Journals Proceedings

Abstract

Carbon fiber is a relatively new raw material which is confidently managing performance–cost trade off in construction sector. It is usually combined with other materials to form a composite. Owing to advantageous characteristics like high stiffness, high tensile strength, low weight, high chemical resistance, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion utilization of carbon fibers in construction sector is undeniably innovative. Besides, availability of various grades of carbon fibers with varying properties make it possible to be used for specific applications. The present work investigates the potential use of carbon fibers as reinforcement to normal strength concrete by studying important mechanical characteristics like compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, relationship between compressive strength and splitting tensile strength, and chord modulus of elasticity measured from stress-strain curves when high intensity long chain polymers primarily made of polypropylene are added to M40 grade concrete mix specimens in six different proportions and three different lengths. The non-destructive testing parameter–ultra sonic pulse velocity is determined for qualitative assessment of concrete specimens cast and is correlated with proportion and length of fibers added to concrete specimens. All obtained results are compared with non-fibrous concrete specimens. The results indicate carbon fibers as effective reinforcement material with increased ductility in normal strength concrete.