Performance of alkali-resistant glass fiber reinforced concrete

This article deals with the results of an experimental investigation on the glass fiber modified properties of structural concrete. Alkali-resistant glass fibers are used in this investigation. The effects of these fibers on workability, density, and on various strengths of M20 grade concrete are studied. Fiber content varies from 0.5 to 4.5% by weight of cement. The various strengths considered for investigation are compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, and bond strength. Cubes of 150mm for compressive and bond strengths, cylinders of 150mm diameter x 300mm length for split tensile strength, beams of 100 x 100 x 500mm for flexural strength are cast. All the specimens are water cured and tested after 28 days. Workability of wet mix is found to be reduced with increased fiber content. Ductility of concrete is found to increase in glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) as observed from the study of load-deflection behavior. New expressions for various strengths are proposed. Results of elastic constants obtained by various methods and newly proposed expressions are presented. A significant improvement in the various strengths is observed due to inclusion of glass fibers in the concrete. Optimum fiber content is found to be strength dependent.