Effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre on dynamic and material properties of fibre reinforced concrete

The effect of uncoated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre addition on dynamic properties of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) has been investigated in the current study. PVA fibres of two geometric lengths (6 and 12 mm) with aspect ratio of 428 and 857, respectively, were utilised. Fly ash was also used as partial replacement of Portland cement in all mixes. Based on total concrete volume, two fibre fractions of 0.25% and 0.5% were evaluated for their effect on fundamental frequency, dynamic modulus of elasticity and damping ratio of FRC. 28-Day static mechanical properties are also measured. From the results, it can be stated that although PVA fibre addition in low volume fractions used in this study significantly enhance the mechanical properties of FRC, it has no considerable effect on concrete material damping characteristics.