. Also, the influence of humidity condition of the specimens during testing was Studied. Dry specimens (at standard room condition) and saturated specimens were tested in flexure and tension. Specimens after 28-day normal curing were Submerged in hot water at 50 degrees C for up to 84 days and then tested. The results indicated that the NSR admixture with slag provided significant improvement in aging behavior of the GFRC composite. The improvement was seen in both strength and toughness. The greatest improvement was for NSR and slag with acrylic polymer tested at saturated condition. 1359-5997 (c) 2004 RILEM. All rights reserved.