Self-Healing Potential and Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Abstract
:1. Introduction
Novelty of the Study
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Mixture Proportioning
2.2. Specimen Preparation and Curing Conditions
2.3. Testing
2.3.1. Mechanical Properties
Compressive Strength
Tensile Strength
2.3.2. Investigation of Self-Healing and Crack-Closing Capability
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Uniaxial Tensile Strength
3.1.1. Curing Duration and Temperature
3.1.2. Fiber Length
3.2. Compressive Strength
3.3. Post-Crack Strength/Energy
3.4. Self-Healing Mechanism
4. Conclusions
- Micro PP fibers at low volume fractions (Vf) showed promising response in restraining the development of micro-cracks and thus supported the delaying of the crack propagation through the mortar specimens. On the contrary, higher Vf not only adds to the cost but also leads to an increased porosity and fiber clumping.
- A total of 0.75% Vf of micro polypropylene fibers revealed a 25% increase in strength at the end of 28 days (water curing) vis-à-vis 5-day-cured samples. Further, a similar sample that was cured in air (up to 28 days) post initial 5-day water curing demonstrated a 64% increase in strength.
- The fracture response was also observed to transition from ductile to brittle as the curing time (less than 28 days) increased for FRCC materials. The presence of extra water in the system made the cement paste weaker and more susceptible to cracking and shrinkage. For instance, 0.75% Vf reported a maximum strain of 3.12 mm for 2-day curing as compared to 0.78 mm for 28-day curing.
- Another important factor that was investigated was the mixing condition of polypropylene fibers in the cementitious matrix. Based on the experimental results (in terms of strength and strain), better performance was observed when the fibers were integrated in a dry mix of cement and sand as compared to a wet mix (i.e., cement paste).
- Moreover, the length of polypropylene fibers also had a profound effect on the strength of FRCC material. Higher fiber length supported higher tensile and compressive strength as compared to short (micro) fibers. For instance, 2-day-cured samples demonstrated an improvement in strain of 140% and 147% for 0.75% Vf (micro scale) and 0.3% Vf (macro scale) samples, respectively. Observing the samples carefully during testing clearly illustrated that the presence of micro-scale PP fibers resists against micro-cracks, thus improving the ductility of the material. In contrast, the macro-scale PP fibers promote strength enhancement. Hence, an optimal concentration as a hybrid mix (Vf: 0.75% for micro scale and 0.3% for macro scale) could provide a robust material for industrial application and should be further investigated.
- Lastly, a FRCC sample with a controlled micro-crack of 0.45 mm width healed under natural environmental conditions, thus, promoting the ‘Self-healing’ mechanism in cementitious materials.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Afroughsabet, V.; Ozbakkaloglu, T. Mechanical and durability properties of high-strength concrete containing steel and polypropylene fibers. Constr. Build. Mater. 2015, 94, 73–82. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fallah, S.; Nematzadeh, M. Mechanical properties and durability of high-strength concrete containing macro-polymeric and polypropylene fibers with nano-silica and silica fume. Constr. Build. Mater. 2017, 132, 170–187. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jefferson, A.; Joseph, C.; Lark, R.; Isaacs, B.; Dunn, S.; Weager, B. A new system for crack closure of cementitious materials using shrinkable polymers. Cem. Concr. Res. 2010, 40, 795–801. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Van Tittelboom, K.; de Belie, N. Self-Healing in Cementitious Materials—A Review. Materials 2013, 6, 2182–2217. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Li, M.; Li, V.C. Cracking and Healing of Engineered Cementitious Composites under Chloride Environment. Mater. J. 2011, 108, M36. [Google Scholar]
- Şahmaran, M.; Keskin, S.B.; Ozerkan, G.; Yaman, I.O. Self-healing of mechanically-loaded self-consolidating concretes with high volumes of fly ash. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2008, 30, 872–879. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yang, Y.; Lepech, M.D.; Yang, E.-H.; Li, V.C. Autogenous healing of engineered cementitious composites under wet–dry cycles. Cem. Concr. Res. 2009, 39, 382–390. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Reinhardt, H.-W.; Jooss, M. Permeability and self-healing of cracked concrete as a function of temperature and crack width. Cem. Concr. Res. 2003, 33, 981–985. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ramm, W.; Biscoping, M. Autogenous healing and reinforcement corrosion of water-penetrated separation cracks in reinforced concrete. Nucl. Eng. Des. 1998, 179, 191–200. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hearn, N.; Morley, C.T. Self-sealing property of concrete—Experimental evidence. Mater. Struct. 1997, 30, 404–411. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Neville, A. Autogenous Healing—A Concrete Miracle? Concr. Int. 2002, 24, 76–82. [Google Scholar]
