Chemically modified jute fibre reinforced non-pressure (NP) concrete pipes with improved mechanical properties

To improve the load bearing capacity of underground sewage pipe, we have formulated a concrete mix using chemically-modified jute fibre (reinforcing agent), polymer latex (surface modifier both for fibre and matrix) and tannin (water reducing admixture). As compared to commercial non-pressure grade pipes (NP3 type), significant strength improvement, under three-edge-bearing test (similar to 129.4%), is achieved in the pipes made using the modified concrete mix. NP3 pipes made using this modified concrete exhibit similar mechanical properties to that of NP4 pipes resulting an effective reduction of 31.6 wt% of steel used for reinforcement in NP4 pipes. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.