High strength characteristics of cement mortar reinforced with hybrid fibres

An experimental study was conducted on high strength mortar reinforced with steel fibres and hybrid fibres consisting of steel fibre, palm fibre and synthetic fibre (Barchip). The inclusion of fibres was maintained at a volumetric fraction of 2%. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, static modulus of elasticity, shrinkage, flexural strength, and flexural toughness were determined to study the effect of the hybrid fibres on the properties of high strength cement mortar (HSCM). The results showed that hybridization of fibres in the quantities 1.5% steel fibres + 0.25% palm fibres + 0.25% Barchip fibres, improved the compressive strength and flexural toughness significantly, and also enhanced the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the mortar by about 44% and 140%, respectively.

Research highlights
► An experimental study was conducted on high strength cement mortar (HSCM) reinforced with steel fibres and hybrid fibres consisting of steel fibre, palm fibre and synthetic fibre (Barchip).
► Some different tests were determined to study the effect of the hybrid fibres on the properties of HSCM.
► The results showed that hybridization of fibres in the quantities 1.5% steel fibres + 0.25% palm fibres + 0.25% Barchip fibres, have been significantly improved the properties of HSCM.