Effect of shrinkage reducing admixture on flexural behaviors of fiber reinforced cementitious composites

The use of shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) at various concentrations was investigated in fiber reinforced cementitious composites. Both mortar and high strength concrete (HSC) matrices were tested. Two types of fibers—steel and polypropylene—were assessed. The effect of SRA was measured on the fundamental properties such as surface tension of the bulk fluids and the contact angle developed between the fibers and the bulk fluids, on the fresh properties such as the air content and the density, and finally on the hardened mechanical properties, specially the flexural behaviors. It was noted that SRA enhances the wettability of fibers and reduces the air content of fiber reinforced cement mortars, while critical SRA concentrations are existing. SRA with critical concentration can significantly improve the flexural toughness and residual strength of steel fiber reinforced cement mortar. In the case of polypropylene fiber, SRA is not as effective in enhancing the flexural behaviors as it is in the case of steel fiber. SRA is generally ineffective in reducing the air content of HSC and the properties of steel fiber reinforced HSC with SRA are inferior to those without SRA.