CHAPTER 4

MIX DESIGN PROCEDURES AND TEST RESULTS OF

FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (FRC)

4.1. General
The strengths of FRC are tested by making four different concrete mixtures
(identified as A, B, C and D). Mix design procedures are calculated step by step
according to ACI method. And then, FRC are cast into cube mold of cast irons. All
specimens are submerged in a tank of fresh water for a period before testing. Finally,
they are tested for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days compressive strength.

4.2. Concrete Mixtures

The mixtures of A, B, C and D are prepared by mixing of Double Rhinos
cement, coarse aggregate from Ohm Gyaw, fine aggregate from Irrawaddy River near
Mandalay, water and ViscoCrete-6100 (High performance superplasticizer). Concrete
mixtures are shown in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1. Concrete Mixtures

No w/c Polypropylene Fiber

Mixture ViscoCrete -6100
. ratio (40mm length)
0.5% by weight of cement
1 A 0.27 0.8% by weight of cement
1.5% by weight of cement
2 B 0.27 0.8% by weight of cement
0.5% by weight of cement
3 C 0.3 0.8% by weight of cement
1.5% by weight of cement
4 D 0.3 0.8% by weight of cement

4.2.1. Trial Mix Design of Mixture A

ViscoCrete-6100, 0.8% by weight of cement, polypropylene fiber, 0.5% by
weight of cement and water cement ratio 0.27 are used in mixture A. Mix design of
mixture A is calculated step by step according to ACI method.
 43

Step 1 : Slump = 100mm

Step 2 : Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")

Step 3 : According to Table A.1, the amount of water is 200 kg/m³. But
this table is applicable for normal concrete mix design. For
FRC, the amount of water is reduced 21.5% according to the
result of trial mix design and properties of admixture.
Therefore, required water = 200 - (200×0.215) = 157 kg/m³.
Step 4 : Design strength is 50MPa (7250 psi). Therefore, targeted
compressive strength is 59.6MPa (8650 psi) according to Table
A.2.
Step 5 : Water cement ratio, w/c= 0.27 (from Table A.3)
157
Step 6 : Cement Content = = 581.48 kg/m³
0.27
So, ViscoCrete-6100 = 581.48×0.008= 4.65 kg/m³
Polypropylene fiber (40 mm) = 581.48×0.005= 2.91 kg/m³
Step 7 : Fineness Modulus of fine aggregate = 2.02
Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")
Volume of rodded coarse aggregate in SSD = 1600 kg/m³
Volume of coarse aggregate according to Table A.4 = 0.68
Weight of coarse aggregate in SSD =1600×0.68 =1088 kg/m³
Step 8 : By using absolute volume method,
157× 106
Volume of water = = 157×10³ cm³/m³
1 ×1000
581.48× 106
Volume of Cement = = 184.6×10³ cm³/m³
3.15 ×1000

1088 ×106
Volume of Coarse Aggregate = = 391.37×10³
2.78× 1000
cm³/m³

4.65 ×10 6
Volume of ViscoCrete-6100 = = 4.39×10³ cm³/m³
1.06× 1000

2.91 ×106
Volume of Polypropylene fiber = . =3.2×10³ cm³/m³
0.91× 1000
 44

2× 106
Volume of air content = = 20×10³ cm³/m³
100

Total volume of above materials = 760.56×10³ cm³/m³

Volume of fine aggregate (SSD) =106 −(760.56 ×103 )

=239.44×10³ cm³/m³

239.44 ×103 ×2.63 ×1000

Weight of fine aggregate (OD) =
106

= 629.73 kg/m³

For 1 m³ of concrete batch, required weights of constituent materials

are:
Water = 157 kg
Cement = 581.48 kg
Coarse aggregate = 1088 kg
Fine aggregate = 692.73 kg
ViscoCrete-6100 = 4.65 kg (4.15 litres)
Polypropylene fiber (40 mm) = 2.91 kg

4.2.2. Trial Mix Design of Mixture B

ViscoCrete-6100, 0.8% by weight of cement, polypropylene fiber, 1.5% by
weight of cement and water cement ratio 0.27 are used in mixture B. Mix design of
mixture B is calculated step by step according to ACI method.

