The long-term compressive strength and durability properties of silica fume fiber-reinforced concrete

The long-term compressive strength and durability properties of concrete specimens produced by incorporating polypropylene fibers and silica fume were investigated. Silica fume, a cement replacement, was used at 8% (by weight of cement) and the volume fractions of the polypropylene fibers were 0%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.5%. Water-binder ratios were 0.46 and 0.36. The results indicate that the inclusion of fiber and particularly silica fume into the specimens led to an increased long-term compressive strength. Electrical resistance of the silica fume specimens improved remarkably, but decreased slightly due to the fiber inclusion. Water absorption of the fiber–silica fume specimens decreased exclusively compared to the reference samples. Inclusion of fiber and silica fume into the specimens had no considerable effect on the dynamic frequency results.

► Silica fume enhanced the strength of the specimens at later ages. ► It promoted the fiber dispersion and increased cohesiveness of the mixtures. ► The electrical resistance measurements assessed the performance of fibers specimens. ► The water absorption decreased when 0.5% pp fiber and silica fume were used together.