Influence of Microfibers Additive on the Self-healing Performance of Mass Concrete

Abstract

Because cracks are the main problem of mass concrete, this paper investigates an experimental study on the effect of polypropylene microfiber (PPMFs) on self -repair behavior of mass concrete, through study the microstructure, workability, physical, and mechanical properties of mass concrete. PPMFs with a diameter of 18 μm add in different percentages (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5) % of cement weight. Where the prepared mixture ratio was (1:2:4.8) and the water-cement ratio (W/C) was 0.4. Also, 0.6% of Superplasticizer (SP) % of cement weight to all concrete mixtures was added. In this study, an SEM analysis used to observe the effect of PPMFs on the microstructure of mass concrete, and compressive and flexural strength tests for study the mechanical properties of this. And referring to the analysis and discussion of the results, PPMFs used have changed the microstructure of mass concrete, and have an effective effect on improving compressive strength and flexural strength, and mechanism of sealing the cracks of concrete autogenously. Also, 1% PPMFs (% of cement weight) recorded as the highest addition, which has a positive effect on mass concrete properties to apply it in the construction field.

Keywords

• self- repair
• mass concrete
• polypropylene microfiber
• mechanical properties