International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | June 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF MINERAL ADMIXTURES AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBER ON THE STRENGTH AND SORPTIVITY OF SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE Vibhashree N1, S Bhavanishankar2 1 Post Graduate Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE),
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
2 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE),
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract - This study explores the influence of mineral admixtures and polypropylene fibers on the fresh properties, mechanical strength, and sorptivity of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Eight SCC mixes were designed, four with quaternary blends of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), and Silica Fume (SF), and four with an additional 0.2% polypropylene fiber by weight of binder. A constant waterto-binder ratio of 0.32 was maintained. The control mix contained 100% OPC, while in other mixes, 50% of OPC was replaced with mineral admixtures (SF fixed at 10%, FA and GGBS varied at 10%, 20%, and 30%). Fresh concrete behavior was assessed using slump flow, J-ring, L-box, and V-funnel tests. Mechanical properties were evaluated through compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength at various curing ages. Durability was analyzed via sorptivity testing. Results indicated that FA improved workability, while polypropylene fibers marginally reduced it. Higher GGBS content enhanced both strength and durability. Fiber inclusion contributed to lower sorptivity due to improved crack resistance and matrix densification. The findings confirm that the combined use of mineral admixtures and fibers can significantly enhance SCC performance and longterm durability.
To address both strength and durability concerns, the incorporation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume (SF) has gained momentum. These mineral admixtures help refine pore structure, reduce permeability, and enhance mechanical properties. Their synergistic use in quaternary blends allows for balanced performance in both fresh and hardened states. Alongside SCMs, polypropylene fibers (PPF) are used to control microcracking and plastic shrinkage. These fibers improve internal cohesion and act as crack arresters, enhancing both structural integrity and moisture resistance. Their combined use with SCMs offers a holistic approach to optimizing SCC. This study investigates the influence of mineral admixtures and polypropylene fibers on the fresh properties, strength behavior, and sorptivity-based durability of SCC, aiming to develop an optimized mix with superior performance characteristics for sustainable and long-lasting concrete structures.
2. OBJECTIVES Primary objectives of the study are; 1. To develop a self-compacting concrete (SCC) mix based on the principles outlined in the Okumura method. 2. To examine the workability and mechanical performance of SCC in both fresh and hardened states. 3. To analyze how the inclusion of polypropylene fibers and various mineral admixtures (SCMs) affects the strength characteristics of SCC. 4. To evaluate the durability performance of SCC by measuring its sorptivity, emphasizing the material’s resistance to water ingress. 5. To compare mixes with and without fibers to determine their effectiveness in reducing water absorption and improving performance.
Key Words: Self-compacting concrete, Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace (GGBS), Silica Fume (SF), Polypropylene Fiber (PPF), Durability, Sorptivity.
1.INTRODUCTION Self-compacting concrete (SCC) represents a major advancement in concrete technology, capable of flowing and compacting under its own weight without external vibration. This unique property enables SCC to easily fill complex formworks and densely reinforced sections, making it a preferred material in modern construction for improving placement quality, surface finish, and construction efficiency. Although SCC offers excellent workability, its long-term performance depends significantly on strength development and resistance to• environmental deterioration. One key durability parameter is sorptivity-the rate at which concrete absorbs water through capillary action. High sorptivity can lead to moisture ingress, • steel corrosion, and reduced service life.
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3. MATERIALS Cement: Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 43 grade conforming to IS 269:2015 was used as the primary binder due to its favorable strength and setting properties.
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