Step 1 : Slump = 100 mm

Step 2 : Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")
Step 3 : According to Table A.1, the amount of water is 200 kg/m³. But
this table is applicable for normal concrete mix design. For
FRC, the amount of water is reduced 23.5% according to the
result of trial mix design and properties of admixture.
Therefore, required water=200 - (200×0.235) = 153 kg/m³.
 45

Step 4 : Design strength is 50MPa (7250 psi). Therefore, targeted

compressive strength is 59.6MPa (8650 psi) according to Table
A.2.
Step 5 : Water cement ratio, w/c = 0.27 (from Table A.3)
153
Step 6 : Cement Content = = 566.67 kg/m³
0.27
So, ViscoCrete-6100 = 566.67×0.008= 4.53 kg/m³
Polypropylene fiber (40 mm) = 566.67×0.015= 8.5 kg/m³
Step 7 : Fineness Modulus of fine aggregate= 2.02
Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")

Volume of rodded coarse aggregate in SSD = 1600 kg/m³

Volume of coarse aggregate according to Table A.4 = 0.68

Weight of coarse aggregate in SSD= 1600×0.68 =1088 kg/m³

Step 8 : By using absolute volume method,
153× 106
Volume of water = = 153× 10³ cm³/m³
1 ×1000

566.67× 106
Volume of Cement = = 179.9×10³ cm³/m³
3.15 ×1000

1088 ×106
Volume of Coarse Aggregate = = 391.37×10³
2.78× 1000
cm³/m³
4.53 ×10 6
Volume of ViscoCrete-6100 = = 4.28×10³ cm³/m³
1.06× 1000
8.5 ×106
Volume of Polypropylene fiber = . = 9.34×10³
0.91× 1000

2× 106 3
cm³/m³ Volume of air content = = 20× 10 cm³/m³
100
Total volume of above materials = 753.6×103 cm³/m³
Volume of fine aggregate (SSD) =106 −(753.6 ×103 )
= 246.39×103 cm³/m³
246.39× 103 × 2.63× 1000
Weight of fine aggregate (OD) =
106
 46

=648.03 kg/m³

For 1 m³ of concrete batch, required weights of constituent

materials are:
Water = 153 kg
Cement = 566.67 kg
Coarse aggregate = 1088 kg
Fine aggregate = 648.03 kg
ViscoCrete-6100 = 4.53 kg (4.03 litres)
Polypropylene Fiber (40mm) = 8.5 kg
4.2.3. Trial Mix Design of Mixture C
ViscoCrete-6100, 0.8% by weight of cement, polypropylene fiber, 0.5% by
weight of cement and water cement ratio 0.3 are used in mixture C. Mix design of
mixture C is calculated step by step according to ACI method.

Step 1 : Slump = 100 mm

Step 2 : Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")
Step 3 : According to Table A.1, the amount of water is 200 kg/m³. But,
this table is applicable for normal concrete mix design. For
FRC, the amount of water is reduced 20% according to the
result of trial mix design and properties of admixture.
Therefore, required water =200 - (200×0.2) = 160 kg/m³.
Step 4 : Design strength is 50MPa (7250 psi). Therefore, targeted
compressive strength is 59.6MPa (8650 psi) according to
Table A.2.
Step 5 : Water cement ratio, w/c = 0.3 (from Table A.3)

160
Step 6 : Cement Content = 0.3 = 533.33 kg/m³
So, ViscoCrete-6100 = 533.33×0.008= 4.27 kg/m³
Polypropylene fiber (40 mm) = 533.33×0.005= 2.67 kg/m³
Step 7 : Fineness Modulus of Sand = 2.02
Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")
Volume of rodded coarse aggregate in SSD = 1600 kg/m³
Volume of coarse aggregate according to Table A.3 = 0.68
 47

Weight of coarse aggregate in SSD= 1600×0.68 =1088 kg/m³.

Step 8 : By using absolute volume method,

160× 106
Volume of water = = 160×103 cm³/m³
1 ×1000
533.33× 106
Volume of Cement = = 169.31×103 cm³/m³
3.15 ×1000

1088 ×106
Volume of Coarse Aggregate = = 391.37×10 3
2.78× 1000
cm³/m³
4.27 × 106
Volume of ViscoCrete-6100 = = 4.03×10 3 m³/cm³
1.06× 1000

2.67 ×106
Volume of Polypropylene fiber = . = 2.93×10³ cm³/m³
0.91× 1000
2× 106 3
Volume of air content = = 20× 10 cm³/m³
100
Total volume of above materials = 743.61×103 cm³/m³
Volume of fine aggregate (SSD) =106 −(743.61 ×103 )
= 256.39×103 cm³/m³
256.39× 103 × 2.63× 1000
Weight of fine aggregate (OD) =
106

=674.31 kg/m³

For 1 m³ of concrete batch, required weights of constituent

materials are:
Water = 160 kg
Cement = 533.33 kg
Coarse aggregate = 1088 kg
Fine aggregate = 674.31 kg
ViscoCrete-6100 = 4.27 kg (3.81 litres)
Polypropylene Fiber (40mm) = 2.67 kg

4.2.4. Trial Mix Design of Mixture D

 48

ViscoCrete-6100, 0.8% by weight of cement, polypropylene fiber, 1.5% by

weight of cement and water cement ratio 0.3 are used in mixture D. Mix design of
mixture D is calculated step by step according to ACI method.

