Effect of Dry–Wet Cycles on Properties of High Strength Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

The development of modern civil construction has created a significant demand for concrete, which must characterize increased qualities, such as high compressive strength, flexural strength, impact resistance. While concrete is designed primarily to withstand structural loads, it must also contend an array of environmental effects, which determines its durability. The paper is presented the investigation results of the durability of modified high strength fiber-reinforced concrete under the dry-wet cycles effect, which can occur both under the weathering and human activities influence (car washes, industrial floors etc.). The analysis criteria were deterioration in compressive strength and impact resistance of concrete. The compressive strength of developed concrete after 100 dry-wet cycles decreases by 1.9–2.8%. Dispersed reinforcement with polypropylene fiber provided an effective increase in resistance to impact loads under the combined effect of dry-wet cycles. The impact strength of modified high strength fiber-reinforced concrete after 50 and 100 dry-wet cycles decreases by 2.2–3.4% and 3.1–5.4% respectively.