Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Concrete is used as a material in the construction of several types of structures. The structural behavior of concrete is constrained by its lower tensile strength, bending strength, and toughness. Fiber-reinforced concrete is gaining importance in various concrete applications. Research has been carried out to use multiple types of fibers in concrete in different combinations to improve its mechanical characteristics, such as toughness, strength, ductility, and durability. In traditional concrete, microcracks have developed before loading the structure because of volume changes and drying shrinkage. When the load is applied, the microcracks start opening and propagating. Therefore, failure of the concrete member occurs. Hence, the usage of fibers helps arrest the growth of the crack and improves concrete characterization. The goal of this research study is to examine mechanical properties of concrete when used in combination with steel, basalt, and glass fibers. Steel fiber is useful in arresting macrocracks, whereas basalt and glass fibers are effective in preventing microcracks. In this research, the specimens incorporated hybrid (steel, glass, and basalt) fibers in the concrete mix with various percentage proportions at a 0.5% volume fraction. Experiments were carried out to assess the bending strength, compression strength, and splitting tensile strength. Therefore, this research can show comparative analysis for different percentages of fibers to enhance the qualities of concrete and can show the optimum fiber percentage among the proportions selected for this study.