Flexural resistance of the polypropylene fibres reinforced cement mixes with waste material

Scientific Research Center in Engineering (CRSI), Lebanese University, Faculty of Engineering, Branch II, Roumieh- Mount Lebanon.

^* Graduate Student.

Abstract

The polypropylene (PP) fibers in shotcrete has been used for ground support and building strengthening, since several decades. However, the recent trend is to use the waste material in cementbased mixes to produce an eco-friendly material. Such waste material is the incineration fly ash (FA) that is classified as a hazardous product. This study is intended to establish the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced mortar in addition to cement or sand partial replacement by fly ash, in terms of flexural strength testing. The mechanical properties reflect the influence of the dosage of fiber content and the proportion of the fly ash on the flexural strength. The percentage of cement or sand was replaced by 0, 10, 20, and 30% fly ash. The dosage of fibers was 0, 0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 kg/m³. This green mix with fibers provides a partial substitute of cement as it is cheaper, by incorporating waste product, and saving energy consumption in the production. Due to growing interest in sustainable construction, engineers and architects are motivated to choose such materials which are more sustainable.