Step 1 : Slump = 100 mm

Step 2 : Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")
Step 3 : According to Table A.1, the amount of water is 200 kg/m³. But
this table is applicable for normal concrete mix design. For
FRC, the amount of water is reduced 21.5% according to the
result of trial mix design and properties of admixture.
Therefore, required water=200 - (200×0.215) = 157 kg/m³.
Step 4 : Design strength is 50MPa (7250 psi). Therefore, targeted
compressive strength is 59.6MPa (8650 psi) according to Table
A.2.
Step 5 : Water cement ratio, w/c = 0.3 (from Table A.3)
157
Step 6 : Cement Content = = 523.33 kg/m³
0.3
So, ViscoCrete-6100 = 523.33×0.008= 4.19 kg/m³
Polypropylene fiber (40 mm) = 523.33×0.015= 7.85 kg/m³
Step 7 : Fineness Modulus of fine aggregate= 2.02
Maximum aggregate size = 20 mm (3/4")

Volume of rodded coarse aggregate in SSD = 1600 kg/m³

Volume of coarse aggregate according to Table A.4 = 0.68

Weight of coarse aggregate in SSD= 1600×0.68 =1088 kg/m³

Step 8: By using absolute volume method,
157× 106
Volume of water = = 157× 10³ cm³/m³
1 ×1000

523.33× 106
Volume of Cement = = 166.14×10³ cm³/m³
3.15 ×1000

1088 ×106
Volume of Coarse Aggregate = = 391.37×10³
2.78× 1000
cm³/m³
 49

419 ×10 6
Volume of ViscoCrete-6100 = = 3.95×10³ cm³/m³
1.06× 1000
7.85 ×106
Volume of Polypropylene fiber = . = 8.63×10³
0.91× 1000

2× 106 3
cm³/m³ Volume of air content = = 20× 10 cm³/m³
100
Total volume of above materials = 743.13×103 cm³/m³
Volume of fine aggregate (SSD) =106 −(743.13 ×103 )
= 256.87×103 cm³/m³
256.87 ×103 ×2.63 ×1000
Weight of fine aggregate (OD) =
106

=675.57 kg/m³

For 1 m³ of concrete batch, required weights of constituent

materials are:
Water = 157 kg
Cement = 523.33 kg
Coarse aggregate = 1088 kg
Fine aggregate = 675.57 kg
ViscoCrete-6100 = 4.19 kg (3.74 litres)
Polypropylene Fiber (40mm) = 7.85 kg

4.2.5. Summary of Batch Weight per Cubic Meter of Fresh Concrete

The summary of the mix proportion for one Cubic Meter of fresh concrete are
shown in Table 4.2 and the unit weight of fresh FRC for all mix design is in average
145 lb/ft³.

Table 4.2 Summary of Fresh Concrete for Batch Weight Per Cubic Meter (kg/m³)
Mixture A and C Mixture B and D
No. Item (ViscoCrete-6100, (ViscoCrete-6100,
0.8% and Fiber 0.5%) 0.8% and Fiber 1.5%)

1. Water / Cement Ratio 0.27 0.3 0.27 0.3

 50

2. Water (kg/m³) 157 160 153 157

3. Cement (kg/m³) 581.48 533.33 566.67 523.33

4. Fine Aggregate (kg/m³) 692.73 674.31 648.03 675.57

5. Coarse Aggregate (kg/m³) 1088 1088 1088 1088

6. ViscoCrete -6100 (litres) 4.15 3.81 4.03 3.74

7. Polypropylene Fiber (kg/m³) 2.91 2.67 8.5 7.85

4.3. Properties of FRC in Fresh State

Polypropylene fibers tend to hold the concrete mix together. This slows the
settlement of coarse aggregate and thus reduces the rate of bleeding. A slower rate of
bleeding means a slower rate of drying and thus less plastic shrinkage cracking. When
polypropylene fibers are used in concrete as secondary reinforcement, they are added
in such low levels (0.1 to 0.2 percent by volume) that the reduction in workability is
small, despite significant changes in slump. Because the fibers affect the slump of
concrete much more than they do its actually workability. FRC appears relatively stiff
and unworkable compared to conventional concrete. However, when vibrated, the
thixotropic mix flows quite well. Additional water should not be added as it may only
improve slump, not real workability, and it will certainly have a negative affect on
concrete performance. Any problems with workability should be overcome by the use
of plasticizers. Polypropylene fibers do not absorb water, so more water should not be
added.

