Buildings (Jan 2022)
Effect of Silica Fume and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber on Mechanical Properties and Frost Resistance of Concrete
Abstract
To improve the mechanical properties and frost resistance of concrete, silica fume, and polyvinyl alcohol fiber compounded in concrete. The mechanical and frost resistance of concrete were comprehensively analyzed and evaluated for strength change, mass loss, and relative dynamic elastic modulus change by compressive strength test, flexural strength test, and rapid freeze-thaw test. The results showed that with the incorporation of silica fume and polyvinyl alcohol fiber, the compressive and flexural strengths of concrete were improved, and the decrease in mass loss rate and relative dynamic elastic modulus of concrete after freeze-thaw cycles were significantly reduced, which indicated that the compounding of silica fume and polyvinyl alcohol fiber improved the frost resistance of concrete. When the content of silica fume was 10% and the volume content of polyvinyl alcohol fiber was 1%, the comprehensive mechanical performance and frost resistance of concrete is the best. The compressive strength increased by 26.6% and flexural strength increased by 29.17% compared to ordinary concrete. Based on the test data, to study the macroscopic damage evolution of concrete compound silica fume and polyvinyl alcohol fiber under repeated freeze-thaw conditions. The Weibull distribution probability model and GM (1, 1) model were established. The average relative errors between the predicted and actual data of the two models are small and very close. It is shown that both models can reflect well the development of concrete damage under a freeze-thaw environment. This provides an important reference value and theoretical basis for the durability evaluation and life prediction of compound silica fume and polyvinyl alcohol fiber concrete in cold regions.
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