Size and shape effect of specimen on the compressive strength of HPLWFC reinforced with glass fibres

Abstract

High performance lightweight foamed concrete (HPLWFC) have a structural strength with low density and high flowability. HPLWFC is used in modern concrete technology and extensively in the construction applications of high-rise buildings, long-span concrete structures and road sub-bases among others. This present work investigated the effect of size and shape specimen on the compressive strength of HPLWFC reinforced with glass fibres. Foam agent (organic material) was used to obtain lightweight concrete. The volume fractions of the glass fibres used were: 0.0%, 0.06%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by total volume of concrete. The fresh properties of HPLWFC were measured by flowability and fresh density tests. In this study, the size and shape of specimens used for compressive strength were cubes by size (150 × 150 × 150, 100 × 100 × 100 and 50 × 50 × 50 mm) and cylinders by size (150 × 300 and 100 × 200 mm). The results of HPLWFC mixes showed the increase in the compressive strength for all sizes of specimens with glass fibre content. The small size of specimens gave higher compressive strength in comparison with other sizes. The disparity in the compressive strength for two sizes and shapes (cubes and cylinders) were reduced with a rise in the volume fraction of the glass fibres.

Keywords

• Compressive strength
• Size effect
• Shape effect
• Lightweight concrete
• Foamed concrete
• Glass fibres