4.3.1. Slump Test

Slump test is to determine the workability or consistency of concrete mix
prepared at the laboratory or the construction site during the process of the work.
Slump test is carried out from batch to batch to check the uniform quality of concrete
during construction.

4.3.1.1. Equipment required for slump test

Equipment required for slump test are mould, non-porous base plate,
measuring scale and tamping rod. The mould for the test is in the form of the frustum
of a cone having height 300 mm, bottom diameter 200 mm and top diameter 100 mm.
 51

The tamping rod is of steel 16 mm diameter and 600 mm long, and rounded at one
end. Equipment are shown in Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1. Slump Test

4.3.1.2. Procedure for slump test

(a) Clean the internal surface of the mould and apply oil.
(b) Place the mould on a smooth horizontal non-porous base plate.
(c) Fill the mould with the prepared concrete mix in approximately equal
layers.
(d) Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping rod
in a uniform manner over the cross section of the mould. For the
subsequent layers, the tamping should penerate into the underlying layer.
(e) Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel.
(f) Clean away the mortar or water leaked out between the mould and base
plate.
(g) Raise the mould from the concrete immediately and slowly in vertical
direction.
(h) Measure the slump as the different between the height of the mould and
that of height point of the specimen being tested. (This is slump in mm)

4.3.2. Time of Flow Test of FRC Through Inverted Slump Cone

 52

This test method provides a measure of the consistency and workability of

fiber-reinforced concrete. The inverted slump-cone time is a better indicator than
slump of the appropriate level of workability for fiber-reinforced concrete placed by
vibration because such concrete can exhibit very low slump due to the presence of the
fibers and still be easily consolidated. Mixture with a time of flow less than 8 s, or
with a slump greater than 2 in. (50 mm) shall be evaluated in terms of slump because
the time of flow is short to determine with satisfactory precision, or may not be
determinable because the fiber-reinforced concrete flows freely through the inverted
cone. The results may be used for mixture proportioning, quality control both in the
laboratory and in the field, and in development and research. The results obtained
using this test method may be influenced by vibrator diameter, amplitude and
frequency.

4.3.2.1. Equipment for time of flow test

The requirement of equipment for this test are the following and showing in
Figure 4.2.
(a) Slump Cone: In the form of the frustum of a cone having height 300 mm,
bottom diameter 200 mm and top diameter 100 mm.
(b) Bucket: The container to receive the concrete shall be the 1 ft³ (30 L)
capacity bucket.
(c) Positioning Device: This device shall be provided to center the cone in the
bucker, prevent it from the tilting and maintained the small end of the cone
1
4± in. (100± 5 mm) from the bottom of the bucket.
4
1
(d) Vibrator: The vibrating element shall be 1± 8 in. (25±3 mm) in diameter.

(e) Stopwatch: one that measures elapsed time to the nearest second or less.
(f) Screeding Rod: The rod used for screeding shall be the tamping rod.
 53

Figure 4.2. Time of Flow Test

4.3.2.2. Procedure for time of flow test

(a) Dampen the bucket and place it on a level, rigid, horizontal surface free of
vibration and another disturbance. Dampen the cone and place it in the
positioning device, making sure it is level. The concrete mix is filled in the
cone by three layers, each approximately one third of the volume of the
cone. Avoid compacting the concrete, but lightly level each layer with a
scoop or trowel to minimize the entrapment of large voids. Strike off the
surface of the top layer by means of a screeding and rolling motion of the
tamping rod. Protruding fibers which inhibit screeding may be removed by
hand. One third of the volume of the cone corresponds to a depth of 5.875
in. (149 mm); two thirds of the volume corresponds to a depth of 9.375 in.
(237 mm).
(b) Start the vibrator. Simultaneously start the stopwatch and insert the
vibrating element centrally and vertically into the top of the sample in the
cone. Let it descend at a rate such that it touches the bottom of the bucket
in 3±1 s. Maintain the vibrating element approximately vertical and in
contact with the bottom of the bucket. Avoid touching the cone with the
vibrator. Stop the stopwatch when the cone becomes empty which occurs
when an opening becomes visible at the bottom of the cone. Complete the
portion of the test from the start of filling the cone through allowing the
vibrating element to descend time of 2 min. If the cone becomes plugged
during the test, or fails to empty because of an excess of material that has
 54

fallen through during filling, disregard the result and make a new test on
another portion of the sample.
(c) Record the time in seconds.

