Microstructural analysis of the bond mechanism between polyolefin fibers and cement pastes

This paper presents an investigation of polyolefin bond mechanisms in shotcrete. Polyolefin fibers were characterized in terms of their mechanical properties and microstructure. Effects of hydration reaction and of the mixing of fibers on the bond between the fiber and the paste were investigated in both the concrete mixture and its pore solution. Three cement types commonly used in the field were tested. Test results using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the morphology of the fiber changes with cement hydration and mixing.