- Granger, S.; Loukili, A.; Pijaudier-Cabot, G.; Chanvillard, G. Experimental characterization of the self-healing of cracks in an ultra-high-performance cementitious material: Mechanical tests and acoustic emission analysis. Cem. Concr. Res. 2007, 37, 519–527. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Zamorowski, W. The phenomenon of self-regeneration of concrete. Int. J. Cem. Compos. Lightweight Concr. 1985, 7, 199–201. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hearn, N. Self-sealing, autogenous healing and continued hydration: What is the difference? Mater. Struct. 1998, 31, 563. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jacobsen, S.; Sellevold, E.J. Self-healing of high strength concrete after deterioration by freeze/thaw. Cem. Concr. Res. 1996, 26, 55–62. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Aldea, C.-M.; Song, W.-J.; Popovics, J.S.; Shah, S.P. Extent of Healing of Cracked Normal Strength Concrete. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 2000, 12, 92–96. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sahmaran, M.; Li, M.; Li, V.C. Transport Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites under Chloride Exposure. Mater. J. 2007, 104, 604. [Google Scholar]
- Jacobsen, S.; Marchand, J.; Boisvert, L. Effect of cracking and healing on chloride transport in OPC concrete. Cem. Concr. Res. 1996, 26, 869–881. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Snoeck, D.; de Belie, N. Mechanical and self-healing properties of cementitious composites reinforced with flax and cottonised flax, and compared with polyvinyl alcohol fibres. Biosyst. Eng. 2012, 111, 325–335. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Homma, D.; Mihashi, H.; Nishiwaki, T. Self-Healing Capability of Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites. J. Adv. Concr. Technol. 2009, 7, 217–228. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Edvardsen, C. Water Permeability and Autogenous Healing of Cracks in Concrete. Mater. J. 1999, 96, 473–487. [Google Scholar]
- Azarsa, P.; Gupta, R.; Biparva, A. Assessment of self-healing and durability parameters of concretes incorporating crystalline admixtures and Portland Limestone Cement. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2019, 99, 17–31. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ahn, T.-H.; Kishi, T. Crack Self-healing Behavior of Cementitious Composites Incorporating Various Mineral Admixtures. J. Adv. Concr. Technol. 2010, 8, 171–186. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Sisomphon, K.; Copuroglu, O.; Koenders, E.A.B. Self-healing of surface cracks in mortars with expansive additive and crystalline additive. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2012, 34, 566–574. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Song, G.; Ma, N.; Li, H.-N. Applications of shape memory alloys in civil structures. Eng. Struct. 2006, 28, 1266–1274. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wiktor, V.; Jonkers, H.M. Quantification of crack-healing in novel bacteria-based self-healing concrete. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2011, 33, 763–770. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, J.; van Tittelboom, K.; de Belie, N.; Verstraete, W. Use of silica gel or polyurethane immobilized bacteria for self-healing concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 2012, 26, 532–540. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, J.Y.; Snoeck, D.; van Vlierberghe, S.; Verstraete, W.; de Belie, N. Application of hydrogel encapsulated carbonate precipitating bacteria for approaching a realistic self-healing in concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 2014, 68, 110–119. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Van Tittelboom, K.; de Belie, N.; de Muynck, W.; Use, W.V. of bacteria to repair cracks in concrete. Cem. Concr. Res. 2010, 40, 157–166. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dry, C. Procedures developed for self-repair of polymer matrix composite materials. Compos. Struct. 1996, 35, 263–269. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dry, C. Matrix cracking repair and filling using active and passive modes for smart timed release of chemicals from fibers into cement matrices. Smart Mater. Struct. 1994, 3, 118. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dry, C.; McMillan, W. Three-part methylmethacrylate adhesive system as an internal delivery system for smart responsive concrete. Smart Mater. Struct. 1996, 5, 297. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Li, V.C.; Lim, Y.M.; Chan, Y.-W. Feasibility study of a passive smart self-healing cementitious composite. Compos. Part B Eng. 1998, 29, 819–827. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Joseph, C.; Jefferson, A.D.; Isaacs, B.; Lark, R.; Gardner, D. Experimental investigation of adhesive-based self-healing of cementitious materials. Mag. Concr. Res. 2010, 62, 831–843. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Thao, T.D.P.; Johnson, T.J.S.; Tong, Q.S.; Dai, P.S. Implementation of self-healing in concrete—Proof of concept. IES J. Part Civ. Struct. Eng. 2009, 2, 116–125. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nishiwaki, T.; Mihashi, H.; Jang, B.-K.; Miura, K. Development of Self-Healing System for Concrete with Selective Heating around Crack. J. Adv. Concr. Technol. 2006, 4, 267–275. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Pang, J.W.C.; Bond, I.P. A hollow fibre reinforced polymer composite encompassing self-healing and enhanced damage visibility. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2005, 65, 1791–1799. