Improving the mechanical properties of no-fines concrete

Abstract EN

In this study the mechanical characteristics of no-fines concrete with or without polypropylene fiber are investigated.

The effect of mixture proportions on compressive strength, tensile strength and density presented.

Result show that the addition of polypropylene fibers in no-fines concrete can improve the mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength, compressive strength by 19 % and 17 % respectively compared with the concrete without fibers, and a slight effect on the density.

It was found that the strength of no-fines concrete is strongly related to its mixture proportion.

A sealed compressive strength of 20.5 mpa can readily be achieved with an aggregate / cement ratio of 3 : 1 / and 0.9 kg / m3 optimum quantity of polypropylene fibers.

Adapted from ACI 213R-79, this type of lightweight concrete investigated from this research is considered structural lightweight concrete.