Rheological properties and compressive strength behaviour of polyvinyl alcohol fibre-reinforced concrete

Comprehensive experiments were carried out to assess the effects of uncoated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fi bres of two geometric lengths (6 and 12 mm) on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Fly-ash was also used as partial replacement of Portland cement in all mixes. Based on total concrete volume, four fi bre fractions of 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.375% and 0.5% were evaluated for their effect on slump, compacting factor, air content, mass per unit volume, compressive strength, relative strength with age and mode of failure in PVA fi bre-reinforced concretes (FRCs). PVA fi bres were observed to decrease the slump and mass per unit volume of FRC, while increasing the compressive strength up to 56 days ageing. With regards to workability and compressive strength, optimum fi bre addition was established for 0.25% PVA-FRC incorporating 6 mm fibres with a 12% increase noted in compressive strength compared to the control concrete at 28 days ageing.