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bleay, S.; Loader, C.; Hawyes, V.; Humberstone, L.; Curtis, P. A smart repair system for polymer matrix composites. Compos. Part Appl. Sci. Manuf. 2001, 32, 1767–1776. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Motuku, M.; Vaidya, U.K.; Janowski, G.M. Parametric studies on self-repairing approaches for resin infused composites subjected to low velocity impact. Smart Mater. Struct. 1999, 8, 623. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Qian, S.; Zhou, J.; de Rooij, M.R.; Schlangen, E.; Ye, G.; van Breugel, K. Self-healing behavior of strain hardening cementitious composites incorporating local waste materials. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2009, 31, 613–621. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- El-Newihy, A.; Azarsa, P.; Gupta, R.; Biparva, A. Effect of Polypropylene Fibers on Self-Healing and Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity Recovery of Fiber Reinforced Concrete. Fibers 2018, 6, 9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Kan, L.L.; Shi, H.S.; Sakulich, A.R.; Li, V.C. Self-Healing Characterization of Engineered Cementitious Composite Materials. Mater. J. 2010, 107, M70. [Google Scholar]
- Herbert, E.; Li, V. Self-Healing of Microcracks in Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) Under a Natural Environment. Materials 2013, 6, 2831–2845. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Özbay, E.; Sahmaran, M.; Lachemi, M.; Yücel, H.E. Self-Healing of Microcracks in High-Volume Fly-Ash- Incorporated Engineered Cementitious Composites. Mater. J. 2013, 110, 33. [Google Scholar]
- Sahmaran, M.; Yildirim, G.; Erdem, T.K. Self-healing capability of cementitious composites incorporating different supplementary cementitious materials. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2013, 35, 89–101. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Şahmaran, M.; Yildirim, G.; Ozbay, E.; Ahmed, K.; Lachemi, M. Self-healing ability of cementitious composites: Effect of addition of pre-soaked expanded perlite. Mag. Concr. Res. 2014, 66, 409–419. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yildirim, G.; Sahmaran, M.; Ahmed, H.U. Influence of Hydrated Lime Addition on the Self-Healing Capability of High-Volume Fly Ash Incorporated Cementitious Composites. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 2015, 27, 04014187. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Behfarnia, K.; Behravan, A. Application of high-performance polypropylene fibers in concrete lining of water tunnels. Mater. Des. 2014, 55, 274–279. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Caggiano, A.; Gambarelli, S.; Martinelli, E.; Nisticò, N.; Pepe, M. Experimental characterization of the post-cracking response in Hybrid Steel/Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete. Constr. Build. Mater. 2016, 125, 1035–1043. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kawashima, K.; Zafra, R.; Sasaki, T.; Kajiwara, K.; Nakayama, M. Effect of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Cement Composite and Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Enhancing the Seismic Performance of Bridge Columns. J. Earthq. Eng. 2011, 15, 1194–1211. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Alberti, M.G.; Enfedaque, A.; Gálvez, J.C. On the prediction of the orientation factor and fibre distribution of steel and macro-synthetic fibres for fibre-reinforced concrete. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2017, 77, 29–48. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Siddika, A.; Mamun, M.A.; Ferdous, W.; Saha, A.K.; Alyousef, R. 3D-printed concrete: Applications, performance, and challenges. J. Sustain. Cem. Based Mater. 2019, 9, 127–164. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ferdous, W.; Manalo, A.; AlAjarmeh, O.; Mohammed, A.; Salih, C.; Yu, P.; Khotbehsara, M.M.; Schubel, P. Static behaviour of glass fibre reinforced novel composite sleepers for mainline railway track. Eng. Struct. 2021, 229, 111627. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Alberti, M.G.; Enfedaque, A.; Gálvez, J.C.; Cánovas, M.F.; Osorio, I.R. Polyolefin fiber-reinforced concrete enhanced with steel-hooked fibers in low proportions. Mater. Des. 2014, 60, 57–65. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Banthia, N.; Gupta, R. Influence of polypropylene fiber geometry on plastic shrinkage cracking in concrete. Cem. Concr. Res. 2006, 36, 1263–1267. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hao, Y.; Cheng, L.; Hao, H.; Shahin, M.A. Enhancing fiber/matrix bonding in polypropylene fiber reinforced cementitious composites by microbially induced calcite precipitation pre-treatment. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2018, 88, 1–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Li, Y.; Li, W.; Deng, D.; Wang, K.; Duan, W.H. Reinforcement effects of polyvinyl alcohol and polypropylene fibers on flexural behaviors of sulfoaluminate cement matrices. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2018, 88, 139–149. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Afroughsabet, V.; Biolzi, L.; Monteiro, P.J.M. The effect of steel and polypropylene fibers on the chloride diffusivity and drying shrinkage of high-strength concrete. Compos. Part B Eng. 2018, 139, 84–96. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- ASTM C192/C192M-15. Standard Practice for making and Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the Laboratory; ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2015.