4.3.3. Summary Test Results of FRC in Fresh State

The properties of FRC are tested with slump test and time of flow test
according to ASTM for mixtures A, B, C and D. Slump test and time of flow test are
described with Figure 4.1 and 4.2. The summary test results of FRC are shown in
Table 4.3 with the recommendation limits of ASTM.

Figure 4.3. Testing of Slump Test

 55

Figure 4.4. Testing of Time of Flow Test

Table 4.3. Comparison of Test Results of FRC in Fresh State and ASTM
Recommendations Limits

Mix Mix Mix Mix ASTM

No Test Unit
A B C D
Min Max
1 Slump mm 106 104 108 102 80 180
2 Time of Flow sec 34 31 28 22 0 120

4.4. Compressive Strength Test Results of FRC

Compressive strength is a measure of the maximum resistance; a concrete
specimen can maintain against axial loading. It is one of the primary parameters for
concrete quality control testing. Compressive strength of concrete is mainly affected
by water-cement ratio. In this research, the cube test for FRC is used. The average
compressive strength of each mix design is tested at 7days, 14days and 28 days
respectively. Figure 4.5 shows the cube concrete molds.
 56

Figure 4.5. Concrete Cube Molds

4.4.1. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture A

The compressive strength test results of mixture A is shown in Table 4.4 and
these are plotted in Figure 4.6. The average compressive strengths of mixture A are
achieved 6419 psi (or) 44.3 MPa at 7 days, 7095 psi (or) 48.9 MPa and 8108 psi (or)
55.9 MPa at 28 days respectively.

Table 4.4. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture A

Average Compressive
Curing
Water/Cement Compressive Compressive Strength
No. Period
Ratio Strength (psi) Strength (MPa)
(Days)
(psi)
1 7 0.27 6351.58

2 7 0.27 6486.72 6419 44.3

3 7 0.27 6419.15

4 14 0.27 7027.28

5 14 0.27 7162.42 7095 48.9

6 14 0.27 7094.85

7 28 0.27 8243.54

8 28 0.27 7973.26 8108 55.9

9 28 0.27 8108.40
 57

9000
Compressive Strength (psi)
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
7 14 28
Duration (Days)

Figure 4.6. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture A

4.4.2. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture B

The compressive strength test results of mixture B is shown in Table 4.5 and
these are plotted in Figure 4.7. The average compressive strength of mixture B are
achieved 6509 psi (or) 44.9 MPa at 7 days, 7365 psi (or) 50.8 MPa at 14 days and
8581 psi (or) 59.2 MPa at 28 days respectively.

Table 4.5. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture B

Curing Average Compressive

Water/Cement Compressive
No. Period Compressive Strength
Ratio Strength (psi)
(Days) Strength (psi) (MPa)

1 7 0.27 6351.58
2 7 0.27 6689.43 6509 44.9
3 7 0.27 6486.72
4 14 0.27 7432.70
5 14 0.27 7297.56 7365 50.8
6 14 0.27 7365.13
7 28 0.27 8648.96
8 28 0.27 8513.82 8581 59.2
9 28 0.27 8581.39
 58

9000

8000
Compressive Strength (psi)
7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
7 14 28

Duration (Days)

Figure 4.7. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture B

4.4.3. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture C

The compressive strength test results of mixture C is shown in Table 4.6 and
these are plotted in Figure 4.8. The average compressive strength of mixture C are
achieved 6329 psi (or) 43.6 MPa at 7 days, 7298 psi (or) 50.3 MPa at 14 days and
8334 psi (or) 57.5 MPa respectively.

Table 4.6. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture C

Curing Average Compressive
No Water/Cement Compressive
Period Compressive Strength
. Ratio Strength (psi)
(Days) Strength (psi) (MPa)
1 7 0.3 6419.15
2 7 0.3 6216.44 6329 43.6
3 7 0.3 6351.58
4 14 0.3 7162.42
5 14 0.3 7432.70 7298 50.3
6 14 0.3 7297.56
7 28 0.3 8311.11
8 28 0.3 8378.68 8334 57.5
9 28 0.3 8311.11
 59

9000

Compressive Strength (psi)

8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
7 14 28
Duration (Days)

Figure 4.8. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture C

4.4.4. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture D

The compressive strength test results of mixture D is shown in Table 4.7 and
these are plotted in Figure 4.9. The average compressive strength of mixture D are
achieved 6554 psi (or) 45.2 MPa at 7 days, 7771 psi (or) 53.6 MPa at 14 days and
8717 psi (or) 60.1 MPa respectively.

Table 4.7. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture D

Compressive
Curing Average
Water/Cement Compressive Strength
No. Period Compressive
Ratio Strength (psi) (MPa)
(Days) Strength (psi)

1 7 0.3 6486.72
2 7 0.3 6621.86 6554 45.2
3 7 0.3 6554.29
4 14 0.3 7702.89
5 14 0.3 7838.12 7771
53.6
6 14 0.3 7770.55
7 28 0.3 8784.10
8 28 0.3 8648.96 8717
60.1
9 28 0.3 8716.53
 60

9000

Compressive Strength (psi) 8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
7 14 28

Duration (Days)

Figure 4.9. Compressive Strength Test Results of Mixture D

4.4.5. Summary of Compressive Strength Test Results

The summary of test results of compressive strength is shown in Table 4.8

and these are plotted in Figure 4.10.

Table 4.8. Summary of Compressive Test Results

Compressive Strength (psi)

Mixture
7 days 14 days 28 days

A 6419 7095 8108

B 6509 7365 8581

C 6329 7298 8334

D 6554 7771 8717

 61

9000

8000
Compressive Strength (psi)

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
7 14 28

Duration (Days) A B C D

Figure 4.10. Compressive Strength of FRC for four Different Mixtures

The 28 days compressive strength results for FRC mixtures are 8108 psi, 8581
psi, 8334 psi and 8717 psi for mixtures A, B, C and D respectively. In all mixtures,
the mixture D has the highest compressive strength at 28 days and required strength
according to ACI Committee Report is achieved 7250 psi (or) 50 MPa. Moreover, the
mixture D has the highest percentage increase in all concrete mixtures. In mixture D,
water cement ratio 0.3, ViscoCrete-6100, 0.8% by weight of cement and
polypropylene fiber 1.5% by weight of cement are used. And then, water is reduced
21.5% in mix design according to ASTM recommendations. In this research, design
strength is 7250 psi (or) 50 MPa. According to ACI Committee Report, required
target strength for 7250 psi (or) 50 MPa is 8650 psi (or) 59.6 MPa at 28 days.
Required target strength is achieved in mixture D with 28 days compressive strength
of 8717 psi (or) 60.1 MPa.

4.5. Properties of FRC in Hardened State

In hardened concrete, polypropylene fibers act as crack arresters. Like any

secondary reinforcement, the fibers tend to stop cracks from propagating by holding
the concrete together, so cracks cannot be spread wider or grow longer. However,
since polypropylene fibers are distributed throughout the concrete, they are affective
close to where cracks start at the aggregate-paste interface. FRC improved impact
 62

resistance, particularly on the impact resistance to ultimate failure. Flexural strength

and tensile strength are also improved, each about 10 percent. The compressive
strength of concrete that has undergone its potential drying shrinkage is about the
same for concrete with or without polypropylene fibers. The ductility of concrete is
said to be improved, because of polypropylene’s low modulus of elasticity.

4.6. Materials Costs for 1 m³ of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

In this paper, mixture B and D are the target strength. So, materials costs for
1 m³ of fiber reinforced concrete are calculated with mixture B and D. Materials costs
are shown in Table 4.9 and total materials costs for 1 m³ of fiber reinforced concrete
are shown in Table 4.10.

Table 4.9. List of Materials Costs

Item Number Unit Cost (Kyats)

Cement (Double Rhinos) 1 bag 5500
Fine Aggregate 1 sud 20000
Coarse Aggregate 1 sud 35000
Viscocrete-6100 1 liter 4500
Polypropylene Fiber 1 kg 3800

Table 4.10. Total Materials Costs for 1 m³ of Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Cost (Kyats)
Ingredients Mixture B Mixture D
Water 0.27 0.3
Cement 62350 57550
Fine Aggregate 1750 1850
Coarse Aggregate 4850 4850
ViscoCrete-6100 18150 16800
Polypropylene
32300 29850
Fibers
Total 119400 110950