- ASTM C109/C109M-20b. Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens); ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2015.
- ASTM C307-18. Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortar, Grouts, and Monolithic Surfacings; ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2018.
- Gilbert, R.I.; Bernard, E.S. Post-cracking ductility of fibre reinforced concrete linings in combined bending and compression. Tunn. Undergr. Space Technol. 2018, 76, 1–9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sudhikumar, G.; Prakash, K.; Rao, M.S. Effect of aspect ratio of fibers on the strength characteristics of slurry infiltrated fibrous ferrocement. Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 2014, 3, 29–37. [Google Scholar]
- Nematzadeh, M.; Fallah-Valukolaee, S. Erosion resistance of high-strength concrete containing forta-ferro fibers against sulfuric acid attack with an optimum design. Constr. Build. Mater. 2017, 154, 675–686. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Mechanical Property | Unit | Type A—PP Macro Fiber | Type B—PP Micro Fiber |
---|---|---|---|
Fiber Length | mm | 50 | 12 |
Equivalent Diameter | mm | 0.5 | 0.018 |
Specific Gravity | - | 0.91 | 0.9 |
Aspect Ratio | % | 0.5 | 0.5 |
Elastic Modulus | GPa | 7.5 | 7 |
Tensile Strength | MPa | 550 | 300–450 |
Water Absorption | % | 0 | 0 |
Melting Point | °C | 164 | 162 |
Thermal Conductivity | W/mK | Low | N/A |
Density | Kg/m3 | 910 | 900 |
No. | Mixture ID | Fiber Type | Fiber Dosage | |
---|---|---|---|---|
% By Volume | (kg/m3) | |||
1 | Plain | - | - | - |
2 | PP0.3 | PP | 0.3 | 2.7 |
3 | PP0.6 | PP | 0.6 | 5.4 |
4 | PP0.75 | PP | 0.75 | 6.75 |
5 | PP1.0 | PP | 1.0 | 9.00 |
6 | PP1.25 | PP | 1.25 | 11.25 |
7 | PP2.0 | PP | 2.0 | 18.0 |
8 | MPP0.3 | MPP | 0.3 | 2.73 |
9 | MPP0.6 | MPP | 0.6 | 5.46 |
10 | MPP1.25 | MPP | 1.25 | 11.38 |
Type of Mix | UTS (MPa)–1-Day Curing | Strain (mm) | UTS (MPa)–2-Day Curing | Strain (mm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
PP 0.3 | 1.61 | 1.89 | 2.86 | 1.55 |
PP 0.6 | 1.42 | 3.15 | 2.63 | 3.72 |
PP 0.75 | 1.61 | 2.71 | 2.91 | 3.12 |
PP 1.0 | 1.27 | 2.46 | 2.65 | 3.62 |
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. |
© 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Garg, M.; Azarsa, P.; Gupta, R. Self-Healing Potential and Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites. J. Compos. Sci. 2021, 5, 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs5050122
Garg M, Azarsa P, Gupta R. Self-Healing Potential and Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites. Journal of Composites Science. 2021; 5(5):122. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs5050122
Chicago/Turabian StyleGarg, Mohit, Pejman Azarsa, and Rishi Gupta. 2021. "Self-Healing Potential and Post-Cracking Tensile Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites" Journal of Composites Science 5, no. 5: 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs5050122